What is the journey?

Here in the Coachella Valley, SunLine Transit Agency has been designated by the Riverside County Transit Commission as our region's Consolidated Transportation Services Agency (CTSA). What does that mean in practice? SunLine is bringing together specialized transportation services across the Coachella Valley so that seniors, people with disabilities, and anyone else who needs a little extra support can reliably get from where they are to where they want to be.

When Assembly Bill 120 passed, it created the Social Services Transportation Improvement Act — legislation built around a simple goal: make sure transportation actually works for the people who need it most.

That's exactly what SunLine's vision as the CTSA is about: facilitating cooperation and integration with other transportation providers across its service area, so mobility options expand, coordination and transparency improve, and access to resources grows for everyone who depends on it.

• One location for information all regional specialized transportation services
• Increased mobility options
• ADA services
• Non-emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
• Veteran’s and Health & Human Services transportation
• Regional use of Uber-type services
• Reduction of duplicative costs and staff time
• Easier access to regional transportation services and information

Examples of current services provided under the CTSA concept

• SunDial is a shared, origin-to-destination paratransit service designed for individuals whose disabilities functionally prevent them from independently using the SunBus fixed-route system. Eligibility is determined based on how a disability impacts a person’s
  ability to safely and independently use the fixed-route service. 
• Click here for more information and to see if you are eligible.

• SunRide is an on-demand shared ride service available in eight (8) Coachella Valley zones connecting riders to the fixed route network or to a single point of interest along a fixed route network in the designated zone. Riders can plan, book and keep track of their trips all from one application, the SunRide app, which will call for a SunRide vehicle to pick them up within walking distance of their specified location and drop them off at a bus stop or point of interest within the designated zones.
• Click here for more information and to download the SunRide app.

• SunLine Transit Agency has established a Half-Fare Program based on the Federal Transit Administration’s guidelines. This program is for seniors 60 years or older, or persons with disabilities who are able to ride SunLine’s fixed routes on SunBus.
• Click here for more information and to see if you are eligible.

• The Taxi Voucher Program (TVP) provides a matching contribution that doubles the amount available for taxi services to persons with disabilities and seniors 60 years or older. 
• TVP rides are subsidized, on-demand taxi rides to enrolled participants. All taxi companies have wheelchair accessible vehicles available. Program participants use a Smart Card, similar to a debit card, where funds are loaded onto the smart card that is issued to the participant as the method of payment for the taxi fares. 
• Click here for more information and to see if you are eligible.

• Reimburses enrolled individuals for essential trips — to medical services, grocery stores, and other key destinations — keeping people healthy, independent, and engaged in their community. 
• Enrolled individuals who can’t drive arrange rides with trusted friends, neighbors, or family members. The Independent Living Partnership (ILP) reimburses riders 45¢ per mile so they can compensate their drivers.
• Each month, reimbursement checks are sent to the passengers who are required to pass on the full payment to their driver(s). 
• For more information or to apply, visit www.ilpconnect.org/.

• The Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP) allows ADA-eligible passengers to find their own volunteer drivers, such as family, friends, or neighbors, and VIP reimburses them for their mileage at the maximum Internal Revenue Service standard rate (which is currently 72.5 cents per mile) 
• All parties must submit liability waivers and monthly trip logs to participate in this program. 
• Each month, reimbursement checks are sent to the passengers who are required to pass on the full payment to their driver(s).

• SunLine Transit Agency offers Travel Training to help individuals learn how to safely and successfully use our fixed route bus service, SunBus. The training is tailored to each participant’s needs and can be provided as a presentation and/or can take place in a real-world setting, on a bus route in the Coachella Valley - right in your community. 
• The Travel Training Program is provided at no cost to interested persons, and participation in the program is strictly voluntary. 
• The goal is to increase customers capabilities and flexibility of traveling around the Coachella Valley and promote independence. 
• Click here for more information about Travel Training.

Find Ride Options

There are many transportations options in the Coachella Valley. SunLine’s CTSA helps you select services that best suit your needs. 

SunLine’s CTSA maintains a database of all transportation services operated by public transportation agencies, social service agencies, faith-based organizations, and specialized transportation providers to ensure that you can access all available ride options. 

Click on the Find Ride Options button below or call us Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM, at 760-343-3451, ext. 1701 for assistance with finding a travel option that is best for you.

• RCTC Action Plan
• Assembly Bill 120
• Transportation Development Act
• Social Services Transportation Act