Transit for Disabled Ahead of Schedule

Simi Valley is ahead of schedule in meeting the transportation needs of its handicapped residents, according to a report on the city’s progress in implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Following a public hearing late Monday, council members directed staff to forward the annual update--required by the federal government--to Washington.

Most of the requirements called for in the 1992 legislation already have been implemented, said Diane Jones, Simi Valley’s director of environmental services.

But the city’s transit system for elderly and handicapped residents is still being expanded. The law calls for a five-year implementation plan, with annual updates provided to the federal government.

Members of the Simi Valley City Council approved a plan in 1992 to implement all of the legislation’s provisions within four years.

Under the law, cities are required to provide the same bus service for handicapped people that other riders receive. Simi Valley now operates a “dial-a-ride” bus service that transports people to various destinations for $1.

The program served more than 300 disabled and elderly residents a month and cost $217,000.

By the end of the year, city transit officials plan to coordinate with Los Angeles County transportation officials to provide the dial-a-ride bus service from Simi Valley to areas throughout the San Fernando Valley.

“We’re proud of this system,” Jones said. “It’s very safe, comfortable and we get people where they need to be.”