Votran Route 44 Transitioning to FLEX Service June 20

Written by Anthony Bicy

Belden Communications News

Beginning Sunday, June 20, Votran’s Fixed-Route 44 will be converted to a Flex Service route, providing service to the New Smyrna Beach Walmart.

Flex service is a call first, curb-to-curb, flexible transportation service serving a dedicated area with limited timed stops in the New Smyrna Beach area.

The Flex bus is a paratransit vehicle with a seating capacity of 18 passengers, has seat belts, and a bike rack that holds two bikes. The bus is wheelchair accessible, and passengers are boarded, with a lift located in the back. Keep in mind, each wheelchair takes up the space of four seats, and passengers must be seated to ride. 

The vehicle travels within one of two flex designated areas: NSB Mainland or NSB Beachside. FLEX 44 will operate like the existing FLEX 42 & FLEX 43 routes with departure times from Julia Street & Sams Avenue connection points, at approximately 46-past the hour, and from Walmart at approximately 11-past the hour.

Flex Service fares are the same as the fixed-route service, and you must have exact change. You may pay for a one-way trip or purchase an all-day pass that would be valid for Flex Service and Fixed Route service. Regular Votran service passes are accepted on Flex Service trips.

Service is available Monday - Saturday from 6:43 a.m. to 6:33 p.m. with no Sunday or Holiday service. Children six years old and under must have an escort, while children under the age of four and (or) under 45 pounds will be required to use a child restraint device provided by the accompanying adult.

Votran continuously evaluates operations and implements route adjustments several times annually to best optimize service.

For more information regarding the FLEX service, visit Votran's website here.