Discounted Rides Available Through Senior/Disabled Taxi Program

For more than 50 years, the City of Hermiston has offered discounted rates for local taxi service to senior citizens and people with disabilities.

The Senior & Disabled Taxi Program is available to Hermiston residents who can use a $2.50 voucher for a ride to any location in town. The service is primarily used for trips to medical appointments, shopping, public events, and gatherings, but there are no restrictions on pickup or drop-off location.

Because regular schedules have been altered the past couple of years, usage of the service has declined. The City is reminding residents that the service is available and a ride is waiting.

“The past couple of years have disrupted people’s routines due to cancelled appointments and events, and that seems to be having an impact on how many people are using the taxi service,” said Assistant City Manager Mark Morgan. “We know that routine & familiarity are very important in helping people choose to use a public transit option like the taxi service, so we want to help remind folks that this easy and reliable system is here to help..”

In previous years, the program averaged 18,000-20,000 one-way rides annually. That number was about 12,191 in 2021

Vouchers for the program can be purchased at Hermiston City Hall. Residents who are 60 years or older or have an eligible disability under Social Security, PERS, or other recognized agency may apply.

For more information about the City of Hermiston’s transit options, including taxi service and the fixed-route HART bus service, visit www.hermiston.or.us/transit.