Citrus Connection officially unveiled the plan today, May 13, 2026, to transition The Squeeze from a fixed-loop shuttle to an on-demand, app-based service.
The goal is to eliminate the guesswork of waiting at a stop and to finally solve the “Dixieland gap” without requiring riders to transfer downtown.
Key Changes Coming October 1, 2026
- On-Demand Model: Instead of looping every 15 minutes, you’ll use a smartphone app to request a ride between 15 designated pickup and drop-off locations.
- Expanded Service Area: The shuttle will now cover a contiguous zone from Prospect Lake Wire (west) to Florida Southern College (east), and from the Oak Street lot (north) down to Cob & Pen/Pink Piano in Dixieland (south).
- Fare-Free: Despite the upgrade to “microtransit” tech, the service will remain free for all riders.
- Real-Time Tracking: The app will provide estimated pickup times, so you aren’t stuck watching the window at places like The Joinery to see if you just missed it.
Why the Change?
CEO Tom Phillips noted that ridership has exploded—from 4,000 rides in its first year to roughly 44,000 in 2025. The current loop system often broke down when carts got full, as drivers would skip stops to take passengers directly to their destinations. This new “Uber-style” approach formalizes that efficiency and allows the existing fleet to cover more ground (like the Dixieland corridor) without the cost of adding entirely new routes.
Existing fixed-route services for major events like Sun ‘n Fun or Tigers Spring Training will remain unchanged.