Michelle Coats, APR
January 30, 2007
Community Information Specialist
Votran: Over 3.5 Million boardings during past year
Votran ridership increased again in the last fiscal year. The
County’s public transit system recorded 3,501,935 boardings during the
fiscal year (FY) that ended September 30, according to numbers released
by Votran officials.
"We’re pleased to see how many people recognize that
public transit can offer an economical alternative to driving," said
Votran General Manager Lois Bollenback. "A variety of factors affect
transit ridership. We generally see increases each year but recent
increases appear to be connected to the spike in fuel prices."
"Fixed route ridership throughout Volusia County,
including tro lley service, totaled 3,013,243 in FY 2006," added
Bollenback. "That’s a 4 percent increase." Also worth noting is the 18
percent growth in ridership on night routes. The night service route 15
is the fastest growing route with a 34 percent increase. 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 415,000 trips.
Ridership in West Volusia was 350,510 for the year.
Route 22 in Deltona experienced a 14 percent increase in boardings and
Route 21 grew by seven percent. The cross-county connector route 60
ridership increased 8 percent.
Fixed route ridership for East Volusia, including
extended night service, was 3,013,243. Night service recorded 137,756
boardings this past year.
Votran’s Gold Service paratransit vans transported 326,476 people, up
slightly from the previous year. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
trips were up nearly 19 percent and Medicaid trips decreased 26 percent
in FY 2006.
Special events and park and ride services were down
slightly from last year. Boardings associated with special movements
totaled 58,310.
The Commuter Van Pool program grew to 29 vans and 103,906 trips in
2006, saving participants 175,322 gallons of fuel over the course of the
year. This reflects an increase in the number of van pools, which
climbed from 25 to 29. Additional program expansions are expected during
the upcoming year, Bollenback said. During FY 2006, the Votran van pool
program helped to reduce vehicle miles by an estimated 4,383,040 miles,
saving 175,322 gallons of gasoline.
The van pool program is open to any group of 6 - 10 people who
commute to work at the same general time and location. Vans are
purchased by the state and paid for by a federal grant. Members share
the cost of operations.
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