Council debates transit cuts and microtransit; blocks paratransit fare increase 4–3

The Volusia County Council spent a major portion of its May 5 meeting on a mini‑budget review of transit services that included proposals to shift some low‑ridership Sunday fixed‑route service to microtransit, reduce frequency on routes previously supported by FDOT grant funding, and potentially remove a persistently low‑ridership route in Deltona.

Bobby King, Transit Services Director, summarized the options and projected savings. King said eliminating outlier Sunday fixed routes in the Daytona area and filling gaps with Votran microtransit vehicles would yield roughly $77,000 in savings; reducing Routes 3, 4 and 11 to 60‑minute frequencies (FDOT grant support ended) and other adjustments would increase savings; removing Route 33 could save another $150,000. King told council the changes could yield about $336,000 in total savings under certain assumptions and noted capital grant and local‑match constraints.

Council members pressed staff on public outreach and equity. Vice Chair Matt Reinhardt and others emphasized on‑the‑ground outreach at transfer stations; King said staff would run at least a dozen public engagement events, including virtual meetings, and use app and website notices. Several council members warned that microtransit choice riders can take longer trips and that Vride is not a replacement for paratransit services for riders who rely on eligibility programs.

The most contentious decision involved a staff‑proposed $0.50 increase to paratransit fares (projected to bring about $95,000 in revenue). Opponents argued the increase would harm low‑income and disabled riders; proponents said incremental adjustments are needed to cover rising costs. Vice Chair Reinhardt moved — and Don Dempsey seconded — a motion to reject the 50‑cent increase. Roll call votes (Dempsey, Johansen, Reinhardt, Robbins voted Yes; Kent, Santiago, Brower voted No) resulted in a 4–3 vote to block the fare increase.

With the paratransit fare increase defeated, staff will continue public outreach on proposed service changes (returning for final approval on June 16) and monitor ridership, grant funding, and operating costs.

Why it matters: Transit changes affect low‑income, elderly and disabled riders who rely on paratransit and fixed‑route services. Council’s decision to block the fare increase preserves current paratransit pricing while the county explores service redesigns and other savings.