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All Departments Administration Corrections Development Services Facilities Management Human Resources Information Technology Library Services Management and Budget Services Natural Resources Management Neighborhood and Human Services Parks and Recreation Public Safety Public Works Veterans Services Waste ServicesEscambia County Area Transit is excited to announce the launch of FlexTransit, a new Microtransit Pilot Program providing more convenient ECAT fixed route access to all areas and individuals throughout Escambia County. FlexTransit will provide service to currently underserved and unserved residents, using smaller ADA-compliant vehicles in expanded service areas.
FlexTransit's soft launch is scheduled for Tuesday, April 1, initially serving existing ECAT paratransit customers before fully launching to the public in fall 2025. Once fully implemented, riders will have access to FlexTransit services that will combine and work with ECAT's fixed route to most efficiently get them to their destination. By putting smaller ADA compliant vehicles in expanded service areas, FlexTransit will keep the larger fixed route buses on the major corridors with increased frequency. This program is not intended to replace paratransit services. However, the Microtransit Pilot Program will reduce the need for paratransit services by bridging gaps and connecting riders with the fixed route services during regular fixed route service hours.
Once fully operational, the Microtransit Pilot Program will be available to all county riders and will not be restricted by paratransit eligibility requirements, under the following guidelines:
As part of the Microtransit Pilot Program launch, Escambia County Area Transit is implementing changes to transportation services for riders experiencing transportation barriers and riders with disabilities, in an effort to improve efficiencies and ensure the services are being provided to eligible individuals.
ECAT currently provides two transportation programs for eligible individuals: The Transportation Disadvantaged Program and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Complementary Paratransit Service.
These transportation programs will continue to operate within state and federal guidelines, with some modifications to ensure the services are provided to individuals who qualify. These changes will not only help the paratransit programs operate more efficiently, but also reduce excess costs associated with providing rides to individuals who are able to use ECAT’s fixed-route bus service.
The average contractual cost for a one-way trip using the Transportation Disadvantaged Program in fiscal year 2023-2024 was $42.44, making ECAT’s fixed-route bus service a much more cost-effective option for Escambia County. Individuals who are able to use the service pay a fare of $3.50 (ADA) or $2.50 (TD), each trip.
Effective April 2025, the programs will continue to operate under the following guidelines:
Transportation Disadvantaged Program
The Transportation Disadvantaged Program is a coordinated state-wide effort that groups riders together for a shared ride service. Federal, State, and Local agencies join together to provide necessary transportation to medical appointments, employment, educational, and other life-sustaining services. The Transportation Disadvantaged Program is a “last resort” program for individuals in need of transportation who do not have access to any other transportation resource. This program is provided only when the recipient has no other transportation means available to them, such as family, friends, or ECAT fixed-route service. To qualify, applicants must meet the current Federal Poverty Level Guidance of 125%, which is verified during the application process.
Transportation Disadvantaged service hours are Monday through Saturday from 8:01 p.m. to 4:59 a.m.
The Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) Program in Florida is funded by the Transportation Disadvantaged Trust Fund, which is administered by the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged (CTD). The CTD is a policy-setting board that oversees and coordinates TD services statewide.
ADA Complementary Paratransit Service
To be eligible for ADA Paratransit, one must have a disability that prevents the individual from independently using ECAT’s fixed route buses for trips.
Rides are scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis and are subject to the vehicle capacity limits.
To learn more about ECAT's ADA services, visit GoEcat.com.
The mission of Escambia County government is to provide efficient, responsive services that enhance our quality of life, meet common needs and promote a safe and healthy community.
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