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Jan. 17, 2008
Michelle Coats, APR
Community Information Specialist

Votran: Almost 3.4 million boardings during past year

The County’s public transit system recorded 3,389,978 boardings during the fiscal year (FY) that ended Sept. 30, according to numbers released by Votran officials. The number represents a slight dip in Votran ridership during the last fiscal year.

“We’re pleased to see how many people recognize that public transit offers an economical and environmentally sound alternative to driving,” said Votran General Manager Lois Bollenback. “A variety of factors affect transit ridership, and generally we see increases each year. But, a fare increase along with cuts in the Medicaid program limited growth during this period.”

Fixed route ridership throughout Volusia County, including trolley service, totaled 2,982,506 in FY 2007 - a 3 percent decrease. Worth noting, however, is the continued growth of night service climbing almost 14 percent in FY 2007. The night service route 17 grew 20 percent and route 1 increased by 18 percent during the year. The busiest route continues to be the Route 1 A/B, which serves S.R. A1A and the Granada Boulevard area in Ormond Beach, with nearly 427,407 boardings (comprising almost 16 percent of the east side service).

Ridership in West Volusia, including the Route 200 express, was 386,583, up 5 percent from the previous year. Route 22 in Deltona experienced a 16 percent increase in boardings. The cross-county connector route 60 ridership increased 8 percent.

Fixed route ridership for East Volusia, including night service, was 2,555,759. Night service recorded 156,739 boardings this past year, up 14 percent.

Votran’s Gold Service paratransit vans transported 323,122 people, down slightly from the previous year. The decrease is attributed to a shift of Medicaid trips to private health service providers. Medicaid trips decreased 20 percent in FY 2007.

Special events and park and ride services were down again from last year. Boardings associated with special movements totaled 40,164.

The Commuter Van Pool program remained steady at 26 vans and 84,350 trips in 2007, saving participants 134,202 gallons of fuel over the course of the year. Utilization of Commuter Assistance programs are expected to increase as fuel costs rise, Bollenback said.

The van pool program is open to any group of four to eight people who commute to work at the same general time and location. Vans are purchased by Votran with federal dollars and participants share in the cost of operations.