DELAND -- Votran, Volusia County’s public transit system, will hold four public meetings this month to receive comments on bus service reductions that have been proposed as part of county government’s overall goal to reducethe 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.
“These service changes have been recommended to reduce operating costs while affecting the fewest number of riders,” Votran General Manager Ken Fischer said.
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 Oct. 1. The service reductions were presented in concept to the county council in March.
“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,” Fischer said.
“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,” Fischer said. “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 an online form can be completed at Votran.org. 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.