Senior Scrip Newsletter

Spring is in the air and, with COVID somewhat controlled, the bright Spring days compel us all to get out and about a bit more! Your Measure C Senior Scrip program is here to help you do just that! As long as you have paper scrip coupons on hand and e-scrip credits in your account, you basically have the choice to call for a taxi or for a Lyft-Uber driver (via GoGoGoGrandparent) to come pick you up. For any questions about purchasing scrip, please call us at Fresno COG at (559) 233-4148.

How is the Senior Scrip Program Working For You?

In the Senior Scrip Winter Newsletter, you were asked how the Senior Scrip Program (formerly the Taxi Scrip Program) has helped you. Overall, comments we receive from several seniors say that “the program has been a blessing and I'm so thankful that it [Senior Scrip] is available.”

"[I am] extremely happy with the program and the drivers," said Mr. N. Coombs.

Do You Know How the Senior Scrip Program is Funded?

The funding source is called Measure C. Measure C is a half-cent sales tax aimed at improving the overall quality of Fresno County’s transportation system. Be on the lookout for more about Measure C in the next few months. Currently; renewal of Measure C is being crafted. Click on the link below to take our "Measure C Renewal Community Engagement Survey" to help us understand your transportation needs!

Click here to take the Measure C Renewal Community Engagement Survey!

Do Lyft/Uber Drivers Have Trouble Finding Your Home?

If your answer is “Yes,” then let’s get that fixed! And, here is how…

Please call the operator at GoGoGrandparent at (855) 464-6872 and inform the operator that you are having issues getting picked up from home. The operator will ask you questions such as your exact pickup location and will then Pin your correct location on a map in your account.

What does it mean to "Pin your correct location"?

Drivers use Google Maps to find the pickup locations and Google Maps identifies that location by placing a “Pin” on that pickup location. When the Pin is not pointing to your correct address, Lyft/Uber drivers will have a hard time finding you. This type of issue may occur if you live in an apartment unit within a large complex or multiple buildings complex.

See sample map below: The “Pin” is the green balloon-looking shape with a black circle in the center. This is how Lyft/Uber drivers are able to locate you if you live in an apartment complex with multiple buildings or pickup locations.

“No-Show” Fees Charged

by Lyft/Uber Drivers

A “No-Show” is defined when a driver cannot find you at the designated pickup location within 5 minutes of his/her arrival. Most often, the driver will stop looking or waiting after the first 5 minutes, then drive off and charge a “no-show” fee.

The current “No-Show” fee is $5.46, and it is charged and deducted from a senior’s Senior Scrip E-scrip account. (This fee is strictly structured by the companies of Lyft and Uber and is not associated with the concierge fee charged by GoGoGrandparent.)

How To Avoid No-Show Fees

Be ready to be out the door before you call for a Lyft/Uber ride.
If your home is hard to find, let’s get that corrected.
Call GoGoGrandparent to correct the Pin location if needed, as shown in the example above or add directions to your pickup location. These directions will be passed on to any driver called to pick you up at your place of residence.
If you get charged with what you feel is an unjustified No-Show fee, dispute it!
Call GoGoGrandparent and provide the operator with details of your trip activity during that specific day and time.
At the conclusion of an investigation by GoGoGrandparent, the no-show amount charged may be credited back to your account.

Surcharges for Lyft/Uber trips

and how it affects Senior Scrip Users

Due to rising gas prices, you may see a small charge of 45 to 55 cents added to the cost of your Uber or Lyft Senior Scrip ride. When traveling during busy times of the day, be aware of possible “surge” charges and work with the GoGoGrandparent operators to help you avoid that “surge” fare, if possible.

The current gas situation have vehicle drivers thinking twice about how often and how far they will drive their vehicles. This might also happen with people that drive for Lyft and Uber. How will that affect you? Less Lyft and Uber drivers creates a driver shortage that may result in “surge” fares being applied at a given time when the demand for rides exceeds the available drivers. So please just be aware of probable “surge” fares and work with the GoGoGrandparent operators to help you avoid that type of fare, if possible.

Learn more about Senior Scrip!

Learn about Fresno Council of Governments!

Learn more about Measure C!

The Measure C Senior Scrip Program is operated by the Fresno Council of Governments (Fresno COG) and funded with local transportation funds made available through the extension of Measure C (a voter-approved ½ cent tax on sales). Since 2008, the Senior (Taxi) Scrip Program has been providing transportation for seniors 70 and older living in the Fresno County region,

at a 75% discount!

Do you have questions or comments?

Call (559) 233 - 4148 ext. 216

Email mcstaff@fresnocog.org