Monrovia Changes To Gomonrovia

Press release from the City of Monrovia:

August 20, 2020

Beginning tonight at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, Lyft is suspending its rideshare programs in California including GoMonrovia, the City’s primary public transit program.

In accordance with AB5, rideshare companies including Lyft and Uber are required to reclassify their contract workers as employees. According to Lyft, the costs associated with reclassification are extreme and cost-prohibitive. Since the passage of AB5, these ridesharing companies have been in a legal battle with the State of California to exclude their companies from this law. Lyft has requested a stay extension on the ruling to allow for their business to continue to operate during the appeal process, however they were denied the extension. Lyft announced they will suspend all operations in California until the election in November, where voters can vote on Proposition 22.

“We have no say in this matter. While we value our award-winning partnership with Lyft, we realize residents will no longer have access to rideshare services, including GoMonrovia, until either the legislature and rideshare companies find a workable solution, or Californians make a decision [on Prop. 22] about whether to exempt rideshare companies from AB5,” said Dylan Feik, city manager. “We must still move forward and provide services to our community.”

Monrovia Transit, the City’s dial-a-ride service, will continue to operate. Monrovia Transit does give priority to residents and visitors who are seniors or have disabilities. Due to increased demands, the City is asking everyone to find alternative ways to travel before requesting a ride from Monrovia Transit when possible. This will ensure Monrovia Transit remains available to seniors, persons with disabilities and those people who truly require the service.

How to Schedule a Dial-a-Ride

Call (626) 358-3538 and provide the operator the following information:

• Name and telephone number
• Pick up time and location
• Drop off time and location
• Return trip time and location
• Any special needs (e.g., person accompanied by an aide, or in a wheelchair)

To view different methods of transportation in Monrovia, visit cityofmonrovia.org/transportation. For additional information on GoMonrovia, visit cityofmonrovia.org/GoMonrovia or contact Angela Cho at acho@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

This press release was produced by the City of Monrovia. The views expressed are the author's own.