Update on the Sun Shuttle Circuit On-Demand Rider Service - by Steve Schneider - Inside Hillcrest Newsletter Hollywood Florida

The Sun Shuttle Circuit on-demand service provided by the City of Hollywood ended a pilot test in Western Hollywood at the end of June. The end of the pilot test means the City no longer provides a promotional code to offset the $2 a ride charge, according to Mark Johnson, a City official who oversees the service.

The end of the promotional program also includes the removal of the two tablet kiosks that were stationed in Hillcrest 23. The tablets were placed on a wall in the building to introduce the service and to help people get accustomed to using the app to schedule rides. And now that the pilot program has ended, people who want to ride Circuit must either call a number provided by the company or download an app that lets people book rides.

But weeks before the promotional and educational program ended, Hillcresters who rode the Sun Shuttle met with a Circuit representative in the lobby of Hillcrest 23. They were told that the ride-on-demand system works more efficiently if riders learn to install the ride-booking app on their smartphone and use it. However, Circuit also lets riders call (561) 281-7236 to schedule rides. This number patches the caller through to one of two drivers on the road, according to Bob McClure, Circuit Operations Manager.

But, McClure added, calling the phone number is less efficient for several reasons, including the fact that the app organizes rides better for the drivers who pick up, drop off and return riders back home. Both drivers man the electric vehicles; one is a van, the other a car. And Circuit recently sidelined the Tesla car, replacing it with a Kia electric car which gives a better ride, McClure said.

In related matters, the Hillcrest group that met with McClure offered feedback about their experiences riding Circuit. The feedback was documented and confirmed by Marcia Skupeika, Team Leader of the “Hillcrest Angels” who lives in Building 23. These are the key points:

When one driver is called but the second driver picks up the passenger, the rider should call the Circuit phone number to cancel the original driver and close out the request for service.
Many residents, mostly seniors, prefer to use the phone number to book a ride. However, the friendly drivers are happy to help the riders install the ride app on their smartphones. They also explain how to use it. Those who still have a flip phone will not be able to use the app.
One resident said she uses the phone number to schedule her rides. She appreciates the service, especially since family members can also use the ride-on-demand service.
Medical offices adjacent to Memorial South were advised about the Circuit service so they can share it with their patients.

Attendees included: Bob McClure Operations Manager, Steve Schneider, Inside Hillcrest reporter and Hillcrest residents David Hillebert, Valentina Marinescu, Monica Grant, Silvia Orta, and Marcia Skupeika, Hillcrest Angels Team Leader.

Service hours for the Sun Shuttle are as follows: