Public Transit
Colts
Free Public Transportation for High School Students.
Citrus Connection is the Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC) for Polk County. This special program provides subsidized or reduced-price bus passes. We also provide door-to-door service to physically, mentally, emotionally or economically disadvantaged individuals. Call 855-POLKBUS (765-5287) to qualify.
In compliance with the Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan (TDSP), Citrus Connection Paratransit is our call ahead, door-to-door service for those who are unable to use our regular service. This specialized fleet of small, wheelchair lift-equipped buses is currently available to senior citizens, disadvantaged citizens and citizens with disabilities throughout Polk County. The cost of these services is a one-way fare of $2, or co-pay as low as $2. Once the qualification process is approved, requests for transportation can be made in advance at 863-534-5500. (TD requests for service may be subject to service availability). For more information or to see if you qualify for Paratransit service, download the application form at ridecitrus.com, or give us a call at 863-534-5500.
Using Public Transit
The Polk County School Board has made it possible for all public school high school students in the County to use public transportation for FREE. All students need a permission slip signed by parents and a school ID badge to ride any standard transit bus in Polk County whenever and wherever the buses are running. You can download a permission slip or receive one from your school. Once the permission slip is filled out, it must be returned to the school to get the proper ID hole punches.
This program, the first of its kind in the nation, allows students to take advantage of after school activities that they would not have done because of a lack of transportation. Students also have access to public transit to get to entertainment, shopping and recreation during the weekdays.
Click here to download the permission slip.
Never Used Public Transit?
Here’s All You Need To Know:
- Each bus route has a unique schedule. You must know when the bus will be passing your location so as not to miss your ride.
- Time schedule information is available on the ridecitrus.com website under the Routes and Services. Each route has a printable map with time points.
- Routing information is available on the MyStop Mobile App. Put in your starting address and the service will tell you the closest bus stop to your location.
- Check out Google Transit. It will give you complete route information. It’s one stop shopping.
- Be Smart! Know where your bus will be and when it will be there before you head out the door. Map out your return trip. Consider when the last bus comes and, if you need to transfer, allow time to connect.
- COLTS program participants are allowed unlimited access Monday through Friday during normal hours of operation.
- Bus etiquette includes common courtesy to other riders, Rules of the Road are listed on www.ridecitrus.com under the How to Ride/Fares tab.
Ride Any Citrus Connection For Free With Your High School ID
Participating Polk County Schools
- Auburndale High School
- Bartow High School
- Bill Duncan Opportunity Center
- Chain of Lakes Collegiate HS
- Davenport High School
- Doris Sanders Learning Center
- East Area Adult School
- Fort Meade Middle/High School
- Frostproof Middle/High School
- Gause Academy
- George Jenkins High School
- Haines City High School
- Harrison School of the Arts
- IB
- Jean O’Dell Learning Center
- Karen Siegel Academy
- Kathleen High School
- Lake Gibson High School
- Lake Region High School
- Lake Wales High School
- Lakeland High School
- Mulberry High School
- Ridge Career Center
- Ridge Community High School
- Roosevelt Academy
- Summerlin Academy
- Tenoroc High School
- Travis Career Center
- West Area Adult School
- Winter Haven High School
Need more information about routes and schedules?
Find us online at ridecitrus.com or download the MyStop Mobile App.