User:Djnlynx/sandbox

History and Service Change Summaries


The Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority was formed in May 1972 under the name Orange-Seminole-Osceola Transportation Authority (OSOTA). The bus service was originally named Tri-County Transit, or TCT for short. The authority changed its name in 1994 via a public naming contest and started doing business as LYNX.

The agency opened LYNX Central Station in November 2004 and a new operations center called LYNX Operations Center or LOC in 2007.

LYNX also opened through a partnership with the city of Kissimmee the Osceola Satellite Facility or OSF to operate their Kissimmee routes Link 4, 10, 18, 26, 55, 56, 57, 306, 416, 426 and 427. The only Kissimmee route that does not operate from OSF is FastLink 441 which is fully run out of LOC.

LYNX changed, added, and eliminated routes and schedules several times throughout its history. The service change on December 16, 2012 included new service to Haines City in Polk County. connecting to Winter Haven Area Transit also known as WHAT.

The service change that went into effect on April 21, 2013 saw minor time changes made to time schedules and NeighborLink 621 serving the Bithlo area began service as a Fixed Route / NeighborLink service operating fixed bus service between SR 50 and SR 434 to the Bithlo Heath Center then operating as a NeighborLink service past this point to Wedgefield.

The service change that went into effect on August 11, 2013 resulted in minor routing and time changes being made to multiple routes and Link 4 was split at Florida Mall into two routes - Link 107 / Florida Mall to Downtown Orlando and Link 4 / Florida Mall to Kissimmee.

On September 15, 2013 due to loss of funding from Lake County, Link 55 was reduced 2.6 miles from Four Corners to Legacy Blvd.

On October 18, 2013 due to loss of funding from Lake County, Xpress Link 204 was eliminated.

The service change on January 12, 2014 resulted in Link 4 being renumbered Link 108 and Link 17 being renumbered 106. In addition minor time changes were made and Link 4 (108), 10, 18, 26, 55, 57, and FastLink 441 were rerouted to serve the new LYNX Kissimmee Intermodel Station (KIS). Service to Osceola Square Mall was discontinued on Link 4 (108), 10, 18, 26, 57, and FastLink 441. Link 55 maintains connectivity with Osceola Square Mall with a new stop located on US 192 and returned to the Four Corners area in limited AM and PM trips. Xpress Link 204 returned to service with more limited trips and increases in fares for day passes, new 5 day pass, and 30 day pass.

The service change on April 13, 2014 resulted in multiple frequency changes on hourly routes to coincide with SunRail peak operating times. Link 34 had routing changes removing it from Goldsboro and Airport Blvd and instead operating along US 17-92 previously served by Link 46E amd 46W to SR 46 proceeding to the Sanford SunRail Station. Link 46E and 46W discontinued service along US 17-92. Xpress Link 208 began service between the Sand Lake SunRail Staion and Kissimmee. Link 41 was split at Fernwood and Oxford and became Link 436N (Apopka side) and 436S (Orlando Intl side). Beside the deviation during peak times to the Altamonte Springs SunRail Station by Link 436N few other changes occured with this route. Link 505 also began service along SR 434 during peak SunRail trip times. In response to public outcry about the loss of service along Airport Blvd and in Goldsboro formerly served by Link 34 LYNX created new NeighborLink 651 to operate along the aforementioned corridor and in the Goldsboro neighborhood with connecting service to Seminole Centre, Central Florida Regional Hospital, and the Sanford SunRail Station.

April 13, 2014 also introduced for the first time LYNX brochures replacing individual schedules for each link instead condensing the system to 22 brochures with multiple routes the serve a specific area on one brochure for that area.

LYNX fares over the years
LYNX has had several fare increases in the last 10 years raising the base fare in 2004 of $1.25 to $2.00 by 2009 which has been maintained into 2014. Since the last actual increase in 2009, minor changes have occured including the addition of FastLink which has the same fare as the other fixed routes along with the LYNX ID'policy being added to the Youth/Advantage Fare and Pass policy.

Annual summaries over the years
All figures in millions. Revenue in millions of dollars.

Orlando Downtown LYMMO
In 1997, the LYNX LYMMO service was developed to give people free access to public transportation in the downtown business, entertainment and shopping district. LYMMO is believed by LYNX to be the nation’s first bus rapid transit system or BRT. LYMMO has its own lane and controls its own traffic signals to make sure it is never slowed down by traffic.

KnightLYNX
In January 2011, LYNX, in conjunction with the University of Central Florida’s Student Government Association (SGA), implemented KnightLYNX service. This service provides UCF students with access from the campus to various establishments along the areas adjoining the campus and along Alafaya Trail. The KnightLYNX service operates on Friday and Saturday evenings coinciding with the UCF school calendar.

FastLink
In August 2011 LYNX added a Monday-Friday morning and afternoon commuter service named FastLink.This faster service is designed to reduce stops along specific corridors providing a quicker trip. The full fare is $2 just like local bus service. The discounted Youth and AdvantAge fare is $1 for eligible passengers with a LYNX issued ID.

PickUpLine/NeighborLink
The NeighborLink (NL) is a flex-service aimed to make it easier for residents living less-populated areas to make use of both local transportation and LYNX’ local bus system. Service operates from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. All service is available Monday through Saturday except in Buena Ventura Lakes and Intercession City/Campbell City where rides are available Monday through Friday. The NeighborLink will provide transportation anywhere within the designated service area or to a LYNX local bus stop.

ORIGINAL LYNX PAGE
LYNX is a bus system run by the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority, serving the greater Orlando, Florida area, Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties with limited service to Lake, Volusia, and Polk counties. Bus routes are referred to as Links. The standard adult one-way fare is $2 with free single transfers valid for 90 minutes (not valid on the same Link or for round trips). LYNX runs the zero-fare LYMMO Bus (Link 31) in Downtown Orlando, connecting many downtown destinations to parking and the LYNX Central Station by controlling traffic signals on a three-mile route along a fully separate right-of-way. All LYNX buses (Links), except the LYMMO, have bike racks (2 - 3 bike capacity) for use at no extra charge.

Bus stop signs are designed with a lynx paw in place of the traditional bus stop signs, which show a bus; although, some new signs have been placed, adding the paw to the traditional sign. Also, the route numbers (Links) are usually attached to the bus stop signs.

The budget for fiscal year 2013 that began on October 1, 2012 and ended September 30, 2013 was $115,518,832.

The FY2014 budget that began October 1, 2013 is $127,867,296.

History


The Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority was formed in May 1972 under the name Orange-Seminole-Osceola Transportation Authority (OSOTA). The bus service was originally named Tri-County Transit, or TCT for short. The authority changed its name in 1994 via a public naming contest and started doing business as LYNX.

The agency opened LYNX Central Station in November 2004 and a new operations center called LYNX Operations Center or LOC in 2007.

LYNX also opened through a partnership with the city of Kissimmee the Osceola Satellite Facility or OSF to operate their Kissimmee routes Link 4, 10, 18, 26, 55, 56, 57, 306, 416, 426 and 427. The only Kissimmee route that does not operate from OSF is FastLink 441 which is fully run out of LOC.

LYNX changed, added, and eliminated routes and schedules several times throughout its history. The service change on December 16, 2012 included new service to Haines City in Polk County. connecting to Winter Haven Area Transit also known as WHAT.

The service change that went into effect on April 21, 2013 saw minor time changes made to time schedules and NeighborLink 621 serving the Bithlo area began service as a Fixed Route / NeighborLink service operating fixed bus service between SR 50 and SR 434 to the Bithlo Heath Center then operating as a NeighborLink service past this point to Wedgefield.

The service change that went into effect on August 11, 2013 resulted in minor routing and time changes being made to multiple routes and Link 4 was split at Florida Mall into two routes - Link 107 / Florida Mall to Downtown Orlando and Link 4 / Florida Mall to Kissimmee.

On September 15, 2013 due to loss of funding from Lake County, Link 55 was reduced 2.6 miles from Four Corners to Legacy Blvd.

On October 18, 2013 due to loss of funding from Lake County, Xpress Link 204 was eliminated.

The last service change on January 12, 2014 resulted in Link 4 being renumbered Link 108 and Link 17 being renumbered 106. In addition minor time changes were made and Link 4 (108), 10, 18, 26, 55, 57, and FastLink 441 were rerouted to serve the new LYNX Kissimmee Intermodel Station (KIS). Service to Osceola Square Mall was discontinued on Link 4 (108), 10, 18, 26, 57, and FastLink 441. Link 55 maintains connectivity with Osceola Square Mall with a new stop located on US 192 and returned to the Four Corners area in limited AM and PM trips. Xpress Link 204 returned to service with more limited trips and increases in fares for day passes, new 5 day pass, and 30 day pass.

Fare schedule
Pennies are not accepted for fare payment and no change can be given.

Passes
LYNX offers three pass types: All-Day Pass, 7-Day Pass, and 30-Day Pass


 * * Discounted Fare and Pass Prices are applicable only to those who qualify under the Youth and AdvantAge Discount policy. Youth Fare applies to riders age 7 thru 18. Children age 6 and under ride free (limit 3) when accompanied by a passenger, age 18 or older. If not accompanied by an passenger age 18 or older, they must pay $1. AdvantAge Fare applies to riders age 65 or older. People with medical disabilities may also qualify, regardless of their age. To receive discounted fare, a rider must present a valid LYNX ID which may be obtained at LYNX Central Station Lost and Found office Monday thru Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. For more information about LYNX ID's contact LYNX Lost and Found at 407-841-5969 Option 2. A valid LYNX ID must be presented when paying a discount fare, buying a discounted pass and when using a discounted pass to pay a fare.

Annual summaries
All figures in millions. Revenue in millions of dollars.

List of routes (called Links)
Below is a complete list of LYNX routes which are called Links. Current as of January 12, 2014

LYMMO, The FREE Downtown Orlando Circulator
LYMMO is the zero fare Downtown Orlando circulator that connects many destinations in Downtown Orlando including the Amway Center, Orlando City Hall, Lake Eola Park, the Orlando Public Library, The Orlando History Center, The Orange County Courthouse, LYNX Central Station, and Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.

Service Hours are as follows:

LYNX 3D Disney Direct routes
The LYNX 3D Disney Direct Link's are direct to Disney routes from areas throughout Central Florida that run both morning and evening trips primarily as access to public transit for Disney employees although all LYNX Passengers can use the service.

KnightLYNX
KnightLYNX is a Friday and Saturday evening service that is safe and reliable public transportation option on and near the main campus of the University of Central Florida (UCF) in eastern Orlando. Any UCF student with a campus ID card may ride the service free. Other passengers may use the service but must pay regular fare. The weekend evening service is a partnership between the UCF Student Government Association and LYNX. The service operates Friday and Saturday nights from 8PM to 3AM. It originates at the CFE Arena formally known as the UCF Arena, runs outside campus to stops along McCulloch Road, Alafaya Trail to Waterford Lakes Town Center, and Downtown Orlando then returns to campus.

The Green and Blue lines run in circulator form from 8:00PM to 3:00AM. The Red line has trips from CFE Arena to Downtown Orlando only from 9:00PM to 11:00PM then starting at 1:00AM to 3:00AM the Red line has trips from Downtown Orlando to CFE Arena only.

NeighborLink
NeighborLink formally PickUpLine is a flex-service aimed to make it easier for residents in these areas to make use of both local transportation and LYNX's Local bus system. To use the NeighborLink system a passenger must call 407-244-0808 at least two hours before they want pickup.

FASTLINK
FASTLINK is a faster service designed to reduce stops along specific corridors providing a quicker trip that operates morning and afternoon commuter service Monday - Friday.



Current fleet roster

 * Buses 554, 579, and 809 were retired due to accidents that caused damage to their frame. Buses have since been or will be scrapped or sold to another company to be used.
 * Buses 353, 361, and 362 have been retired as of February 2013. All three are now sitting on Lynx's property awaiting to be auctioned next year.
 * Buses 506 and 514 have been retired and were auctioned off in 2013. 504 is being used as a parts bus and is out of service.

Retired bus roster

 * Buses 464-465, 382,384, 386-394 were retired early because of high maintenance costs and unreliability. 382,384, 386-394 was transferred to Gainesville RTS. 464 and 465 are with a private company.


 * Buses 450-455 were retired early due to high maintenance costs.


 * Buses 800, 840-846 were bought used/leased in 1990.


 * 516-518 are former Fayetteville Area System of Transit RTS-03s that were built in 1978. It's possible more than three of these buses were likely bought by Lynx from Fayetteville.,


 * 353 is on reserve.


 * The GMC Old Looks were bought used from Miami Dade Transit sometime in the mid-1970s to help OSOTA (Lynx at the time) start up service. More were likely bought then just two.