Next month, Citrus Connection will start its micro-transit Squeeze shuttle service in Bartow — the third city in Polk County to offer the micro-transit option for visitors.
"Bartow sees thousands of commuters entering the city daily for government and private sector jobs," a City of Bartow newsletter said on Tuesday. "The Squeeze will provide fast, fun and free shuttle service through the downtown and historic areas, reducing traffic and parking concerns."
The eight-passenger golf cart service will be free to riders and is set for its debut in Bartow on Aug. 5, the newsletter said. The service will run from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The service is sponsored by Bartow's Community Redevelopment Agency. There is no cost to riders of the Squeeze shuttle.
The Bartow Squeeze locations for pickup will be at Florida Department of Transportation District 1 building at North Mill Avenue and West Boulevard Street; Polk County Courthouse, West Church Street and North Wilson Avenue; Polk County History Center; Bartow City Hall; Polk County Tax Collector's Office; Florida Department of Citrus; and Tom’s Chicken Shack.
According to Bartow's communications director Laurie Hayes, the Bartow Squeeze is one of four projects identified as CRA Capital Improvement projects to be funded in the fiscal year 2023-2024 budget.
"The CRA has a one-year contract with Citrus Connection at a cost of approximately $64,000," she said. "The pilot will be assessed after the first year to determine future service. The cost includes the CRA’s ownership of the golf cart."
According to the Citrus Connection website, Lakeland and Lake Wales also have micro-transit routes. The Lakeland Squeeze has also been in service for special events such as the Mayfaire by-the-lake Arts Festival.
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