CAR-LESS COMMUTE

Dial-A-Ride

The information below will provide you with everything you need to know to get Dial-A-Ride Service. Dial-A-Ride Service Area Map can be viewed here.

What is Dial-A-Ride Service?

Dial-A-Ride is door-to-door transit service that requires customers to make a telephone call to get service. It is not taxi service but a shared ride public transportation service where you and others are assigned bus service according to where you want to go. Dial-A-Ride service is available in every city, community and township in Merced County.

Who is eligible for Dial-A-Ride Service?

Dial-A-Ride service is primarily for use by our senior citizens age 60 and older and the physically or mentally challenged. The General Public may use Dial-A-Ride in all communities except the City of Los Banos and the City of Merced. Dial-A-Ride in both of these cities is restricted for the exclusive use by seniors (age 60 and older) and the disabled who are unable to navigate the fixed route services of "The Bus" without special assistance.

I am disabled and cannot use the regular buses. How do I sign up for Dial-A-Ride Service?

You must register for service. It's a simple process adn only takes a few minutes. Call us at (209) 384-3111 and arrange an appointment. Once you call you will be given temporary eligibility for Dial-A-Ride until your application and ID card are processed.

When is Dial-A-Ride Open?

Dial-A-Ride is generally open for service between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM on a Monday through Friday basis and between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM on Saturdays. However: service hours may vary from community to community depending on ridership demand. Same day requests for service will be accepted until 4:45 PM on weekdays and 4:00 PM on Saturdays.

Okay I think I understand. Now, how do I get the Dial-A-Ride Bus?

It's simple. Just call us at (209) 384-3111 or (800) 345-3111 and tell us where you are and where you want to go. You are allowed to request one trip per telephone call if you're requesting immediate service. Multiple trip requests are not accepted from a single telephone call. Please give the dispatchers exact street addresses whenever possible. Generally you will be given a wait time of "within 30 minutes" in Atwater, Los Banos, and Merced. In all other areas you will be given a wait time of "within 40 minutes." Be ready to go when you call. If we have a bus nearby going in the same direction the bus could arrive within minutes of your call rather than the 30 or 40 minutes.

What should I do if I decide not to go after I have called for Dial-A-Ride Service?

Call and cancel your trip immediately. You could be charged double on your next trip if you do not cancel before the bus arrives. Remember, others are waiting on Dial-A-Ride service. Stopping for you, and then you decide not to go, slows down the service for everyone.

Having Trouble with Dial-A-Ride?

If you are having trouble accessing Dial-A-Ride service or have concerns with our service, please call Merced County Transit Administration at (209) 385-7600. We are here to help.

Additional Information

1. Wheelchairs must be in good working order. The brakes must work and you must have a lap belt that secures you inside your wheelchair while riding the bus. The only exception is if you take a regular seat on the bus adn we secure your wheelchair without you in it. This also applies to three wheel scooters (Larks, Amigos, etc.).
2. Attendants that assist Dial-A-Ride passengers are allowed to ride free only if they assist the passenger on and off the bus and make the same trip as the passenger they are attending.
3. Seniors: Do you need financial assistance to purchase your monthly bus pass? If so, contact the Area Agency on Aging at (209) 385-7550. They may be able to help.

Reminder: If you have a doctor, dental or other medical appointment call us 24 hours before your appointment so we can reserve your ride and assure that you arrive on time.

Advance reservations of 24 hours or even a week before you need an appointment ride are strongly encouraged.  This is especially true if you need a regular ride and return on a daily basis.

Ambulatory Dial-A-Ride passengers may be transferred to one of our fixed route buses for faster, efficient service. This does not apply to wheelchair passengers.

Be clear and direct about where you are and where you want to go when calling for service. Provide the dispatchers with exact street addresses whenever possible. This helps us avoid mistakes on your pickup or your destination.

Be ready to go when you call. You will normally be given a pickup time of "within 30 minutes" in Atwater, Merced, Los Banos and Winton or "within 40 minutes" in all other areas. The Bus can arrive at any time within your promised pick up time range. Have your fare or pass ready as you board.

No Show Policy

A No Show is when someone calls for Dial-A-Ride service and fails to board the bus when it arrives or you fail to cancel the call before the bus arrives. There will be a double charge for the first time NO SHOW. If you no sho 3 times without canceling your ride you could be subject to losing your Dial-A-Ride privileges.

What does it Cost?

$2.00 per ride in Merced and Los Banos.
$2.00 per ride in Atwater and Winton for the general public.
$1.00 per ride in Atwater adn Winto for seniors and the disabled.
$1.00 per ride for all local rides in other communities.

The $4.00 All Day Bus Pass; the Senior Monthly Pass; the Regular Monthly Pass; and the Disabled Monthly Pass are all valid on Dial-A-Ride buses (these passes are available for sale on all Dial-A-Ride buses).

The Youth Monthly Pass is valid for Dial-A-Ride except in Merced and Los Banos.

Additional fares apply for longer, inter city trips on Dial-A-Ride. Please call us for complete information.

Note: Drivers carry no money and cannot make change.