DIXON, CA (MPG) - Public Works Director Louren Kotow said Dixon residents love Readi-Ride bus transit service.

Kotow gave officials the rundown of the four-decade transit service in the 2023 Readi-Ride ridership survey, touting positive feedback from staff regarding transit service at the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting on April 17.

The survey was conducted electronically in March by Survey Monkey, and paper surveys were also provided on buses. Surveys in English and Spanish were also left at the Senior Communities of Heritage Commons and Second Street Apartments. A total of 22 responses were received, compared to the 2023 of 34 responses.

Several survey responses included suggestions for changes to the Readi-Ride Service, including additional weekday hours, electronic payment, less wait time, and service hours during the weekdays. While officials are working on some suggestions, the latter cannot be helped, according to Kotow.

“As it is ridership, we cannot pay for Saturdays and weekends,” Kotow said. “We did try, and it failed, and once we resume full normalcy, we are open to trying again.”

According to Kotow, electronic payments are being evaluated using the Clipper 2.0 update. Once the prototype is available, the hand-held unit will be tested.

“We wanted to see if they would be able to utilize a smartphone platform,” Kotow said. Many of our riders are seniors, and they may not be as technologically advanced. It is important that we don’t leave them behind because they are a segment that relies on us greatly.”

For those who prefer to use something other than electronic payments, Readi-Ride program booklets are on sale at Dixon City Hall.

“You can use alternative methods of payment in that way, but to use it on the bus itself is using your pass or using cash only,” Kotow said, adding hybrid payments will remain.

As for adding longer hours, that is not possible right now, according to the public works director. Presently, the local bus service is available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is closed between 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm. It is available on Wednesday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and is closed between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

When it comes to finding out about Readi-Ride news, Dixon residents said they prefer to find out information on the bus before email and the website, which they consider a last option. The survey provided space for additional comments, all of which were positive. Some comments included, “My driver is always friendly and gets me to my destination on time,” and “All dispatchers are easy to get along with.” Other comments included the service being “very good” and “I love Readi-Ride.”

Other features appreciated include door-to-door service, convenience, punctuality, reliability, and a courteous atmosphere. Kotow said that when asked where most Dixon residents begin and end their trips, the most popular answer was that they start at home and end at work, school, or medical appointments.

“Our drivers seem to be our greatest assets,” Kotow told officials. “We are such a small community; that is why we really try to focus on having drivers who are friendly.”

As far as payment is concerned, residents agree the price is fair. Kotow pointed out that riders mostly choose three in a one-to-four rating, with four being the highest. Currently, fare rates are $2.75 for an adult trip, $2.25 for seniors, $2.25 for youth, and $1.25 for children. Ride coupon books are available for up to 20 rides.

To reserve a Readi-Ride, call (707) 678-5020 Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Calls made at other hours will be recorded, and a staff member will return your call after 7:00 a.m. the following business day.