MEMBER MICRONEWS

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CITRUS CONNECTION'S BUS ROUTE
EXPERIENCING CAPACITY ISSUES

Due to impending necessary budget cuts at Citrus Connection - Lakeland’s public transit entity – bus riders are already starting to feel the effects, even before the main cutbacks are initiated on July 6^th next month.

As a byproduct of the recent staff reductions and successful proactive relocation initiative by Citrus Connection, Route 1 (South Florida Ave) service was changed from 30 minute pick-up service to 1 hour pick up service June 8th through July 6^th.

“Reducing pick up times doesn’t reduce our riders’ need for public transportation, and many customers right now are feeling the discomfort of these cutbacks well before the actual service reductions take hold,” said Citrus Connection Executive Director Tom Phillips. “On Route 1, the bus is sometimes over capacity, including any available standing room. Customers may experience longer wait times due to this, and we regret any inconvenience this causes.”

The bus on Route 1 is currently transporting 50-80 people per stop who are trying to get to work and appointments in that area.

“We want the public to know first and foremost, we don’t want to see this happen, added Philips. “Our public transit needs keep expanding, but everyone here is determined to continue to provide the best possible service for our customers regardless of the service reductions. We’re going to do the best we can with what we have to work with. We have everyone that can drive a bus behind the wheel, and all available busses running, including our largest capacity bus servicing Route 1. And if you ride the bus and bring your bike, please bring a bike lock to secure your personal item.”

On July 6^th, Route 1 service will revert back from 1 hour pick-up to 30 minute pick-up service.

“We’re continually working with the community to provide public/private partnerships and positive community programs like the Summer of Safety,” said Phillips. “We’re properly utilizing our available funds to maintain our staff and fleet for a safe, service-oriented experience. And we will continue to do everything we can within our budgeted means.”

Public transit in Polk County is provided by Citrus Connection, Winter Haven Area Transit and Polk County Transit Services, operated through Polk County. Citrus Connection picks up and delivers more than 6,000 people to work, play and school and other destinations every day. They provide specialized transportation for citizens who are unable to use regular service. For more information regarding the program, visit www.ridecitrus.com.

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SBAC ONLINE RESOURCES LISTED

The Polk County Small Business Assistance Center is pleased to announce 2 additional online resources for Polk County small business owners.

The updated website now features a FAQ section that can answer most preliminary questions that perspective small business owners have. In addition a downloadable strategic plan is available for business owners that are at any stage in their operation that wish to formulate or revise their existing strategic plan.

Links to SBAC website/homepage as well as links to the FAQ and Strategic Business Plan (also on the SBAC homepage) can be found below.

http://www.cfdc.org/sbac/

http://www.cfdc.org/CentralFlorida/media/Central-Florida/Start%20Expand/SBAC-FAQ-2015.pdf

http://www.cfdc.org/CentralFlorida/media/Central-Florida/Start%20Expand/SBAC-Strategic-Development-Plan-2015.pdf


MEMBER MICRONEWS ### CITRUS CONNECTION'S BUS ROUTE EXPERIENCING CAPACITY ISSUES Due to impending necessary budget cuts at Citrus Connection - Lakeland’s public transit entity – bus riders are already starting to feel the effects, even before the main cutbacks are initiated on July 6^th next month. As a byproduct of the recent staff reductions and successful proactive relocation initiative by Citrus Connection, Route 1 (South Florida Ave) service was changed from 30 minute pick-up service to 1 hour pick up service June 8th through July 6^th. “Reducing pick up times doesn’t reduce our riders’ need for public transportation, and many customers right now are feeling the discomfort of these cutbacks well before the actual service reductions take hold,” said Citrus Connection Executive Director Tom Phillips. “On Route 1, the bus is sometimes over capacity, including any available standing room. Customers may experience longer wait times due to this, and we regret any inconvenience this causes.” The bus on Route 1 is currently transporting 50-80 people per stop who are trying to get to work and appointments in that area. “We want the public to know first and foremost, we don’t want to see this happen, added Philips. “Our public transit needs keep expanding, but everyone here is determined to continue to provide the best possible service for our customers regardless of the service reductions. We’re going to do the best we can with what we have to work with. We have everyone that can drive a bus behind the wheel, and all available busses running, including our largest capacity bus servicing Route 1. And if you ride the bus and bring your bike, please bring a bike lock to secure your personal item.” On July 6^th, Route 1 service will revert back from 1 hour pick-up to 30 minute pick-up service. “We’re continually working with the community to provide public/private partnerships and positive community programs like the Summer of Safety,” said Phillips. “We’re properly utilizing our available funds to maintain our staff and fleet for a safe, service-oriented experience. And we will continue to do everything we can within our budgeted means.” Public transit in Polk County is provided by Citrus Connection, Winter Haven Area Transit and Polk County Transit Services, operated through Polk County. Citrus Connection picks up and delivers more than 6,000 people to work, play and school and other destinations every day. They provide specialized transportation for citizens who are unable to use regular service. For more information regarding the program, visit www.ridecitrus.com. ### SBAC ONLINE RESOURCES LISTED The Polk County Small Business Assistance Center is pleased to announce 2 additional online resources for Polk County small business owners. The updated website now features a FAQ section that can answer most preliminary questions that perspective small business owners have. In addition a downloadable strategic plan is available for business owners that are at any stage in their operation that wish to formulate or revise their existing strategic plan. Links to SBAC website/homepage as well as links to the FAQ and Strategic Business Plan (also on the SBAC homepage) can be found below. http://www.cfdc.org/sbac/ http://www.cfdc.org/CentralFlorida/media/Central-Florida/Start%20Expand/SBAC-FAQ-2015.pdf http://www.cfdc.org/CentralFlorida/media/Central-Florida/Start%20Expand/SBAC-Strategic-Development-Plan-2015.pdf
Newsletter1 - June 22, 2015