Hayward has rolled out a paratransit service expansion for its residents as well as for some neighboring communities, city officials announced last week. 

The new Hayward Operated Paratransit is intended to complement the East Bay Paratransit service and will serve residents of Hayward and the unincorporated Alameda County communities of Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Ashland and Cherryland.

Eligible riders are at least 70 years old or at least 18 with a medical condition or disability that prevents them from using conventional public transit like buses or BART, according to city officials. 

The new HOP service includes discounted Uber rides for people who can enter and exit vehicles independently, rides with trained drivers available to help with entering and exiting vehicles, wheelchair-accessible vehicle transportation, the ability to reserve and request rides via text, free rides on any available services for income-verified riders and help with understanding mobility options and applying for HOP and East Bay Paratransit. 

For more information, go to www.hayward-ca.gov, call (510) 583-4230 or email paratransit@hayward-ca.gov. 

Kiley Russell writes primarily for Local News Matters on issues related to equity and the environment. A Bay Area native, he has lived most of his life in Oakland. He studied journalism at San Francisco State University, worked for the Associated Press and the former Contra Costa Times, among other outlets. He has covered everything from state legislatures, local governments, federal and state courts, crime, growth and development, political campaigns of various stripes, wildfires and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.