SANFORD, Fla. — Thousands of Lynx Bus riders may see changes in the number of routes available to them in the next few months if Seminole County leaders approve a plan to reduce the number of routes.

Officials are consider turning toward more individual-based transportation for current bus riders.

What You Need To Know

  • Thousands of Lynx Bus riders may see changes in the number of routes available to them in the next few months if Seminole County leaders approve a plan to reduce the number of routes

  • Officials are consider turning toward more individual-based transportation for current bus riders

  • They say the service will look similar to Uber or Lyft, but will utilize ADA-compliant six-passenger vans

  • County commissioners have a list of finalist vendors that are currently discussing the feasibility of the proposal

  • Commissioner Amy Lockhart said they hope to select a vendor during the summer and have services up and running by October

According to Amy Lockhart, the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners is evaluating a proposal to introduce a micro-transit system.

“It will look similar to Uber or Lyft — if you’re familiar with that type of transportation — but it will be slightly different in that they’ll be vans, six-passenger vans, most likely, that will be ADA compliant,” said Lockhart, who represents District 4.

She said residents will call or reserve a vehicle that would pick them up and take them where they want to go.

“We’re excited about this change. It’s going to be different than what you’re used to, but different isn’t bad,” Lockhart said. “We’re excited that we’re going to be able to provide a better service to our citizens in a new way that will hopefully be a much better option for everyone.”

Lockhart said the move was prompted by a decline in the number of passengers using the Lynx buses each day, and an increase in how much the county has to pay for Lynx services. Lockhart said in 2019, the county was paying roughly $7 million annually for Lynx services — the cost is now closer to $17 million.

Vanessa Villa, who relies on the Lynx services multiple times each week, said she's seen the decline in demand firsthand. She said in 2023 the buses were regularly packed, but now they are usually empty.

Villa supports the idea of scaling back Lynx routes in favor of the micro-transit system.  

Geneva resident Mark Evans said he is also on board for a more individual-based service.

“That would be nice," he said. "Yeah, that would keep me from having to jump on the train to go over there ... and also the buses don’t go out to the flea market," he said. "I love flea markets."

This proposal, if passed, would not entirely eliminate Lynx services from Seminole County.

A Lynx representative told Spectrum News 13 that they have not received official direction from Seminole County on the upcoming changes, and at this time, buses are operating as usual.

The county’s plan is to have a three-month overlap period during which both services will be running at the same time to give people time to get used to the change.

Lockhart said exact pricing for passengers is still being evaluated by planning vendors, who are currently working alongside the Board of Commissioners.

“We’ll be able to help through setting policy guide pricing so that if you are someone that is low income, or is in some type of disadvantaged position, we could give discounts for those riders,” Lockhart said.

Lockhart said county officials hope to select a vendor during the summer and have services up and running by October.