Lyft Rideshare Service Off to Smooth Start

By Eric Heinz

Since the city launched the Beta Rideshare Test with Lyft in October, officials said the program, which was implemented to supplement closing bus routes, is off to a good start.

 Tom Frank, city of San Clemente traffic engineer, said the service is providing rides to about 50 people per day.

The program was initiated by the state, and the official start date was Oct. 9, the day the former 191 and 193 Orange County Transportation Authority bus routes were discontinued.

When people start the app on their phone, they can input “SCRIDES” in the payment section in order to receive the discounted rate. Rides cost $2 plus the additional fare for rides that would otherwise exceed $11.

The Lyft drivers will pick up passengers within about 250 feet of the old bus stops.

“I think it will grow in future months after we do the initial launch,” Frank said.

Frank said the city will do a larger, official launch at the beginning of 2017. Call the city at 949.361.6119 for more information about the rideshare program.

The OCTA ACCESS program still offers same-day taxi service to eligible participants, and more information can be found at www.octa.net under the Getting Around tab. The city of San Clemente also offers Senior Mobility Rides for those who are eligible. The bus routes that are still available into San Clemente are the 1 and the 91.