Rogelio Hernandez, Director of Transportation for the city of Key West, joined Good Morning Keys on KeysTalk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s going on in the city.
Hernandez was recently promoted from interim director to director.
He said, “I’m deeply honored in upper management’s confidence in me as the new director and one of our main goals is to provide a safe and dependable, timely mode of transportation and, of course, affordable and as we begin this new chapter in transit, I’m very grateful for the opportunity, and I’m excited.”
The Lower Keys Shuttle is celebrating 20 years of service.
Hernandez said, “It was launched back in 2005 and it’s funded by federal grants and an inter local agreement between the county and the city of Marathon, of course, with the city Key West, and to date, we have provided over 1.5 million trips on the Lower Keys Shuttle, which is impressive. It’s one of the safest and most economical ways to travel in the Lower Keys.”
Park and Ride will see some more help soon.
Hernandez said, “The commissioners approved last year $2.1 million in grants for the renovation of the parking garage. Now that garage is in need of some TLC. It’s about 30 years old, and that project will include repair of cosmetic spalding, fresh paint, restriping of parking spots. We’re going to be upgrading our surveillance camera system. It’s definitely in need of some TLC.”
It will also be even easier to pay the fares for the transit system.
Hernandez said, “The commissioners last year approved a $300,000 grant from FDOT, which will help us in replacing some outdated and obsolete fare box collection systems. Now those fare boxes are located on board the bus, and this new upgrade will modernize the fare collection and offer more convenience and efficient experience for the riders. So we’ll be able to accept Google Pay payment, Apple pay, credit cards, payments on board the bus. It’ll be an overall great experience for the drivers.”
The on demand service Key West rides continues to grow as well.
Hernandez said, “Every month that ridership continues to increase compared to last year, and this year is no different. We are looking at possibly teaming up with Monroe County and their Conch Connect service. So more information to come in the future on that. But it’s a great service, and it’s just getting bigger and bigger. We both, as both the county the city, look at improving and providing the best possible transportation service to the residents. We will definitely be looking at possibly integrating these two systems together.”
A real time map on the website shows exactly where buses are right now.
Hernandez said, “KW transit and Passio Go app that can be downloaded on your mobile phone, whether it’s Apple or Android. It’s the best way to get up to date information on the bus service.
For more information, click here: http://www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov/595/Schedules-and-Route-Maps