- December 26, 2024
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The Flagler County paratransit bus system hasn’t missed a beat taking its users to and from doctors’ offices, banks, stores – and other quality-of-life trips – while following robust safety protocols, including the new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) mask mandate.
“We want our qualified residents to have confidence they will be safe riding our buses,” said Interim Chief of Staff Heidi Petito. “We have been taking extra measures all along from stringent cleaning procedures to social distancing. We’ve been asking riders to wear masks all along, and this bolsters the best practices we’ve been following all along.”
The federal face mask requirement extends to the nation’s domestic network of airports, and surface transportation modes such as passenger rail, bus systems, and over-the-road bus companies.
“TSA will fully comply with the President’s Executive Orders, CDC guidance and the DHS National Emergency determination to ensure healthy and secure travel across all transportation sectors,” said Darby LaJoye, senior official performing the duties of the TSA administrator in an agency news release. “This will help prevent further spread of COVID-19 and encourage a unified government response.”
Enrollment is open to all Flagler County residents who qualify to use the county’s transportation service. Priority is given to those who are disabled, elderly or transportation disadvantaged. Applications can take up to 10 days to process, and are available online.
There are no fixed routes, which means Flagler County Public Transportation operates a door-to-door routing service. Wheelchair lift equipped vehicles are available.
Costs are $2 per ride, one way, within Flagler County. Trips for doctors’ appointments in either Volusia or St. Johns counties are $15 per ride, one way.
“Riders can schedule recreational trips – for things like shopping at Target, going to the gym, or to get their nails done – between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.,” said Transportation Manager Joel Cox. “Transportation is alive and well here in Flagler County. We are open for business.”
Hours of operation are 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 386-313-4100. Reservations should ideally be made a week in advance.