DELAND -- One Volusia County leader has been fighting hard to keep a popular bus route from being cut.
Route 200 takes riders from Orange City to Orlando every morning, then brings them back early evening.
The route was designed for people who work in Orlando, and were trying to save money on gas, or avoid being behind the wheel altogether.
Volusia County staff recommended Route 200 be eliminated as part of cost saving measures, but county Chairman Frank Bruno said he would fight for the route, saying this was not the time to do away with a program with increasing ridership as gas pirces continued to soar.
"I think it's important for us to keep that 200 line, because we're trying. That sets an example of how we can get people out of their vehicles and get them to Orlando and other areas for employment, and a whole lot of other reasons as well," Bruno said.
Volusia County's bus system, Votran, was looking at cutting more than $1 million from its budget due primarily to rising fuel costs. See previous story.
Several public hearings were planned within the week on possible changes in Votran's service:
- Deltona
Tuesday, June 17, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Deltona City Hall, 2345 Providence Blvd.
- DeLand
Tuesday, June 17, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Thomas C. Kelly County Administration Center, Training Room, 123 W. Indiana Ave.
- South Daytona
Wednesday, June 18, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Votran Headquarters, 950 Big Tree Road
- New Smyrna Beach
Thursday, June 19, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Brannon Center, 105 Riverside Drive
Please note the simultaneous public meetings in Deltona and DeLand.
For more information, contact Votran at (386) 736-2700, or (386) 756-7496 ext. 4112.