St. Lucie County, Florida, operates a micro-transit system for residents in rural areas, and communities not serviced by other networks.
St. Lucie County, Florida, has developed a micro-transit program to improve transportation access for rural and underserved areas where traditional bus routes don’t reach. Using ADA-accessible vans, the initiative focuses on providing “first and last-mile” solutions, enabling residents to connect to main bus routes or reach essential services like grocery stores, healthcare, and workplaces. The program has reduced costs by avoiding the higher expenses of fixed-route buses, adapting service hours and routes based on demand for greater flexibility.
According to NACo,
St. Lucie County could not afford to create fixed routes for every main road throughout the county (a fixed route bus is $600,000 and costs about $90 an hour to run, while a micro-transit van is $70,000 and costs about $26 an hour to run), so creating a micro-transit system has been the most efficient way for the county to increase transportation access to its growing population…
This micro-transit service has already proven popular, with over 4,200 users and more zones planned for coverage. By offering free rides within three dedicated zones, St. Lucie County aims to increase mobility and independence for residents who rely on public transportation, especially low-income individuals or those without vehicles. Riders can book rides through a mobile app, which makes the service accessible and user-friendly, addressing gaps in public transit.
For rural counties, this program exemplifies how targeted, cost-effective transit solutions can bridge service gaps in remote or low-density areas. St. Lucie’s approach has not only been recognized with awards but also highlights a scalable model for improving rural transportation infrastructure without the need for traditional bus routes.
