Key West Transit Development Plan FY2025-2034

5.1 Situation Appraisal

The paratransit services for the transportation disadvantaged are managed and operated by Monroe County and the nonprofit organization, Guidance Care Center (GCC), under an operating agreement with the County. In addition, GCC is the designated by the Florida Commission for Transportation Disadvantaged (CTD) as the County’s Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC) and is therefore responsible for the provision of Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) in Monroe County. In addition, GCC provides TD services through provider agreements with individual vendors known as coordinated contractors. These programs allow the GCC to meet the cross-county trip demands of eligible Monroe County residents. In 2023, Monroe County Board of County Commissioners made the formal decision to engage in a county wide transit system. Monroe County Transit is a division of Monroe County, Florida. The primary goal of MCT is to serve its five municipalities by providing a public transit system that reduces congestion, has frequent and reliable service, and is safe to ride. In 2024, Transit Division completed an existing conditions study to better understand what is currently being offered and make informed decisions on future services. KWT is also responsible for operations of the park-and-ride garage and has a total of forty-three personnel. KWT is a rural transit system and, as the city is not part of a metropolitan planning organization (MPO), KWT does not function in collaboration with an MPO as in the typical functional framework for transit agencies in most other areas in Florida. The MPO is usually relied upon to ensure State and Federal funding for existing and future transit operating and capital expenditures. Without an MPO, KWT is in a unique position when it comes to Federal and State funding and currently coordinates directly with FDOT for transportation planning functions and funding.

Implications The current organizational structure should continue for Key West Transit, as it has been able to establish a solid foundation for providing transit in the city and, with addition of the Duval Loop and technological and other improvements, it has expanded the reach of transit services over time. However, if KWT needs to significantly improve its services and facilities to serve the city’s residents and growing visitor population, it may need a steady stream of new sources of funding. The rise in ridership before COVID-19 hit, along with the ongoing rebound, highlights the importance of transit services. With the recent changes in ridership and services, KWT is well-positioned to consider expanding and forming partnerships in the upcoming years. Especially with Monroe County’s focus on transit services, there is a great chance for growth and development in the near future.

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Transit Development Plan FY 2025–2034