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?

Dial-A-Ride is curb-to-curb 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?

Dial-A-Ride service is primarily for use by our senior citizens age 60 and older (in Merced & Los Banos) and Persons with Disabilities who are unable to navigate the fixed route services of "The Bus" without special assistance. The General Public may use Dial-A-Ride in all communities except the Cities of Atwater, Los Banos, Merced and the Community of Winton.

Dial-A-Ride service in Atwater & Winton is restricted for the exclusive use by Persons with Disabilities who are unable to navigate the fixed route services of "The Bus" without special assistance and currently holds a Merced County Transit "TheBus" Certificate of Eligibility for ADA Para Trans service card. Senior citizens age 65 and older have access to the Atwater/Winton Taxi Scrip Program. For more information click here.

Disabled and cannot use the regular buses?

Passengers who are disabled and cannot use the regular buses must register for Dial-A-Ride service in order to use it. It's a simple process and 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 ADA Eligibility Application and ID card are processed.

Hours of Operation

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.

Make Reservation

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. All reservations MUST BE made by 5pm the day PRIOR to your trip. Same day service is no longer available. Multiple trip requests are accepted. If you have a medical appointment or you are needing to make several stops, please inform the dispatcher so that we can allow for time and flexibility to pick you up. Please give the dispatchers exact street addresses whenever possible. This is a shared ride service; please be ready to go 30 minutes prior to your pick-up time so that we can stay on schedule.

Cancel Reservation

Call and cancel your trip immediately. 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) 723-3100. We are here to help.

Additional Information

Merced County Transit, TheBus, suggests your wheelchair be in good working order. 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.

Seniors: 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 a 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 pick-up or your destination.

The Bus can arrive at any time within your promised pick up time range. Have your fare or pass ready as you board.