- November 23, 2024
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The Volusia County Transit Services Division will host a series of public meetings in the coming two months to gather community input on proposed fare increases.
If approved by the Volusia County Council, these proposed increases would be the first fare adjustments since 2015 and take effect on Jan. 1, 2025. In addition to public meetings, community members can provide feedback through various channels, including direct submissions on buses, via the Votran website, or by mail. This multi-faceted approach ensures that all residents have an opportunity to share their views on the proposed fare changes.
"The proposed increase will allow us to maintain a high level of service across all of our forms of public transportation in the county," Transit Services Director Bobbie King said. "We are confident that even with the proposed increases, Votran will continue to be a competitive transportation option."
Proposed fares to take effect on Jan. 1, 2025:
Last fiscal year, Transit Services recorded over two million boardings, marking a 38% increase from the previous year. Federal and state grants, fare collections, and the county General Fund support Votran's $30 million budget. The proposed fare increase is projected to boost annual revenues by approximately $740,000.
King further explained the county’s commitment to efficiency and cost-saving measures, such as coordinating fuel purchases, launching VoRide, optimizing Gold Service trips, and maximizing grant funds utilization. Votran operates debt-free with no unfunded liabilities.
Details about the proposed fare changes and ability to submit comments are available on all Votran buses, at the customer service booth at the Transfer Plaza, and at the Votran Office. Feedback can also be submitted electronically through the Votran website via the "Contact Us" page, and comment cards can be handed to bus operators or mailed to Votran at 950 Big Tree Road, South Daytona, FL 32119.
The following public meetings will be held in an open-house format:
Daytona Beach Area:
West Volusia:
Southeast Volusia:
For those who cannot attend in person, two virtual public meetings are scheduled for Wednesday, June 26, from 3-6 p.m. and Monday, July 8, from 10 a.m. to noon. Links to these meetings will be posted on www.votran.org prior to the sessions.
The Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board will review public comments at a meeting beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 10, at the Votran Office, 950 Big Tree Road, South Daytona. Public comments will be accepted during this session.
All comments must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 19. For more information, contact the Transit Services Division at 386-257-6000.
