Frequently Asked Questions
How are RanchRide events and destinations determined?
RanchRide offers service to major RanchLife events, popular South OC events, and those that have historically been successful. If there is an event or activity that RanchRide should consider offering service to, please reach out to Info@RanchRide.net.
What is a “Group Ride” and how do you request one?
Group Rides provide a shuttle for a specific number of people interested in attending an event or activity together. One applicant must act as the “Group Leader” to request a ride on behalf of a group and organize the logistics of transportation.
This shuttle service is at no additional cost for Rancho Mission Viejo residents, so long as minimum boarding requirements are met. Details about Group Rides can be found on under the RanchRide Services menu, and Group Ride FAQs can be found here.
Does RanchRide accommodate those with disabilities?
Yes! All RanchRide shuttles are ADA-compliant, with wheelchair lifts available for use. If you or a member of your party require use of the wheelchair lift, inform staff in advance (whenever possible) so drivers can be prepared to operate the lift for you.
Is RanchRide suitable for kids who require booster or car seats?
Yes! Infants and young children must sit on a parent or guardians lap throughout the entire ride, and should not be standing, walking, or running in the aisle. Older children can sit in their own seat and should wear any shoulder or lap belts available on the shuttle.
Are animals allowed on the shuttles?
Service Animals only. For everyone’s comfort and safety, only trained service animals are allowed on RanchRide shuttles. Thank you for your understanding!
Can I eat or drink on the shuttles?
Yes! You can bring food and drinks on the shuttle however, please be courteous and clean up after yourself. Take any trash off the shuttle with you and place it in a proper trash receptacle.
Where can I find the RanchRide service offerings?
There are three places to find RanchRide service offerings:
The RanchRide website: www.RanchRide.net - In the main Menu Bar, select “RanchRide Services” then “Event Calendar.” Here you will find the most up-to-date information on RanchRide shuttle service.
The RanchLife website: www.RMVRanchLife.com - From the main menu, select “RanchRide” then “Upcoming Shuttle Service.” For RMV residents, you can also find the same information in the Event Calendar menu.
The RanchLife App: can be downloaded from your devices Apple or Android App store - From the main menu, select “RanchRide” then “Upcoming Shuttle Service.” For RMV residents, you can also find the same information in the Event Calendar menu.
Does RanchRide have an email distribution list?
Yes! You can subscribe to RanchRide emails by clicking here, filling out the form on the RanchRide website homepage, or clicking the Subscribe button at the bottom of this page.
What areas does RanchRide service and for how long?
RanchRide services the South Orange County area and can service other locations upon request for events or group rides. Shuttle service is based on a 5-hour limit and can extend up to 9-hours long as minimum boarding requirements are met.
Why does RanchRide only pick-up at specific shuttle stop locations?
Shuttle stop locations are determined based on ease of access for the shuttles, walkability from the surrounding neighborhoods, and are generally at or near Rancho Mission Viejo amenities or major landmarks.
Why don’t RanchRide shuttles take more direct routes through the community?
RanchRide shuttles are significantly larger than cars and must use major roads in the community to ensure clear access. The shuttles also take specific routes that will put the passenger door on the correct side of the road and minimize circulation times.
Why aren’t shuttle schedules always posted online?
Shuttles that require a reservation will not have schedules posted online to prevent shuttles from becoming overbooked. Specific shuttle times are listed within the reservation form itself instead. Riders who book a reservation on a shuttle will receive a confirmation of the details of their booking via email. Service that does not require a reservation will have the schedule posted as soon as it’s available on the RanchRide website and RanchLife Portal.
Where can I share my feedback?
Any thoughts, comments, or suggestions can be submitted through the RanchRide Shuttle Service Suggestion Form.
You can also email RanchRide at info@ranchride.net with feedback.
Group Ride FAQs
What is a Group Ride?
A Group Ride is an exclusive RanchRide service reserved for a specific group traveling together to an event, activity, or attraction, and back to the initial pick-up location*. The shuttle is dedicated solely to your group and its guests during the scheduled ride.
*One-way trips are only allowed with express permission from RanchRide.
Who can book a Group Ride?
Though RanchRide is based out of and supported by the community of Rancho Mission Viejo, any adult can request a ride and be the designated Group Ride Coordinator, who must submit the request, complete all required forms & credit card authorization form, coordinate ride details with RanchRide, and attend the ride with the group.
Residents of Rancho Mission Viejo may book a Group Ride at no cost.
Non-Rancho Mission Viejo residents who request to be the Group Ride Coordinator will incur a $150 service fee.
Regardless of residency, all Group Ride Coordinators are required to complete a credit card authorization form the Ride Retainer amount.
Are there special requirements for rides involving minors?
Yes. For Group Rides involving minors:
A chaperone who is 25 years of age or older must accompany the group for the entire ride.
Chaperone information must be provided to RanchRide at least 14 days before the ride.
Failure to provide a qualified chaperone may result in cancellation or a charge of the full Ride Retainer.
How far in advance should I request a Group Ride?
Group Ride requests can be submitted up to one-year in advance through the online submission form.
The Group Ride Policy Acknowledgement and the Credit Card Authorization Form should be submitted at least 30 days before the ride date.
What is a Ride Retainer?
A Ride Retainer is a payment authorization that secures your reservation. It is only charged if the Group Ride does not meet program requirements or if other policy violations occur. This is collected by a digital contract and credit card authorization form sent by RanchRide staff directly from our payment platform: Square.
Ride Retainer Amounts:
20-Passenger / 36-Passenger ADA Shuttle: $350
56-Passenger ADA Shuttle: $500
Additional charges may apply for:
Venue parking fees
Overtime beyond the scheduled ride time
Excessive shuttle cleaning required
Failure to comply with Group Ride policies
Why is a Credit Card Authorization Form required?
A completed Credit Card Authorization Form allows RanchRide to charge the Ride Retainer only if:
Minimum rider and destination requirements are not met
The ride exceeds the approved end time (excluding traffic delays)
The coordinator or cardholder is not a Rancho Mission Viejo resident
The group does not comply with the Group Ride Policy
What are the Minimum Ride Requirements?
To provide a Group Ride at no additional cost to riders, minimum rider and destination requirements established by OCTA must be met.
The ride must start & end in Rancho Mission Viejo, and minimums are based on roundtrip service.
The number of riders needed is based on shuttle size, number of destinations, and total ride duration.
Use this Minimum Rider Requirements Calculator to determine your specific ride requirements.
What counts as a Destination?
A destination is a planned location where riders are dropped off after the initial pick-up and all riders disembark from the shuttle. This can be a restaurant, event/sporting location, group photo pit-stop, etc.
Multiple pick-up locations do not count as destinations.
What shuttle sizes are available?
All RanchRide Group Ride shuttles are ADA-compliant. Available vehicle sizes include:
20-passenger shuttle
36-passenger shuttle
56-passenger shuttle
What is the maximum ride length?
Group Rides may last up to 9 hours total, including travel time and scheduled stops.
Does the coordinator need to attend the ride?
Yes. The Group Ride Coordinator must:
Be present for the entire ride
Serve as the primary contact for RanchRide
Obtain approval for any day-of itinerary changes
Help ensure the group follows all policies
How will I receive ride details?
RanchRide will provide:
A finalized itinerary with departure times from each pick-up location and destination
Driver, shuttle, and dispatch contact information
GPS tracking (when available)
You will also receive an automated text message from the shuttle provider, Lux Bus America, with the driver and shuttle details. These details are typically provided 12-24 hours before the ride begins.
Who is responsible for event tickets?
Riders are responsible for purchasing their own tickets for any event, attraction, or venue.
Group Ride reservations do not include event admission.
Who is responsible for shuttle parking at venues?
The Group Ride Coordinator is responsible for:
Obtaining venue approval for shuttle access
Arranging shuttle parking
Paying any required parking fees
Providing parking instructions or venue maps to RanchRide before the ride
Can we make changes on the day of the ride?
Any day-of changes must be approved by RanchRide staff, not the driver - and confirmed in writing when possible. Unauthorized changes may result in additional fees.
What happens if our ride exceeds the scheduled end time?
If the ride continues beyond the approved end time for reasons other than traffic delays, overtime charges may apply at the shuttle's hourly rate.
What are the expectations for cleanliness?
Groups must remove all trash and personal belongings before leaving the shuttle. Additional cleaning fees may apply if excessive cleaning is required.
Decorations are allowed, so long as we they do not block the view or distract the drivers in anyway, and must be completed removed at the end of the ride.
Do I tip the driver?
Tips are not required. Should your party wish to, they can provide gratuity to the driver during the ride.
Does RanchRide insurance cover activities at our destination?
No. RanchRide insurance coverage applies while riders are on the shuttle. It does not cover activities, incidents, or events that occur after riders leave the shuttle at their destination.
What happens if the shuttle becomes unavailable?
If a shuttle becomes unavailable due to circumstances outside of the group's control, RanchRide will notify the Group Ride Coordinator immediately. No cancellation fees will be charged.
What is the Cancellation policy?
Group Rides may be cancelled up to 7 days before the ride date with no penalty.
Cancellations made fewer than 7 days before the ride date may be charged up to the full Ride Retainer amount.
Who should I contact with questions?
For questions about Group Rides, availability, or minimum ride requirements, please contact: 📧 info@ranchride.net
What to Know Before You Go
🔄 View & track your shuttle through the Current Ride Updates page. All service updates will also be posted on this page.
🚏 Ride-Specific Shuttle Stop pick-up & drop off locations can be found under the ride information in the Event Calendar.
⏰ Arrive early to your shuttle stop. Our drivers do their best to depart on schedule so everyone can enjoy a smooth ride.
📶 Complimentary WiFi is available onboard.
🎟️ Reservations are required - be prepared to show your confirmation email prior to boarding.
🐕 Only official service animals are permitted onboard. We appreciate your understanding and leaving your pets at home.
🧹 Before exiting, double-check for any belongings left behind and please help us keep the shuttle clean.
❓Contact RanchRide to make changes to your reservation if you are unable to do so directly from the link in your confirmation email.
📞 For immediate assistance during service, contact Lux Bus America Dispatch at 714-905-5409 .