June 1, 2010
Michelle Coats, APR, CPRC
Community Information Specialist
Votran seeks public input on proposed route
changes
Votran, Volusia County’s public transit system, will hold four public
meetings in June to receive comments on bus service reductions that have
been proposed as part of county government’s overall goal to reduce the
2010-11 fiscal year budget by approximately $23 million.
Proposed Votran service eliminations include the express
route 200 to Orlando from the Orange City park and ride lot, beachside
trolleys, some holiday service, route 24, and southeast Volusia routes 42,
43, and 44 (See map).
“These service changes have been recommended to reduce
operating costs while affecting the fewest number of riders,” said Votran
General Manager Ken Fischer. The changes are subject to final approval in
September by the Volusia County Council as part of the adoption of the
overall county budget for the fiscal year that begins October 1. The service
reductions were presented in concept to the county council in March.
More information about these routes.
“Our next step is to hold these public meetings, gather
public input, and then move toward educating citizens about any changes that
are brought back to the county council for final approval,” said Fischer.
“Significant savings in the Votran budget can be achieved only through a
reduction in service.”
Fischer said the changes reduce bus service by more than
6,000 hours annually at a savings of approximately $700,000.
“This is an unpleasant position to be in, especially in
light of economic factors that are hitting our most vulnerable residents in
the pocketbook,” said Fischer. “At the same time, Votran’s costs also are
rising and our revenues are declining.”
Votran will hold four public meetings in June to receive
comments on proposed service changes. A final recommendation on route
changes is expected to be considered by the County Council in July.
The public meetings will be:
- Monday, June 21, 4-6 p.m. at the Brannon Center, 105
Riverside Drive, New Smyrna Beach. This location is served by Votran
routes 42, 43 and 44.
- Tuesday, June 22, 4-6 p.m. at Votran Headquarters,
950 Big Tree Road, South Daytona. This location is served by Votran
route 7.
- Wednesday, June 23, 5-7 p.m. in the auditorium at
Pierson Elementary School, 1 West First Avenue, Pierson.
- Thursday, June 24, 5-7 p.m. in the City Council
Chambers at Deltona City Hall, 2345 Providence Boulevard, Deltona. This
location is served by Votran routes 21 and 22.
People unable to attend the public meetings can submit
written comments. Written comments can be handed to Votran drivers or a
form can be completed online.
Written comments also can be mailed to Votran Route Elimination, 950 Big
Tree Road, South Daytona, FL 32119. All correspondence should include name
and address for the official record. Written comments will be accepted prior
to June 30.
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