Palm Tran director gives ridership figures as commissioners press for funding and service goals

Commissioners asked how the CTMP's recommended transit actions would translate into measurable service outcomes. Lynn Johnson, interim director for Palm Tran, told the board the system logged roughly 9.8 million trips last year (fixed-route plus paratransit) and the agency estimates about 25,000 unique riders systemwide, with roughly 15–17,000 unique fixed-route riders. "We had 9,800,000 trips last year for fixed route and paratransit total, system wide," Johnson said.

Board members pressed for concrete goals tied to funding and ridership targets, and for clarity on whether the CTMP's quick-win recommendations for increased frequency and shelters would be coordinated with Palm Tran's existing Transit Development Plan. Consultants and staff said federal grant programs could help fund bus shelters and frequency pilots and that more detailed performance targets would be defined in the implementation phase.