Even though Fountain Hills is physically a part of the Phoenix metro area, sometimes it “feels” like our community is entirely separated from the Valley.

This is particularly true with regard to public transportation – even though there is an express Metro bus line that originates and ends here – and our vulnerable senior citizens.

Valley Metro and the Town of Fountain Hills have teamed up to offer the “RideChoice” program that more citizens should take advantage of. The program is open to those with qualifying disabilities and those who are age 65 and older. It is a voucher program that uses an electronic card to allow participants to use a taxi for rides.

Valley Metro has capped participation at 40 people, but town officials are saying the response has been limited and more citizens should enroll to utilize RideChoice. The value of a RideChoice card is $100 per month. Valley Metro has nine cab companies listed as RideChoice providers.

These rides can help folks without transportation get around town or even make connections to bus routes or Dial-A-Ride. If interested, contact Heather Ware over at Town Hall or check out www.valleymetro.org.