The San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) board is expanding the agency’s service hours and removing zoning restrictions for its same-day paratransit pilot program.

The same-day ride option is offered to ADA-eligible Redi-Wheels customers on a first-come, first-served basis, with no limit to the number of rides a passenger can request.

Starting August 12, SamTrans will consolidate its current two-zone service area into a single one, increasing the number of locations a user can access. The extended hours will be Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Previously, they ended at 3:00 p.m.

“We have had great success with the pilot program so far,” said Ana Rivas, director of bus transportation at SamTrans. “SamTrans is always looking for ways to improve mobility options. This premium service can improve the quality of life of our customers with disabilities.”

Since the program went into effect in December 2023, riders have used the same-day paratransit program for a variety of travel purposes, including medical reasons, errands, grocery shopping and personal trips. SamTrans notes that the average trip distance is more than four miles.

The agency notes that same-day paratransit is considered a premium service and carries a higher fare than regular Redi-Wheels rides. One-way rides cost $10 at the standard fare or $8 with fare assistance.

Eligible customers may request a same-day ride by calling the Redi-Wheels reservation phone number on their paratransit ID and following the instructions. Same-day rides cannot be guaranteed.

A customer survey will take place this fall and the 12-month pilot program will be completed and evaluated in December.