Key West Transit Development Plan FY2025-2034

3.1 Existing Transit Services Overview

3.1 Existing Transit Services Overview Fixed-route service changes occurred in 2022 and 2023 with the implementation of the city’s first micro transit service and the Workforce Express service to Stock Island. The Lower Keys Shuttle continues to reach as far north as Marathon. On the following page, Table 3-1 provides an overview of KWT’s current fixed-route and on-demand service. Figure 3-2 shows the existing fixed-route service provided, as well as the Key West Ride On-Demand Service Area. 3.1.1 Fixed-Route Bus Service Fixed-route service changes occurred in 2022 and 2023 with the implementation of the city’s first micro transit service and the Workforce Express service to Stock Island. The Lower Keys Shuttle continues to reach as far north as Marathon. All routes operate seven days per week, same schedule on weekdays and weekends. Route frequencies vary based on the route and day of service. Duval Loop route operates every 20-30 minutes from 8am to 10pm. Lower Keys Shuttle route operates every 48-131 minutes from 5:35am to 9:54pm. Started July 1, 2024, Workforce Express route operates every 105-175 minutes from 6:45am t0 6:50pm. The Duval Loop continues to operate as fare-free and perform with the highest ridership with approximately 107,000 annual passenger trips, constituting roughly half of the total KWT system ridership. Following closely in ridership demand is the Lower Keys shuttle, facilitating the transportation of over 96,000 annual passenger trips. Additionally, the recently launched Workforce Express route, initiated on June 5, 2023, has provided more than 5,500 passengers within four months of operation.

3.1.2 Key West Rides On-Demand Service The Key West Rides On-Demand Service operates daily, seven days a week, from 6 AM to 8 PM. Trips are required to both begin and conclude within the designated service area, which currently encompasses one zone in Key West, incorporating Stock Island. For specifics regarding the service zone and bus stops, please refer to Figure 3-2 on page 31. The Key West Rides On-Demand service is an innovative transportation solution designed to replace the North and South Lines, providing seamless travel for riders within the community without requiring transfers. This service also links riders with other transit routes, such as the Lower Keys Shuttle and Duval Loop. It operates as a bus stop-to-bus stop service, ensuring that riders are picked up and dropped off as close as possible to their destinations. Booking the On-Demand Service is facilitated through the Key West Ride app. This app-based technology employs algorithms to match multiple riders traveling in the same direction into a single vehicle, facilitating quick and efficient shared trips. Upon booking a ride, the app displays the pick-up location where the vehicle will meet the rider. It operates as a shared ride service, allowing riders to board with others already in the vehicle or making stops to pick up additional passengers along the route. Riders who require wheelchair access or have other large mobility devices should ensure to select the wheelchair icon in the app before requesting a ride. This step ensures that the service provider is notified of the specific accessibility needs of the rider, allowing for appropriate accommodations to be arranged.

Transit Development Plan FY 2025–2034

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