If you are mobility impaired, a variety of specialized transportation options are available to you in south Santa Barbara County. These options range from public transportation via the services of the Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) to specialized curbside-to-curbside paratransit service (Dial-A-Ride) offered by Easy Lift.
While anyone is eligible to ride the fixed route services of the Metropolitan Transit District, only those who cannot use the MTD are eligible to ride Easy Lift.* The MTD can be reached at (805) 683-3366.
What is Complementary Paratransit Service?
As defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), complimentary paratransit is a service that operates in comparable time periods and in comparable areas, within 3/4 of a mile of an MTD fixed bus route. Easy Lift, as the local Consolidated Transportation Service Agency (CTSA), fulfills this paratransit requirement in the South Santa Barbara County area.
* Easy Lift does offer temporary and conditional ridership. Temporary ridership is offered to individuals who have a temporary disability that prevents them from using MTD. Conditional ridership is offered to passengers who are able to use MTD for most rides, but not all. Examples include rides to and from locations that are not wheelchair accessible from the nearest MTD bus stop. For questions about temporary and conditional ridership, please contact the eligibility coordinator at (805) 681-1415.
Specialized Transportation in Santa Barbara
People who live in Santa Barbara generally feel fortunate for many reasons. Few, however, think much about the availability of specialized transportation here. Every community in this nation has residents with unique mobility needs. Most people are unaware that the level of service in our community exceeds that available in most of the country.
The number of rides scheduled, however, is only part of the equation. How about the way such transportation is provided? For example, consider that many communities do not allow clients to make advance reservations. At Easy Lift you may confirm your travel plans at any time, up to the day before your ride. Additionally, it is a common practice in many communities to not provide clients with pick-up times at all. Passengers are simply told to be ready to depart within some time window (usually an hour or so), and the van just shows up within that window. Clients have no idea when the van will come or what time they will get to their appointment! At Easy lift, clients are given specific pick-up times they can usually count on.
In 1993, Easy Lift was given a national award for its innovative approach to transportation. Transportation planners from literally all over the world have stopped by to see how we in Santa Barbara have been able to provide so much service with our limited resources. Of course, we are not perfect. As long as there is an unmet demand, we will strive to raise additional resources and improve efficiency. Yet, it feels good to know that we live in a community that has made a commitment to people with special transportation needs.
Some Limitations
Easy Lift’s passengers have mobility needs as unique as the clients themselves. While we do our best to accommodate everyone, a small percentage of potential passengers have requirements we cannot fulfill. Some people requesting service live beyond our service area. A few people live in housing where their driveways are narrow, steep, or obstructed to the point of being functionally inaccessible. In these rare cases, we will assess how to safely accommodate the client. Sadly, in some situations, and in spite of everyone’s most sincere efforts, we have to occasionally turn someone away. In these situations, the safety of our clients, other passengers, and drivers always takes priority.
Easy Lift’s Service Area & Times
Easy Lift’s service area extends from Winchester Canyon west of Ellwood in North Goleta, through the town of Carpinteria, within 3/4 mile of MTD bus routes. Easy Lift’s service times also mirror MTD’s service times. Some MTD bus routes end earlier than others, and transportation along these bus routes is limited to MTD service times.
For questions regarding MTD bus routes, please call MTD at (805) 963-3366, or visit them online at www.sbmtd.gov. If you have any questions about specific locations or times you may contact Easy Lift at (805) 681-1181.
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