New on-call bus system offers shorter wait times
Leisure World residents are zipping around the community with speed and efficiency thanks to a new on-call, point-to-point bus system that was implemented Jan. 6. Minibus drivers and riders alike are finding the system easy to use, and the elimination of bus schedules and fixed routes has cut down both wait times and ride times.
“Things are going very well,” said Transportation Manager Grant Winford. “Instead of having to look at a schedule for times between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., now it works the other way: riders just call to tell us where they’re going to be and we deploy a shuttle.”
This new system allows riders to call a bus when they need it, eliminating the need to rely on fixed bus schedules and routes. Residents can request a ride by calling the new dedicated number: 562-472-1367. Riders just need to provide their location, either by sharing a pickup address or by referencing one of the community’s numbered bus shelters.
“A lot of people are glad to get off earlier. They don’t have to ride around,” said bus driver Johanna Rogers, who saw plenty of new faces during the first week of implementation.
During the week of Jan. 6-12, Minbuses made 568 trips, 472 of which were non-Access trips. Of those, the majority called for a ride (332 trips), and 140 trips were made by flagging down a bus from the sidewalk.
Access Bus trips doubled from the previous week, with 96 total appointment-based rides.
On-call bus service is available weekdays from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
The reservation-based Access Bus service for those with mobility challenges is available weekdays from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Saturdays from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Reservations can be made up to three days in advance by calling the same dedicated number: 562-472-1367. Sameday reservations are available on a limited basis.
The GRF Minibus service covers all areas in Leisure World and extends to the Seal Beach Village shopping center. Residents can expect a bus to arrive about 10 minutes after calling for a ride.
A map of bus shelters is available online atwww.lwsb.com/communitymaps/. Buses can pick people up at any location, not just shelters.
