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Proposed Revision to TheBus Route 9 a/k/a Mermaid Transit Service Schedule Effective August 31, 2026
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
The 2025-2034 Transit Development Plan (TDP) included the implementation of new transit routes and services, including the implementation of Route 9 (Mermaid) as a new transit route beginning service in July 2025.
Although the TDP did not expressly state that Route 9 would operate on Sundays or holidays upon its July 2025 implementation, the route was specifically designed to accommodate increased parking demand at Pine Island and was planned and implemented to provide service on Sunday and select summer holidays, as reflected in the route schedule published July 30, 2025, effective July 2025.
Route 9 is the only route on the TheBus system that provides Sunday service. All other fixed routes operate Monday through Saturday only.
TheBus also does not operate systemwide on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. However, Route 9 provides service on the summer holidays of Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4), and Labor Day to support demand to Pine Island.
A review of ridership data indicates that utilization on Sundays and summer holidays has been significantly lower than anticipated:
Route 9 Ridership (July 2025 -July 2026)
Total Riders: 1,574 361 service days
Sunday Riders: 138 54 Sundays (9.19% of total ridership)
Holiday Riders: 0 3 Summer holidays (Labor Day 2025, Memorial Day 2026 and Independence Day 2026)
Based on current ridership trends, Sunday and summer holiday service on Route 9 have not provided the anticipated level of public benefit. Discontinuing these service days on the route would reduce operating costs while maintaining service during periods of highest demand, resulting in a more efficient use of County transit resources.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVES
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FINANCIAL IMPACT
The proposed decrease in service would reduce the operating line items of the Mass Transit Division budgets estimated at $74,923.20 per year. The net reduction would be $37,461.60 in federal and state grants which have a local match requirement and $37,461.60 from the Ninth Cent fund (Local Option Gas Tax).
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has the authority to consider this request in accordance with Chapter 125, Florida Statutes.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board authorize the proposed transit service reduction to remove Route 9 Sunday and Holiday service beginning August 31, 2026.