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Dial-A-Ride: Transition to new management completed
by Rachel Windsong

By the time this issue is on the street the transition will have been made. Dial-A-Ride is now owned by Fred Sundquist who has owned City Ambulance for many years.

"We plan a smooth transition," Sundquist said. "Our new drivers are currently being trained. We know transportation and plan to do this well. If there are any problems I want people to call me or Jason Chand. We want to hear about them. I'll be happy to talk to people."

Sundquist has purchased three new vehicles for Dial-A-Ride with the goal of having two on the streets regularly. This is planned to shorten waiting time for riders.

Drivers will have a pay increase and health benefits for the first time. Sundquist said this will enable him to retain good drivers and will improve their morale. Many of the drivers from Yellow Cab have applied for the positions.

Riders will have a fare increase sometime before June. It is not connected to the change in ownership, but has been in the planning stage for some months. Increased operating costs, especially the price of gasoline, is making it necessary. Bus fares will go up at the same time. There has only been one fare increase in the past seven years, so one is long overdue.

Arcata's and McKinleyville's Dial-A-Ride service will remain unchanged.

Dave Tyson, Eureka City Manager, said he will soon bring in a proposal for Dial-A-Ride service on city council meeting nights, so seniors and disabled people can attend council meetings. I have been asking for this additional service for many months.

Mayor Nancy Flemming asked whether night service or a daytime meeting would be preferable. If you have feelings about this and would like to see a change, call her, or Dave Tyson and tell them so. They need to hear from you.

It is appropriate to thank Skip Arnold for the many years of service the community has had from Dial-A-Ride under his ownership. Though there have sometimes been problems, this is a difficult service to run. The bottom line is that it has enabled our community's seniors and disabled people to live independent, mobile lives. I, for one, could not manage without it. For this he deserves thanks.

See you on Winco's bench soon.

Rachel Windsong has been following the Dial-A-Ride story for Senior News. She is a member of the Senior News Editorial Advisory Board. Her e-mail is windstar@northcoast.com. Dial-A-Ride ticket sales are managed by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center, 1910 California Street, Eureka.

One-time article Copyright 2000 by Humboldt Senior Resource Center .