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Flagler County hears 10‑year transit plan update; consultants propose fixed routes and on‑demand zones
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Summary
Consultants told the Flagler County Board on Feb. 9 that a 10‑year Transit Development Plan could include hourly fixed routes and point‑to‑point on‑demand zones, but recommended phased rollout tied to funding, staffing and ridership. The board asked for final adoption next month and encouraged further outreach.
Consultants presenting the fiscal‑year 2026–35 Transit Development Plan (TDP) told the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 9 that the county’s current demand‑response system appears efficient but that population growth and commuting patterns create demand for expanded services.
"Ridership is beginning to rebound to pre‑pandemic levels," Jonathan Roberson of the Center for Urban Transportation Research said, adding that county population projections shown in the presentation extend toward "almost 200,000 or more by 2050." Roberson said the analysis identified pockets of high need — seniors, households without a vehicle and areas of multifamily housing — that could justify new services.
Roberson described two planning‑level service concepts the consultant and staff will analyze further: fixed‑route corridors operating weekdays on roughly 60‑minute headways with stops every quarter mile and a planning assumption of a $1 fare, and point‑to‑point on‑demand (MOD) zones that could provide same‑day scheduled trips and connect with fixed routes. He emphasized those are concepts for the 10‑year horizon and said the next phase will estimate ridership, costs and financial feasibility.
Consultants reported 390 completed online surveys and additional outreach to riders and drivers. They said responses showed interest in fixed routes, Saturday service, weekday evening service and same‑day scheduling; drivers asked for better trip‑planning information, reminders for dialysis trips, and support for obtaining CDLs. The presentation also identified operational issues: scheduling delays (sometimes up to two weeks) and limited staffing.
County staff and commissioners questioned how comparable fixed‑route systems are funded and how the county’s current farebox and cost per trip compare to peers. Roberson said Flagler County’s per‑capita trip cost and per‑trip cost were lower than many peer counties in the report and described a higher farebox recovery ratio relative to those peers, while warning that fixed‑route service and on‑demand zones will require additional staffing and capital and must be prioritized against other county needs.
Consultants said the TDP will next develop ridership estimates, refine financial plans (including possible pursuit of Federal Transit Administration 5307 funding), and return to the board with a final plan for formal adoption next month. Chair and commissioners encouraged further outreach and asked staff to continue refining cost estimates and potential corridors.
