While Long Beach Transit’s Dial-A-Lift paratransit services is highly regarded and can be provided at a low cost for users, keep in mind that it will take some effort and time to qualify for the rides.
Dial-A-Lift (DAL) is a curb-to-curb, shared-ride paratransit service exclusively for individuals with qualifying disabilities who are unable to use LBT’s fixed-route bus system in Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill, and Paramount. But it’s a bit more challenging to get through the process than in a few nearby transit areas.
Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis after a medical evaluation and going through the application review process for DAL. It’s part of the Access Services program that provides paratransit services throughout Los Angeles County. Customers may qualify for Access’ services elsewhere, but not necessarily for DAL.
Dial-A-Lift is a supplemental service to the Access program for customers with severe mobility impairments.
Transit riders who are 62 years and older qualify for a reduced fare TAP Card for seniors. But you do need to set up an account for this one, too, and it’s faster if you can do it all online. You can go into the office and pickup your temporary card while waiting for your permanent card to come in the mail.
Of course, there’s also the part about going through the process of qualifying for DAL, whether senior or under 62 years old.
Long Beach does tend to take a stricter approach to getting things done – just ask homeowners and construction contractors trying to get approval on a remodel, or a plumbing or electrical system upgrade. The city’s aim has been on improving quality of life for residents, workers, business owners and visitors.
How It All Works for Riders
LBT provides Dial-A-Lift services under contract with Global Paratransit, Inc., a Gardena-Calif., company that provides paratransit services in other areas of Access services in LA county. DAL drivers are trained in the needs of persons with disabilities and transportation is provided in ADA-compliant vehicles, LBT says.
Global Paratransit provides paratransit services to LBT, Access Paratransit, City of Bell, and City of Southgate.
You may notice the most common paratransit minivan rides in Long Beach taking place in DAL’s white minivans with the LBT logo (as seen in the photo); you may have also noticed white Access minivans (without the stripes) providing these same services. Global Paratransit operates both of them. The rider may have started somewhere else, such as Torrance, and needed a ride home to Long Beach.
Rides usually include two passengers – the disabled rider who may have a wheelchair that needs to be lifted into the van and stored. That rider many times will have a personal assistant who rides along, and helps them access and leave the paratransit van. Drivers are trained in helping them get set up and secured for the rides, according to Global Paratransit.
Service animals are welcome on board DAL vehicles, as well. Notification that the service animal will be traveling on DAL vehicle is required by those making the ride reservation. Pets are also welcome on board DAL vehicles, but must be carried in a proper and approved animal travel carrier.
For each applicant who’s applied to use DAL and is deemed eligible, he or she will need to have a physical evaluation at a medical facility referred by LBT. Next, an appointment is scheduled to complete final membership processing at LBT’s administrative offices.
A photo for a DAL card will be taken at that point.
Those approved with receive an approval letter and a DAL card in the mail to use these services.
Speaking of being strict – recertification is required. DAL members will be required to reapply for services every three-to-five years; and each rider must remain an active member of Access Services to qualify for recertification.
More than 40% of older and disabled adults rely on family, friends, and neighbors for rides, according to a 2021 survey by the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC), a program administered by USAging and Easterseals that promotes accessible transit. Around three-quarters of caregivers list providing or arranging transport as one of their primary duties, according to the survey.
Visit this website link for more information on DAL: https://ridelbt.com/dial-a-lift/
And this link on applying for the senior TAP card: https://ridelbt.com/seniors/
Jon LeSage is a resident of Long Beach and a veteran business media reporter and editor. You can reach him at jtlesage1@yahoo.com.