Key West Transit Development Plan FY2025-2034

9.1 Short-Term Operating and Capital Improvements

9.1 Short-Term Operating and Capital Improvements The Short-Term Plan serves as a Play Book for the next five years and identifies three key operating improvements and capital investments to enhance service delivery. Operating Improvements The Short-Term Plan identifies three key operating improvements: 1. New Route: Introduction of the North Connector. 2. Service Expansion: » Duval Loop: Expanded service hours. » Lower Keys Shuttle: Increased service frequency. Capital Priorities Key West Transit capital priorities focus on maintaining the system in a State of Good Repair, ensuring safety, and enhancing the customer and service experience. These priorities were identified through outreach and analysis efforts. The following section details the Short-Term Recommendations.

9.1.1 Replacement Vehicles Replacing Key West Transit vehicles that have reached their “Useful Life” will be a priority over the next five years. Maintaining the fleet in a State of Good Repair helps keep maintenance costs manageable and ensures system reliability. Currently, about 68% of the fleet is still within its useful life, as defined by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) based on years of service. In 2024, KWT retired two 23-foot buses from 2003 and has pending orders to maintain the fleet’s good condition. These orders include: Both are expected to be delivered in 2025. Additionally, KWT anticipates receiving 5311 grant funds in 2024, which will be used to procure two new buses, estimated for delivery in 2026. These efforts contribute to the ongoing modernization and expansion of KWT’s transit services. Although this capital priority does not involve expanding existing services (see Long-Term Plan below), inflation and supply-chain/production factors have increased the costs of purchasing new vehicles, impacting annual operating and capital budget considerations. Low Emission Fleet Pilot Key West Transit has ordered its first electric vehicle, which is expected to be delivered in FY25. This vehicle will be piloted on one of the fixed routes, along with the installation of charging equipment at the maintenance facility. This low-emission pilot project aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of electric vehicles and could potentially lead to a full fleet conversion to low-emission technologies. » One 29-foot fixed-route diesel bus » One fixed-route electric vehicle (EV)

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Transit Development Plan FY 2025–2034