Pilot Project launches November 29 with lunchtime service
The time is coming soon to “Squeeze” into downtown Lakeland on Citrus Connection’s innovative Squeeze shuttle providing lunch and weekend evening transportation service to the downtown business district.
The one-year pilot project featuring transportation via an eight-passenger golf cart will launch Monday, Nov. 29 at 11 a.m. for the lunchtime service and run through 1 p.m. The lunchtime service operates Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Friday evening service will kick off Friday, Dec. 3 and run from 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Saturday service operates from 4:30 p.m. to midnight.
The lunchtime Squeeze route travels North on Kentucky Ave., east on East Main, south on Tennessee Ave. and east on Lake Morton Drive. The short circulator route, with a cart going in either direction, will provide rapid frequency making moving through downtown fast, frequent and fun.
The weekend evening Squeeze is an expanded downtown service providing transportation to and from the area near Florida Southern College, the RP Funding Center, the Joinery and other great downtown points of interest.
“We’re excited to bring this innovative service in downtown Lakeland offering a fast and convenient transportation option during the busiest times while serving residents and tourists alike,” said Executive Director Tom Phillips. “This is the beginning of microtransit in Polk County and the Squeeze provides an alternative between traditional fixed-route transportation and personal transportation.”
Aside from its convenience and frequency, the Squeeze carts offer an open-air riding experience, which may sit easier with passengers wanting a less closed-in setting during a time of COVID-19 concerns.
The Squeeze offers passengers a custom-branded QR Code for payment via mobile apps like Venmo and CashApp for the $2 day fare. The QR Code also supplies a link to purchase $3 weekly passes and $9 monthly passes.
Citrus Connection takes mobile smartphone apps and puts them to use to create an efficient mode of transport that adapts with each passenger’s needs. At the click of a button, passengers can pay a fare and find route information.