Citing a lack of riders on some routes and more on others, Lynx is proposing system-wide changes to its bus services \u2014 including eliminating one route, discontinuing trips, and adding service on others.<\/p>\n
The changes come as the bus service is at a major crossroads, with Seminole County having already severely cut back on routes in favor of a rideshare option and Orange County studying a sweeping new \u201cSTAR plan\u201d that would create bus-only lanes on major roads, along with even grander plans for rail lines.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re always looking several times a year at our routes for efficiency and providing the best services that we can,\u201d said Matt Friedman, a Lynx spokesman, in explaining the proposed changes. \u201cThis does not have to do with cost savings.\u201d<\/p>\n
The proposed changes would go into effect on Dec. 13 if approved by the Lynx board at a public meeting this month.<\/p>\n
The most significant one is the discontinuation of Link 701, a bus that runs weekdays in Ocoee between West Oaks Mall and the Orange Technical College\u2019s West Campus.<\/p>\n
Riders may instead use the NeighborLinks 811 and 812, which run routes nearby, officials said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe looked at the ridership trends on this route and noticed that it\u2019s been a steady decline,\u201d said Bruce Detweiler, manager of service planning at Lynx, at a recent meeting.<\/p>\n
Lynx officials, however, did not provide specific ridership numbers on any of the routes.<\/p>\n
Lynx also proposes to discontinue all Saturday service for the Link 1 bus, which runs a route from the Winter Park Village along Kennedy Boulevard through Eatonville to the Maitland Center office complex. It also will discontinue weekday 8:20 p.m. and 9:10 p.m. trips from the Winter Park SunRail station.<\/p>\n
The Link 1 route failed to show any significant ridership on Saturdays, officials said as a reason for the discontinuation.<\/p>\n
On a weekday morning this week, Gail Morgan waited at the Lynx stop near the Winter Park Village to take her into downtown Orlando. Although she was not taking Link 1, she has in the past gone into Eatonville on Saturdays using that bus, she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt would limit my ability to get out and about,\u201d Morgan said. \u201cI can see why [it\u2019s being discontinued] if the bus is empty \u2026 But it\u2019s needed. Uber is a bit expensive for me and some others.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition, Lynx would no longer provide service for Link 6 between the Colonial Plaza SuperStop in Orlando and the Lakemont Avenue and Aloma Avenue stop in Winter Park. Riders could instead use Link 13, which runs in the area.<\/p>\n
Link 407, which runs from the Orlando International Airport to Kissimmee and Medical City would see less daily service to Lake Nona.<\/p>\n
Link 311, which serves the airport, Walt Disney World and Epic Universe, would stop using Tradeshow Boulevard on eastbound trips and instead use Universal Boulevard on eastbound trips to the airport.<\/p>\n
But not all of the route changes are being made because of lower ridership, according to officials. Some routes gained riders, Detweiler said.<\/p>\n
Link 48, which runs along West Colonial Drive and Powers Drive in west Orange, would increase Saturday services to every 30 minutes until 7:45 p.m.<\/p>\n
Link 49, which services Pine Hills and Rosemont areas, also in west Orange, would increase Saturday services to every half hour until 7:30 p.m. Lynx also proposes adding a 12:15 a.m. trip on Saturdays and Sundays from the Lynx Central Station to the Rosemont Superstop.<\/p>\n
\u201cCurrently, both of these routes [Links 48 and 49] operate hourly services on Saturdays,\u201d Detweiler said. \u201cBut after looking at ridership on the routes, we noticed that both had pretty heavy ridership on Saturdays. So we made the decision to add service to these two routes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Other bus routes proposed for schedule adjustments include Link 13 on University Boulevard, Link 18, on South Orange Avenue; Link 20, in the Pine Hills area; Link 23, in Winter Park and Rosemont; Link 26, in Poinciana; Link 36, in Lake Richmond; Link 42, which runs between International Drive and the airport; Link 51, on Conway Road; Link 57, on John Young Parkway; and Link 107 on U.S. Highway 441.<\/p>\n
Lynx held a series of public meetings to gather input from residents and riders throughout September. Public comments also will be accepted through 5 p.m. Oct. 12 at golynx.com\/contactus<\/a><\/p>\n Comments from the public will be presented to the organization\u2019s board of directors.<\/p>\n