West Covina’s City Council lowered the age restriction from 65 to 55 years of age and removed age limits for disabled residents to use the city’s Uber pilot program at its Tuesday, May 15 meeting.
“Driving is a necessity that we don’t realize how important it is until, for whatever reason, we can’t do it anymore,” said a 33-year resident who advocated for the changes during the meeting after her husband suffered an injury. “My husband feels he has lost his independence, which is pretty depressing.”
The program began in September 2022. It allows eligible riders to pay just $3 for up to a $20 one-way ride with the program paying the rest. A caretaker is able to share the ride at no extra cost. Anything over $20 is paid by the rider.
As of the time of the vote, only $2,000 has been spent of the initial budget of $50,000.
The alternative option for West Covina riders is the dial-a-ride program, a fleet of seven alternative-fuel vehicles that follow the city’s fixed-route shuttle service and the dial-a-ride service.
To apply for either program, click here.
