Space Coast Transit reported a notable 3.8% rise in fixed route transit services ridership and a 15% surge in demand response ridership over the previous year. These statistics underscore a growing reliance on public transit within the county. In response to this increased demand and in pursuance of environmental sustainability, grant applications were submitted for low and no emission bus and bus facilities grants aimed at acquiring electric vehicles and necessary infrastructure. The details of these electric vehicles were provided, including the anticipated range of approximately 150 miles for the Ford E Transit van and 280 miles for the larger transit buses.

The introduction of a paratransit software system was a key topic of interest. The software promises a significant enhancement to the user experience by enabling patrons to book, modify, and cancel trips independently while also receiving notifications about their vehicle’s arrival. This innovation aims to reduce the call center’s workload and improve service efficiency while maintaining traditional call services for patrons who prefer or require them.

Discussions also delved into the Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan update, where a proposal to change the standard for call answering times from a quantifiable metric to “as expeditiously as possible” was met with concerns from board members. The lack of measurability and potential impact on service quality were raised, prompting a broader conversation on the need for clear standards and effective monitoring of call response times.

The meeting addressed further concerns regarding the scheduling challenges faced by patrons, particularly the requirement to schedule trips seven days in advance and the limitation to one trip per day. A member of the public articulated the difficulties this presents, especially for those without alternative transportation options. The necessity to comply with the rider’s guide and federal and state law was emphasized, and a suggestion was made for the literature to include planning tips for individuals with disabilities. The board recognized the importance of understanding and addressing these unmet needs within the community, considering the potential for an application to facilitate trip scheduling and provide greater visibility of trip availability.

Member Diane Dixon spotlighted the significance of transportation in enabling employment and community participation for individuals with disabilities. She called for a more active board role between meetings. During the public comment period, Margaret Campbell voiced frustrations with the Paratransit service’s scheduling process, which often led to difficulties in securing timely trips for essential activities. These comments reinforced the meeting’s focus on identifying and addressing the challenges of providing accessible and efficient transportation services for the disadvantaged.

As the meeting progressed, the challenge of balancing call volumes with client satisfaction and service delivery was discussed. The feasibility of defining and adhering to specific hold times was debated, with members advocating for a balance between operational practicality and client needs. Additionally, the board discussed the transitioning of individuals from Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) services to fixed routes, considering the potential impact of reducing the target number for transitioning individuals to 0.5%.