321Transit: Moving Brevard Into the Future
Gone are the days of waiting at a Brevard County bus stop wondering when your bus will come. New technology will forever change the way you ride public transit. The future is here and Space Coast Area Transit saved you a seat!
“With our state-of-the-art website, 321Transit.com, and the 321Transit bus tracking app, riders can view a bus or trolley on its route in real-time and get a text notification 5, 10, or 15 minutes prior to its arrival. It’s easy to locate a route by name, address, area, location or landmark and to personalize your ride by using the Trip Planner to navigate multiple stops and routes,” stated Transit Director, Terry Jordan
Contactless mobile ticketing - powered by Token Transit - makes it convenient to purchase a bus or trolley pass on a smart-phone. When boarding with an electronic pass, no cash or contact is required. “You can even purchase and send a bus pass to a friend, family member or coworker,” Jordan said.
Once onboard, riders enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout their trip. With 23 routes and over 1,100 bus stops, there are endless opportunities to get where you need to go. In addition, all buses have bike racks and are wheelchair accessible. Public transit not only conserves energy, it efficiently connects workers with their jobs, links student with universities and transports residents to hundreds of locations throughout Brevard.
Beach trolleys help reduce traffic on A1A and are loved by tourists, residents, and hospitality workers alike. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, getting to the beach, shopping, dining and more is always fun on the Beach Trolley!
According to Space Coast Area Transit Manager of Operations and Maintenance, Lance Parker, “We’re working hard to upgrade our fleet with environmentally conscious vehicles. Hybrid-Electric buses help eliminate noise and engine omissions, leaving a greener footprint.
Additionally, new paratransit vehicles provide increased fuel efficiency, safety, and comfort, helping facilitate life-sustaining service for transportation disadvantaged passengers,” Parker added. Space Coast Area Transit operates Paratransit Service to assist those with transportation needs who are unable to utilize fixed routes.
Volunteers in Motion, an innovative volunteer-based program provides transportation for individuals unable to use other Space Coast Area Transit services. Lori Hamilton, the Program Coordinator stated that, “by offering transportation to locations such as medical facilities, pharmacies and grocery stores, Volunteers In Motion assists individuals who would otherwise be unable to live at home independently.” In addition, Volunteers In Motion drivers receive step-by-step directions from GPS enabled vehicles to get clients exactly where they need to go.
Space Coast Area Transit’s vanpool provider, Commute With Enterprise, helps drive large-scale sustainability goals. Working closely with employers to recruit and retain top talent, Commute With Enterprise rents vans to groups of 4 -15 passengers. The vehicles are then utilized by employees for their daily commute to and from work. A fixed monthly cost covers the rent payment, maintenance, roadside assistance, and insurance. Vanpooling adds up to more savings, less pollution and saves valuable time. For convenience, many passengers meet at centralized locations and share a ride to work.
Space Coast Area Transit and Commute With Enterprise invest in strengthening our community with the Agency Vanpool Program that benefits non-profit organizations such as Brevard Alzheimer’s, Circles of Care and the Florida Department of Health. Transporting the mobility disadvantaged is now simple and affordable for organizations who rent vans through Commute With Enterprise. Currently, 14 local agencies participate in this cost-saving program.
Although technology upgrades come with a cost, Space Coast Area Transit works diligently to secure outside funding. According to Finance Officer, Karen Petters, $2.1 million dollars in general funds leverage over $40 million dollars in state and federal grants during a typical fiscal year. “Every dollar received locally is matched with $19.05 from outside of Brevard County. These dollars help drive our economy with investments in payroll, operating expenses, capital equipment and improvements, and technological advancements,” Petters explained.
New technology also helps Space Coast Area Transit perform one of their most important functions, overseeing transportation for Brevard County Emergency Management. When an emergency situation is declared, an automated system contacts pre-registered individuals with special needs, providing them with information on how to prepare. Space Coast Area Transit then follows up with over 10,000 phone calls, confirming medical requirements, shelter assignments and transportation details.
Mobility Manger, Carmen Baez shared that in addition to round-the clock participation at the emergency operations center, Space Coast Area Transit facilitates up to 1,800 trips to insure that each special needs citizen is returned to their home after the emergency has ended. “A thoughtful balance between automation and human interaction provides yet another winning solution to ensure no member of our community has been left behind,” Baez said.
Transit stakeholders throughout Brevard can connect with Space Coast Area Transit through interactive multimedia at 321Transit on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Google Business. Search 321Transit to download the bus tracker app at the Apple App store on or Google Play. Log on to their ADA accessible website at 321Transit.com. Invite them to your civic group, homeowners association, or school to share the many transit services that are available throughout Brevard by calling 321-635-7815 x 52937.
At Space Coast Area Transit, new technology is a valuable tool that helps them serve their community in more efficient and effective ways. New advancements will forever change the way you ride Space Coast Area Transit. View maps and schedules at 321Transit.com or call the RideLine at 321-633-1878. The future is here, and Space Coast Area Transit saved you a seat!