Downtown LA

Ridesharing for People With Accesibility Challenges Launches in Downtown LA

The assisted-rider community of Los Angeles now has access to an on-demand ridesharing service that launched today in the downtown area.

Through a grant from the Los Angeles Department of Transportation to ButterFLi, an LA-based transportation provider for Angelinos with accessibility challenges, the FlexLA program now offers a service available downtown in the evenings when public transit service is less frequent, officials with the program said.

"Creating transportation options for people with all levels of mobility capabilities is another way LADOT secures measures to best serve and represent our community," LADOT Assistant General Manager Monique Earl said.

"This grant helps connect more people to more opportunities. This pilot program also helps us best support the transit network by making safe choices a priority."

FlexLA's Mercedes-Benz Metris passenger vans driven by professional drivers will offer eligible riders access to up to eight reduced-fare rides per month within the eight-mile service area for $2 per person, per one-way on-demand ride as part of the new service.

FlexLA is a ridesharing pilot program aimed at providing "microtransit" options to complement the city's public transit network which began operating in downtown Los Angeles last year. FASTLinkDTLA Transportation Management Organization, in partnership with LADOT, oversees FlexLA, and LADOT said the ButterFLi partnership will better service people with accessibility challenges.

"ButterFLi is grateful for the additional grant funding being provided by LADOT to support this service and is pleased to partner with LADOT and FASTLinkDTLA to make affordable, assisted on-demand and scheduled transportation accessible to seniors and persons with disabilities throughout the city of Los Angeles," said Delilah Lanoix, ButterFLi co-founder and CEO.

Riders can book a ride on the ButterFLi service by calling 1-855-267-2FLi.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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