The City of Santa Clarita has officially launched a modernized, fully integrated system for its Dial-A-Ride (DAR) and ACCESS services, powered by Spare’s technology platform and supported by key partners LA ACCESS and MV Transportation.  For the first time, ACCESS and Dial-a-Ride riders can book trips directly through the Santa Clarita Connect app, eliminating the need to navigate two separate systems or wait on hold to schedule rides.

This launch represents more than just an upgrade in local transit - it’s a milestone in collaboration, innovation, and rider experience. Together, the partners have collaboratively brought forward a seamless and accessible service that connects residents to more opportunities, while ensuring seniors, riders with disabilities, and paratransit-eligible riders have reliable, inclusive, and modern transportation.

What Riders Can Expect

Santa Clarita ACCESS

• ADA-compliant paratransit serving eligible riders within the Santa Clarita Valley and nearby areas.
  
  
• Convenient transfer points to the LA Basin or Antelope Valley, using a “meet point” model with other Access LA regions.
  
  
• Simple and affordable fares: $2.00 locally, with distance-based pricing for longer trips.
  
  
• Eligibility is managed by LA ACCESS, seamlessly integrated into Spare’s system for faster onboarding.
• Riders now have the ability to book trips directly in the Santa Clarita Connect app, as well as manage their booked trips.
  
  

Dial-A-Ride (DAR)

• Available to seniors (60+) and people with disabilities, with evening service after 6 p.m. also open to the general public.
  
  
• Service across the Santa Clarita Valley, with reservations available up to seven days in advance.
  
  
• Fares: $2.25 cash or $2.00 with TAP card. Personal care attendants and children under five ride free.
• Riders now have the ability to book trips directly in the Santa Clarita Connect app, as well as manage their booked trips.
  
  

Both programs are operated by MV Transportation, whose experienced team manages drivers, dispatch, and day-to-day operations.

“The drivers have stated that at first they were worried about the change but after using Spare’s platform and driver app, the worries went away, and it put them at ease. It helped them be less stressful on the road and kept the day flowing.” - Ruben Mendoza, MV General Manager, Santa Clarita

Technology at the Core‍

“ACCESS has been serving Santa Clarita riders for years, and now with Spare as our technology partner, we’re able to provide riders with more reliable, seamless trips and strengthen the foundation of accessible transportation that our riders don’t just count on, but deserve.”
— Bill Tsuei, Director of IT, LA ACCESS

With Spare’s platform, the City has unified two previously separate legacy systems into one modern, rider-first experience:

• Unified system: No more confusion between paratransit and DAR—everything works seamlessly in one platform.
  
  
• Modern rider tools: Riders can now book trips and check ride updates via app or web, while still keeping call-in options available.
  
  
• Real-time integrations: Trip data and rider eligibility sync directly with LA ACCESS for compliance, reporting, and improved accuracy.
  
  
• Efficiency through commingling: DAR vehicles can also serve Access trips, maximizing fleet efficiency while ensuring policy compliance.
• App-powered experience: With the Santa Clarita Connect app, riders can book trips 1- 7 days in advance, track vehicles in real time, and manage their rides directly from their smartphones - making transit more accessible and convenient than ever.
  

Partnership at its Best

The success of the launch was driven by the strong partnership and seamless collaboration between Santa Clarita Transit, LA ACCESS, MV Transportation, and Spare.. Each organization brought its expertise to the table:

• Santa Clarita Transit provided leadership and rider-focused outreach.
  
  
• MV Transportation delivered operational excellence, ensuring drivers, dispatch, and staff were fully prepared.
  
  
• LA ACCESS integrated eligibility and reporting, guaranteeing compliance and consistency across the wider LA network.
  
  
• Spare delivered the unified technology platform, migrating decades of legacy data and building the rider-facing app that powers the experience.
  
  

The result? A smooth, collaborative launch that demonstrates what’s possible when agencies, operators, and technology providers work together.

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Looking Ahead

The Santa Clarita Dial-A-Ride and ACCESS launch is a blueprint for the future of accessible and community-driven transportation. By combining advanced technology with operational excellence and regional collaboration, Santa Clarita and its partners are setting new standards for rider experience and transit efficiency.

The result? A smooth launch showcasing what’s possible when public agencies, operators, and technology providers work hand-in-hand to put riders first.

“With Santa Clarita Connect, we’re putting the power of local transit right in the hands of our residents. Whether booking a same-day ride or planning ahead, this app gives riders more options and faster service. It’s an example of how we continue to invest in tools that make our community more connected, inclusive and ready for the future.” — Adrian Aguilar, Transit Manager, City of Santa Clarita

The story doesn’t end here — see how Spare is powering micro transit in LA with LA Metro Micro.

Want to see how transit tech could expand access and boost efficiency in your region?‍  Connect with our team about how Spare can help you design the right solution for your community.

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