SAN MATEO, Calif. – Got Wheels!, the affordable transportation program launched by Peninsula Family Service last year in Daly City and extended this summer to Colma and Brisbane, is moving forward to serve nine other cities in the county and a major commuter hub in the region.
Effective Nov. 25, 2020, residents of South San Francisco, San Bruno, Millbrae, Burlingame, Hillsborough, El Granada, Montara, Moss Beach and Half Moon Bay who are 70 years and older are also eligible to apply for membership in Got Wheels! Members are provided up to six one-way rides a month for $5 each one-way ride within the geographic area and San Francisco International Airport. PFS subsidizes remainder of the fare.
The expanded program is funded by the CalTrans 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities program. Last year’s pilot and subsequent extension was funded by the County of San Mateo through Measure K with the endorsement of District 5 Supervisor David Canepa.
“We are happy to announce the expansion of our successful program that has provided accessible transportation to older residents of North County. We are grateful to our funders for their generous support,” said Susan Houston, PFS Vice President for Older Adult Services.
Lack of transportation is the main reason why older adults tend to skip their medical appointments, leading to increased emergency room visits and medical care expenses. Got Wheels! remedies the situation and more.
“There is a direct link between lack of transportation and feelings of isolation in older adults,” Houston explained. “Studies have shown that being isolated and lonely directly affects one’s emotional, mental and physical health. This service connects people to opportunities for social services and cultural and personal enrichment.”
Membership is free. Members pay only when they take rides.
Simple guidelines enable members easy access:
- Rides may be arranged 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Rides may be scheduled days in advance by calling the number of the back of the membership card.
- Membership is limited to one per couple who may share a card but keep to a total six one-way rides a month.
- Members may bring along up to three companions of any age or address provided they get on and off the vehicle at the same time and place as the member.
- Members who need mobility equipment may request an accessible vehicle.
Serra Yellow Cab, a longtime taxi company with offices in Daly City and San Mateo, is the partner provider for the program.
“Got Wheels! is a godsend,” said Daly City resident Denise Schwarzbach, a member since July 2019. “I don’t know how I would manage to get to my exercise and other classes without it.’’
For more information, contact Got Wheels! coordinator at (650) 403-4300 Ext. 4329. Or visit https://www.peninsulafamilyservice.org/older-