Public hearing set on whether to continue fixed-route bus system

This Okaloosa County Transit route 11 bus may soon be idled when funding for Crestview's two routes expires Feb. 4.

CRESTVIEW — Okaloosa County's public bus service could be ending after years of budget shortfalls and dwindling ridership.

County commissioners will have a public hearing July 15 on the elimination of all fixed-route services. Residents can make comments during the board’s regular 6 p.m. meeting in Fort Walton Beach.

Under the proposal, Okaloosa County Transit — the nonprofit that runs the bus system — would lose its five routes in Fort Walton Beach, the route to Okaloosa Island, three routes in Destin and the express route from Crestview to Fort Walton Beach.

The cuts would not affect the county’s door-to-door paratransit service, funded by a Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged grant. That program aids people who cannot obtain their own transportation because of disability, age or income.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Public hearing set on whether to continue fixed-route bus system