El Monte took a procedural step toward replacing its aging Dial-A-Ride vehicles, positioning the city to seek federal funding for paratransit service used by seniors and residents with disabilities.
At its Nov. 12 meeting, the El Monte City Council unanimously approved a resolution certifying the city’s eligibility to apply for Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 grant funds. The program supports transportation services for elderly riders and people with disabilities and can be used to replace specialized paratransit vehicles.
City officials stressed that the action authorizes only the grant application process. It does not approve spending, commit the city to purchasing vehicles, or require a local funding match at this stage.
Why The City Acted Now
As part of the resolution, the council formally determined that no nonprofit transportation providers are readily available to operate Dial-A-Ride within El Monte. That finding is required under federal rules and allows the city to continue operating the service directly while seeking federal assistance.
Staff presented the item as a compliance-driven step tied to grant eligibility rather than a policy shift. No funding amounts were discussed, and the resolution does not guarantee that El Monte will receive an award.
The vote clears a procedural hurdle that must be met before an application can move forward through the regional and federal review process.
Aging Fleet And Service Demands
Although council minutes did not specify the age or condition of the current Dial-A-Ride vans, the request to replace vehicles reflects ongoing wear on a fleet that provides door-to-door transportation.
Dial-A-Ride trips often include medical appointments, grocery runs, and other essential travel. Paratransit vehicles typically experience higher mechanical strain than fixed-route buses because of frequent stops, wheelchair lifts, and individualized scheduling.
Fleet replacement is commonly used by transit agencies to improve reliability, reduce breakdowns, and control long-term maintenance costs, particularly for services serving vulnerable populations.
What Riders Could See
If El Monte secures Section 5310 funding, riders could eventually see newer vehicles with updated accessibility features and fewer service disruptions caused by mechanical issues.
The Nov. 12 meeting included a public hearing, though no rider testimony or performance data were discussed during council deliberations. Any future vehicle purchase would require additional council action, including acceptance of grant funds and authorization to move forward.
What Happens Next
With the resolution adopted, El Monte may submit a formal application for Section 5310 funding through the established federal and regional process. Awards are competitive and subject to available funding.
If the application is successful, the City Council would take up the matter again to formally accept the grant and approve specific purchases.
For now, the vote places El Monte in position to compete for federal dollars at a time when paratransit demand remains steady and replacement costs continue to rise across Southern California. More information about the program is available through the Federal Transit Administration at https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/section-5310-enhanced-mobility-seniors-individuals-disabilities.
