County council approves Votran service redesign to save costs and expand on-demand rides; one member objects

Volusia County Council approved changes to Votran service intended to improve efficiency and reduce cost, including expansion of on-demand shared-ride options in lower-ridership areas.

Bobby King, Votran's transit services director, outlined the plan and told the council the service adjustments have already produced notable ridership increases in areas served by the pilot on-demand system. The county estimates the program reduces the need to replace several large buses and shifts some rides to smaller, shared vehicles, achieving operating-cost savings while preserving coverage.

Vice Chair Matt Reinhardt and Councilman Danny Robbins led the motion to adopt the service changes. The vote passed 5-1.

During debate, Robbins said he supported efficiency but objected to the county directly offering low-cost rides that compete with private companies. "I'm against this for the same reasons I was back when we voted on this initially," Robbins said. "I understand we're saving money from the big buses ... but I still don't like the idea that we are directly competing with private industry."

Supporters said the service fills a transit gap and provides lower-cost options for residents who otherwise lack access to reliable transportation. Kings said shared on-demand rides can be much less expensive than running a large bus on underused routes and that Votran's fare structure remains lower than typical ride-hailing prices for equivalent trips.

The council approved the Votran service change package 5-1; Robbins cast the lone no vote. Staff said Votran would continue to monitor demand and adjust operations as information on ridership and costs is collected.

Ending: Votran will proceed with the service changes and continue reporting cost and ridership data to the county; councilmembers asked staff to return with performance data after implementation.