No-Cost Emergency Rides Available for People Stranded with Wheelchair Breakdowns in Alameda County

News Post

by Suzette Davidson| Jan 1, 2021 | General Updates, Disaster Preparedness

Easy Does It Emergency Services has launched Fast Accessible Safe Transportation and Emergency Repair (F.A.S.T.E.R.), a program which provides free emergency repair and rescue rides to those stranded due to wheelchair and mobility device breakdowns in North and Central Alameda County.

• F.A.S.T.E.R. is funded by the Alameda Transportation Commission and provides all services free of charge.
  
• F.A.S.T.E.R. is available in 9 cities: Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland, Alameda, Hayward, San Lorenzo, San Leandro, and Castro Valley.
  
• F.A.S.T.E.R. is the only program that provides no-cost assistive device repair and accessible emergency rides in Alameda County.
  

1/1/2020, Berkeley, California

People in nine Alameda County cities can now get free emergency rides if they’re experiencing wheelchair or mobility device breakdowns. This service is offered by the Fast Accessible Safe Transportation and Emergency Repair (F.A.S.T.E.R.) program and is currently available 8:30 am to 11:00 pm, Monday through Friday and 10:30 am to 11:00 pm on
weekends. Services are requested by calling Easy Does It Emergency Services’ Urgent Dispatch Line at 510-704-2111.

Easy Does It Emergency Services believes this service is crucial to assist people with disabilities and seniors who would otherwise be stranded if they experience an equipment breakdown and cannot reach ADA Paratransit/accessible transportation. Emergency rides from wheelchair accessible vehicles, like the F.A.S.T.E.R. van, ensure that people can
be transported safely and securely along with their equipment (so it isn’t left behind in case of breakdowns).

F.A.S.T.E.R. was formally launched this fall, though it was initially funded by the Alameda Transportation Commission in late 2019. Covid-19 has impacted its expected rollout and current available hours, though EDI’s goal is to expand its availability. It is currently the only free, accessible rescue ride service of its kind inAlameda County.

How it Works:

If a person is stranded due to a wheelchair or mobility device breakdown, they can call F.A.S.T.E.R.’s Urgent Dispatch at 510-704-2111. A technician will attempt to troubleshoot their technical issue over the phone. If it cannot be resolved, a F.A.S.T.E.R. Technician will meet the individual at their location and attempt minor on-site repairs. If the equipment remains inoperable, the F.A.S.T.E.R. Technician will drive the caller home safely in a secure, wheelchair accessible van equipped with a lift.