- May 19, 2024
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Volusia County is looking to increase its Votran fares, a lengthy federally required process to which the Volusia County Council gave its unanimous approval to move forward at its meeting on Tuesday, May 7.
The small increases in fares — ranging from 15 cents to $4, based on fare type — is estimated to generate a total revenue of over $2.9 million, up from the almost $2.53 million generated from the current rates. Though staff could have brought before the council a proposal that would double the current fares, Bobbie King, county director of Transit Services, said it’s frowned upon to increase fares dramatically.
“We have to follow some rules about keeping it equitable,” King said.
The proposed fare changes are as follows:
The reduced fares are available to those 65 years and older, youth ages 7-18 and people with disabilities.
“Votran, in my opinion, is absolutely one of the best bargains on public transit that I’ve ever seen in any city where I’ve ever been,” County Councilman Troy Kent said. “… When you look at how everything else has gone up in our every day life, this is the best bargain around.”
A majority of the increased revenue from the proposed fare increase would be generated by the Paratransit Gold Service, according to data shared by the county at the meeting. Revenue is expected to increase from $535,749 a year to $803,624. King said the county completes about 900 Paratransit Gold Service rides a day, a service available to people with physical or mental disabilities who cannot use the standard bus service.
King also spoke about VoRide, the county’s rideshare service that operates in DeLand, Deltona, Debary and Orange City. Riders are currently charged $2 for a one-way trip. The county is considering increases the rates for trips longer than the average ride of 1-8 miles and another dollar for rides 15-20 miles long.
County Councilman Don Dempsey said he’s never been in favor of VoRide because it competes with private industries such as Uber, Lyft and taxis. He said he’d like to ensure that VoRide’s fares are equal to theirs.
“It’s got to be hard for them to compete with $2 fares when they’re charging $10,” Dempsey said.
Council Chair Jeff Brower said the VoRide program presentation King did for the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission has put the county on the map, and other counties — such as Seminole and Osceola — have asked to learn more.
“You’re breaking the rules here and thinking out of the box and making Volusia County look really good,” Brower said.
The county will plan to conduct at least six community meetings to discuss the fare increases, which could go into effect in January 2025.
