Rod Delostrinos, Director of Transportation for Key West, joined Good Morning Keys on KeysTalk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s been going on with transportation.
The Workforce Express bus was launched recently in the city.
Delostrinos said, “The Workforce Express came out of analysis really from the Key West rides on demand. What we noticed was there was a group of people that are coming from the same place and kind of going to the same general area. So we built this route. Because those times are typically when folks are going to work.”
The service runs from 6 to 10 a.m. and from 4 to 8 p.m.
Delostrinos explained, “It runs from Stock Island to Bahama Village and has about 12 stops. It’s really exciting because it’s a lot faster than the traditional fixed route, faster than the on demand. We’re just trying to provide services for the folks that need them the most.”
The North Line and South Line ceased operation yesterday.
Delostrinos said, “We’re hoping that the on demand is going to take hold because you’re not limited to what the schedule says. It’s when you want to go.”
Anybody can ride the Workforce Express.
Delostrinos said, “We’re going to be constantly looking at that and saying are there other ways that we can better serve the community?”
The Key West Rides Program has been in operation for seven months now.
Delostrinos said, “We’ve completed a little over 22,000 rides. So it’s picking up and we think that with the Workforce Express and, and the Key West Rides, that service is going to pick up even more. We’re trying to add many vehicles. We’ve been very fortunate with our hiring, we’re filling those slots, which really equates to better service to the ridership. So we’re really excited about that.”
Key West Rides can be downloaded to your cell phone as an app or click here: http://www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov/888/Key-West-Rides-On-Demand-Bus-Service
You can also call 305-809-3910.
Delostrinos said, “So it’s pretty accessible. We’re trying to improve the app, and there are definitely some tweaks to be made. But we’re very optimistic. I think the program is working well. And we just asked for folks to try it and continually give us your feedback.”
The Lower Keys Shuttle is also still available as well.
Delostrinos said, “It’s actually the highest performing route that we have. That’s from six o’clock in the morning until 10 o’clock at night. There’s two buses that leave early in the morning, one from Key West and one from Marathon, and they get kind of this crossover. At some times of the day, there’s actually four of those Lower Keys Shuttle buses out there, just because the way our scheduling works. So there’s a higher amount of service midday, but it’s absolutely been a critical thing. We want people to have a good time, but then to find a safe way homes. And we’re definitely willing to provide that type of service.”
Park and Ride is yet another option for people who commute.
Delostrinos said, “We have our Park and Ride on Grinnell Street in downtown. When you park there, you can access the bus for free as part of the service. You have to have your parking stub with you, but you could also access the Duvall loop right there. It’s really a great way to park the vehicle and just really get out and explore.”
There’s also a workers parking program where people can use the Park and Ride and then access the bus or ride their bike to work.
Delostrinos said, “So really we have something for everyone.”
Transportation is incredibly important during a hurricane evacuation and with hurricane season upon us, it’s crucial to know the options.
Delostrinos said, “We’re really proud of our Emergency Management Program, with the city of Key West working in conjunction with the county. One of the things that we do in the Category One or Category Two storms, where there’s not necessarily mandatory evacuation of the Keys, we will provide transportation to whatever shelters that are open. Now, in the event of a mandatory evacuation in the Category Three or Four, we provide transportation to the Monroe County shelters, which are located in in Miami at the Florida National University. We’ll typically collect everybody up here at the transit facility on Stock Island and then transport the folks up to the shelters. When the danger has passed and they reopen, then we’ll bring folks back. That’s one of our really our key missions. And we take that very seriously. We’re helping the community. We want to provide these great services and we’re just happy to be a part of it.”