A couple of months ago, I flew into Orange County Airport on a 10:00 pm flight. Rather than use an Uber or a regular cab service, I decided to use Mission Viejo’s Senior Dial-A-Taxi Program. It was a piece of cake. Per the instructions for the taxi service, I called 24 hours in advance to reserve a cab. Calling the taxi service is like checking in to your airline for your flight.. After I landed and picked up my baggage, I walked outside to the taxi stand and told the driver I wanted the Mission Viejo taxi service. The taxi service, as detailed below is run by the California Yellow Cab company, and there were 4 Yellow Cabs in a row. I got into the first cab, showed my driver my Senior Dial-A-Taxi Program, gave him my reservation number and off we went with door to door service to my home for $20. I added a tip. It was like riding an Uber.
Initial details about the senior taxi program are found Mission Viejo’s website by just Googling Mission Viejo Senior Taxi Service. Set forth below is an excerpt of the program.
“The City’s Senior Dial-A-Taxi Program offers 24/7 service in Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, Lake Forest, Laguna Woods, Rancho Santa Margarita and additional satellite destinations. Customer cost is $5 per one-way trip. Seniors can also obtain a ride to John Wayne Airport for $20.
With the new expanded program, riders can now enjoy FREE round-trip service from their homes to all City facilities, the community center, City Hall, library, animal shelter, Sierra Recreation Center, Felipe Tennis & Recreation Center, Montanoso Recreation Center, Marguerite Tennis Pavilion and Oso Creek Golf Course.
To qualify for the program, which is provided by California Yellow Cab, participants must be 60 or older, live in Mission Viejo and be able to travel independently or bring a caregiver. Registered riders can bring up to two extra people on the same fare. The program provides basic transportation and doesn’t include transportation for medical therapy appointments such as chemotherapy, dialysis or for surgery.”
Now, for some more details: To use this service, you have to fill out a form and register in person at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo, CA 92692, 949-470-3062 by going to the front desk and tell them you are registering for the Senior Cab Service. If you wish, you can fill out the form in advance on Mission Viejo’s Senior Dial-A-Taxi Program web page (just click the “Dial-A-Taxi Application and Waiver” listing which is in the middle of the page). The staff processes your form, takes your picture and gives you little introductory talk. There is no charge to sign up for this service. After the staff processes your application, you will receive an identity card which will display your picture and your account number.
Once you are registered, it is an easy task, to use the service. You have to register for a ride at least 24 hours in advance by calling the taxi cab numbers listed on the back of your registration card. Since there are a limited number of cabs, when you select your time of pick up, it is best to allow 45 minutes. So, if you want a cab to pick you up at a place, say your home, at 4:00 pm, it is best to tell the cab company that you want to be picked up at 3:45 pm. If the cab comes early, then you will be early for your appointment.
When you sign up for the taxi service at the Norman P. Murray Center, they will give you an instruction sheet. I have spoken to my friends and they tell me that they have liked the senior taxi service. Enjoy!!