OCALA, Fla. (Oct. 14, 2021) – Beginning Monday, Oct. 18, SunTran will be implementing the Route Redesign Study approved by the Ocala City Council in August 2021. Based on public input, demographic needs, and travel requests, SunTran has redesigned the seven bus routes allowing for a more streamlined process that will reduce ride time by approximately 50 percent.
Upgrades to the routes include expanded services, bus stops located on both sides of the road, easy onboarding for passengers with accessibility limitations, and new digital veils on the outside of the bus to automatically change with route information. Future improvements will include more bus shelters and benches at bus stops.
In addition to route changes a newly updated bus tracker has been implemented for riders. For up-to-date information and to follow bus routes in real-time, passengers are encouraged to utilize the live bus tracker available online at www.SunTran.org. A QR-Code has been established on bus maps and inside the vehicle that will link passengers directly to the live bus tracker.
“We listened to the feedback provided by the riders who utilize our services daily,” said Steven Neal, SunTran Transit Manager. “We have expanded routes to allow residents better access to critical resources such as the new Veterans Clinic on SR 200, The Centers, Marion County Health Department, and the Grey Hound Bus Station”.
While multiple upgrades have been introduced, bus fares remain unchanged and the Downtown Transfer Station is still the central hub for the seven routes that operate Monday through Saturday from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Bus Fares:
- Regular Fare:$1.50
- Youth/Student Fare:$1.10
- Senior/Disabled Fare:$0.75
- Medicare Card Holders:$0.75
- Veteran Fare:$0.75
- Children age five and under:Free (when accompanied with a paying adult)
- Monthly passes are available
For more information, please contact SunTran at 352-401-6999 or visit www.suntran.org.
Face Coverings on Public Transportation
On January 29, 2021, CDC issued an Order that requires face masks to be worn by all people while on public transportation (which includes all passengers and all personnel operating conveyances) traveling into, within, or out of the United States and U.S. territories. The Order also requires all people to wear masks while at transportation hubs (e.g., airports, bus or ferry terminals, train and subway stations, seaports, U.S. ports of entry, and other locations where people board public transportation in the United States and U.S. territories), including both indoor and outdoor areas.
