Regional Transit Introduces Exclusive 'City Ride' Public Service

A new mode of transportation has come to Citrus Heights, courtesy of the Sacramento Regional Transit District and the city of Citrus Heights.

On Monday, Oct. 29, RT, in partnership with the city of Citrus Heights, began operation of a new public shuttle service for travel in Citrus Heights for everyone called "City Ride." According to a statement released by RT, City Ride "will offer curb-to-curb service to any destination within the boundaries of Citrus Heights and Mercy San Juan Medical Center on Coyle Avenue in Carmichael, and plans to offer service to Kaiser Medical Offices on Riverside Avenue in Roseville."

The service is designed to connect passengers to all destinations throughout the city from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. The service is open to the general public, and regular RT Basic and Discount fares apply.

RT released a full description of the service, which can be read in its entirety below:

Hours of Operation
City Ride operates anywhere for any purpose within the boundaries of the city of Citrus Heights from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. There are also transfer points, where you can connect to RT and other transit service providers.

Reservations are required by calling 916-556-0258 no earlier than one business day (between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.) in advance. Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. RT does not accept repeat “subscription” rides – all rides must be booked individually in advance of each trip.

City Ride seats 12 to 14 passengers with space for two wheelchairs, and are equipped with wheelchair lifts and securements, and bike racks.

Holiday Service
The service does not operate on the following observed holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Fares:

Please have exact change. Operators do not carry cash or give change.

Seniors (age 62 and over), Individuals with Disabilities and Medicare Cardholders: Proof of identification is required upon boarding, and can include an RT Senior or Disabled photo ID card, a Senior or Disabled photo ID card issued by another transit agency, a driver's license, a State of California ID card, a passport or identification card issued by any governmental entity containing a photo of the cardholder (and also showing verification of age – for Seniors only). Attendants of individuals with disabilities may ride for the Discount fare if possessing an RT Disabled photo ID card with an Attendant eligibility notation. Personal Care Attendants must have the same beginning and ending destination as the disabled passenger. Students must have a valid school ID.

Reservations:
Reservations are required by calling 916-556-0258 no earlier than one business day (between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.) in advance.When you call, the reservationist will attempt to find a trip time that is as close to your requested time as possible. Once the trip is scheduled, you will be given a block of time in which the bus will arrive.

You will need to be ready and waiting for the bus at or near the curb, and visible to the shuttle operator. The operator is not able to leave the bus to knock on the door or call to remind you. Just like regular bus service at a bus stop, if you are not visible and waiting when the shuttle arrives, the shuttle will proceed on its route. If you miss the pick-up, it is considered a “no-show.” Repeated no-shows may result in your service being suspended or eligibility terminated.

When you call, please have a pencil and paper, and be prepared to provide the following information:

• Your first and last name

• Phone number

• Your preferred pick-up and return times

• Your origin and destination addresses

• If others will be accompanying you, please provide the number of individuals and the 
  names of each person (adults and/or children)

• If you or anyone accompanying you will be traveling using a wheelchair, scooter or other mobility device, please let the reservationist know

Since this is a shared-ride service, the operator may make other stops on the way to your pick-up and drop-off location so it is best to allow plenty of time to get to and from your destination.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How Long Will the City Ride Shuttle Wait?
When the shuttle arrives, the operator will look for you at and around your requested pick-up point. You must be visible to the operator from the pick-up point. If the operator cannot see you, they will stay at the pick-up point long enough to log their arrival into the RT system and radio Dispatch for instructions, then proceed en route. If the shuttle arrives before your set pick-up time, the operator will wait until your scheduled pick-up time before proceeding.

What if the Shuttle is Late?
If the City Ride shuttle does not arrive within a reasonable amount of time (past your scheduled pick-up time), call 916-556-0258 to check the status.

What if I need to cancel a trip?
The minimum cancellation notice required is two hours in advance of the scheduled pick-up time. If your travel plans change, please call 916-556-0258 to cancel your trip as soon as possible. Please remember that keeping a ride booked that you don’t intend to take prevents other riders from using the City Ride service. Multiple incidents of canceling trips on too short of notice (which is considered a no-show) may result in your service being suspended or eligibility terminated.

Prevent No-Show Situations

• Review dates, times and addresses when making a reservation to be sure that the information is correct

• Call 916-556-0258 to cancel a reservation as soon as the ride is no longer needed

• Cancel a ride at least two hours in advance of the scheduled pick-up time

• Be prepared to board the shuttle when it arrives

Can I Board with a Mobility Device?
City Ride shuttles can accommodate mobility devices such as wheelchairs, scooters and walkers, provided that the devices fit within the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) specified boarding guidelines. All operators are trained to operate the lifts and securements, and will make sure that you are secured after boarding. Boarding while standing on the lift is allowed, but not advised due to safety concerns.

Can I Board with Life-Support Equipment?
You may bring a respirator, portable oxygen and/or other life-support equipment as long as it does not violate laws or rules related to transportation of hazardous materials.

Can I Transport My Service Animal?
Service animals, such as guide dogs or signal dogs, may be transported on City Ride shuttles. Other pets and other non-service animals may not be carried on.