Mizner Park is one of the destinations where the Boca Connect stops. Photo provided
By Mary Hladky
People wanting an easy way to get around downtown Boca Raton without driving their cars now can use BocaConnect, an EV shuttle service operated by Circuit Transit.
The June 17 service launch was accompanied by a ceremony in Mizner Park attended by City Council members, other city officials and members of the business community who then boarded a Circuit six-seat electric vehicle for inaugural rides.
Circuit “will be a major connector for transportation in the downtown and surrounding areas,” Council member Fran Nachlas told the crowd. “It will reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles, multiple short trips, congestion and parking demand.”
Circuit partner Jason Bagley said: “At Circuit, we are on a mission to make short-range travel easier, connecting communities, boosting economic development and creating a sustainable impact.”
The city is marketing the new service on its website, social media platforms, newsletters, flyers and more.
Residents apparently knew to look for the start of service. While the ceremony was underway, Circuit’s app stated that “service is very busy” in Boca Raton.
To book rides, download the Circuit app, available on both iOS and Android platforms, and type in the pickup address and destination. Wait times for a ride are expected to be 10 minutes or less and riders will be updated on when the shuttle will arrive.
The total shuttle service area runs from Glades Road to the south city limits, and from Interstate 95 to Fifth Avenue/Royal Palm Way.
All rides must begin or end in the heart of downtown, which includes the Federal Highway corridor, Downtown Library, Brightline station and Wildflower and Silver Palm Parks.
Rides within the downtown are free.
Rides that start or end outside of downtown will cost $2. Each additional rider will cost $1, with a fare cap of $5.
As an inducement to ride, Circuit is offering two free rides until July 14.
The hours of services are Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The service is starting as a one-year pilot project and adjustments can be made during that time based on demand.
The city also is open to expanding the service area to include locations such as the Yamato Road Tri-Rail station, Florida Atlantic University, and oceanside parks. Beachside residents in the Sun and Surf, Riviera and Por La Mar neighborhoods already are lobbying to be included.
The city will pay Circuit $395,728 for its first year of operation. The amount can be recalculated in future years.
The Fort Lauderdale-based company operates in many South Florida cities.
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