GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – The City of Gainesville’s Regional Transit System (RTS) is set to adjust bus services, influenced by budget constraints, funding reductions, and high operating costs over the past three years.
The city says that despite a 7.3% increase in ridership in Fiscal Year 2024, this rebound does not fully cover rising costs. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes coming to RTS services:
Holiday Service Changes
- As of Oct. 1, 2024, RTS has discontinued service on holidays like Veterans Day, Black Friday, and Christmas Eve.
Paratransit Service Adjustments
- The Paratransit service, which provides door-to-door rides for eligible riders with disabilities, will now serve only locations within three-quarters of a mile from a fixed route.
Fare-Free Pass Requirement
- Starting Jan.1, 2025, riders 18 and younger and those 65 and older will need to register for a pass to access free rides.
- An online application system for these passes will be available by year’s end.
UF and RTS Partnership on Route Adjustments
- The University of Florida (UF) is evaluating efficient transit solutions, particularly as they apply to student fees funding specific routes. Here’s what’s changing:
- Route 25 to Gainesville Regional Airport will end on Jan. 3, 2025, with resources reallocated to other student-focused services.
- Campus Route Adjustments Effective Jan. 3, 2025:
- Route 125 – Will be operated by UF’s Campus Connectors.
- Route 122 – Returns to its original north/south direction.
- Route 150 – UF will take over this route’s operations.
- Route 1 – Adjusted to enter campus on Museum Road, stopping at the Reitz Union before resuming its route.
The city says that with these modifications, the city and UF are striving to balance budget limitations while maintaining essential service levels for all RTS users.