Imlay City Area Rides has been in existence for less than a year but has already accomplished much in its short history.
Officially launched in February 2026, the new transit system has significantly expanded its service options in eastern Lapeer County and beyond. Within the first six months, Imlay City Area Rides (ICAR) grew from exclusively servicing city of Imlay City residents to spanning a 30-mile radius from the city’s center that includes Almont, Dryden, Attica and Capac.
Additionally, rides to and from Flint Bishop and Detroit Metro airports are now being offered along with transportation to medical appointments and major hospitals in surrounding counties.
Thanks to special event sponsors, free rides have been provided to summer events including Imlay City’s Cinco de Mayo and Summer Fest and the Eastern Michigan State Fair.
ICAR is housed and administered by the Hispanic Service Center and their staff report local residents are using the service in other ways too, including rides to their places of employment and accomplishing necessary errands.
“I use the program primarily for getting back and forth to work. I use the program four days a week. I wouldn’t get back and forth to work if it weren’t for this program and I am beyond grateful for them,” said Imlay City resident Katie Gregory.
“I find it extremely easy to use! I have the option to pay over the phone or in person and they accept cash and my debit card. It’s very convenient.”
Fees are based on the distance a rider travels with local trips in the 30-mile radius costing $8 one way and long-distance ride fees at $16 one way.
“I would recommend everyone to try this program,” Katie said, adding that she looks forward to ICAR expanding their schedule to encompass more days and hours of service.
Hispanic Service Center Director Stephanie Del Toro and ICAR Dispatcher Pedro Chavez note that ICAR staff is providing rides to the library, post office, hair salon and area businesses, including grocery stores and banks. Medical appointments and wellness-related rides are in high demand, Del Toro said, allowing users to attend doctor’s appointments or receive various treatments and therapies. At present, rides are available every weekday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The program's fleet includes three vans with one being wheelchair accessible.
The vision for Imlay City Area Rides started back in 2019 when Four County Community Foundation conducted a Community Needs Assessment and respondents, particularly those in the eastern part of Lapeer County, said a lack of transportation options made it challenging to get to essential places. The Foundation’s Executive Director Kathy Dickens secured grant dollars and worked with partners to address this community need. Funding support came from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Those lending their expertise to the project include the Lapeer County Community Foundation, United Way of Lapeer County, Easter Seals, many local government officials and the dedicated staff and board members of the Hispanic Service Center.
Learn more about Imlay City Area Rides through their Facebook page or by calling (810) 874-3448.
Imlay City Area Rides driver Alex Lafriniere assists a passenger from exiting one of the program's three vans.