Seniors 65 and older, veterans and people with disabilities can get discounted Uber rides through a pilot program offered by Monterey-Salinas Transit (Fidel M. Soto — Contributed)

WATSONVILLE >> For some residents in Pajaro, access to public transportation for an array of daily needs can be a challenge — from medical appointments, errands or getting to work. Now, seniors 65 and older, veterans and people with disabilities can get discounted Uber rides through a pilot program offered by Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST).

“Currently, there is no taxi service in Pajaro, so we want to make a transportation service available to people,” said Kelly Soriano, an MST mobility specialist, in an interview with Noticias Watsonville.

The program officially launched on July 1, and people who enroll in the six-month program are eligible to receive a $14 credit per ride, while paying a $3 copay per ride, for up to 10 rides per month.

The program is a partnership between MST and Uber and aims to expand transportation options for people who need them most in Monterey County. Pajaro is one of eight communities included in the program, along with Chualar, Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield, King City, Prunedale and Castroville.

How does it work?

Residents interested in the program must enroll and sign an acceptance and liability waiver form.

Soriano said the application can be printed and dropped off in person at MST’s offices in Salinas or sent by email. Eligibility will be processed within three to five days, and MST will notify applicants of their acceptance by email.

Once applications are approved, participants will receive follow up instructions by email on how to download and use the Uber app. To receive the benefit, users must request their rides through Uber, and MST will load a $14 credit for each ride directly into the participant’s Uber wallet. The user will pay a $3 copay for each ride.

What happens if a ride costs more than $17?

“When they look at the ride they want to take, it will tell them how much it will cost with the credit we are giving them per ride, so they decide whether they want to take the ride based on how much it will cost,” Soriano said.

For example, if a ride costs $25, MST will pay $14 and the user will pay the $3 copay plus the remaining $8, for a total of $11. If the ride costs $10, the user’s copay will be $3.

Each participant can receive up to 10 discounted rides per month, meaning they could save up to $140 per month on Uber rides.

Because using technology can be a challenge for some people, Soriano said MST is working with other organizations, such as Loaves and Fishes, to visit participating communities and help people complete their applications in person. During these visits, they will also teach people how to download and use the Uber app. Currently, MST does not have a location in Pajaro to provide this in-person assistance, but Soriano said the agency is looking for one.

How is the program funded?

The pilot program is funded through a partnership between MST, Uber and Measure Q funds. Measure Q is a local sales tax that funds transportation and mobility services in Monterey County. Uber contributed $50,000 toward the six-month pilot program, in addition to providing its platform and driver network. Measure Q funds cover any remaining costs.

MST administers the program, including participant enrollment, user support, oversight and reporting to its board.

What happens after the pilot program?

The pilot is scheduled to last six months and approved participants will remain eligible through Dec. 31, 2026.

MST will review the program’s results during that period and later plans to conduct an evaluation to determine whether there is a need for additional transportation options based on how many people use the service in each participating community. 

“My recommendation is that people use it, try it, so we can see if they are really using it and if they need it. If they do, we can look at ways to fund it,” Soriano said.

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