Polk County
Regional Mobility Call Center
Dependable and Accessible Transportation for Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Ft. Meade, Frostproof and Surrounding Areas
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.
Transit Made Simple
Citrus Connection launched its $1.5 million Regional Mobility Call Center to better provide transportation and mobility options for local veterans, elderly and disabled residents of Polk County. The call center was made possible through a Veterans Transportation and Community Living Initiative grant.
This puts Citrus Connection as one of the first agencies in the United States to implement this federally funded program to better service the people who have served us so well.
This project consolidated the three public transit agencies into Citrus Connection’s one call/one click center providing a seamless system of customer service to our veteran’s population and all Polk County residents. Customers can call (855) POLK BUS (765-5287).
The combining of resources between these three agencies produce a reduction in cost and increase funds to be utilized for direct services. This project has one physical location for the different agencies to coexist and will accommodate the needs of a new call center.
A single phone number for both demand response and fixed routes has been implemented and the staff members have access to a single data base system for booking trips, bus schedules, next bus and bus stop locations, and application and eligibility information.
The new automated phone system is in place providing the public next bus and scheduling information, faring, special bulletins, and policy information on the telephone without speaking with a customer service representative.
Jim Erickson Universal Access Program, Citrus Connection
Polk County’s nearly 62,000 veterans have transportation options and independence through the Jim Erickson Universal Access Program. The program, named after veteran transportation advocate Jim Erickson, allows veterans with a military identification card to ride all fixed route buses in the county at no cost to the veteran.
The subsidized program helps veterans who previously may not have been able to go to the grocery store or perform basic tasks. Polk’s aging veteran population includes thousands of people who served their country and now have little money or ability for transportation. The program offers this proud group transportation independence and improved quality of life that they otherwise did not have before.
The program gives veterans who don’t have a car, especially older veterans on a limited income, the ability to get to the grocery store, to doctors’ offices, and have more mobility to get around than they otherwise would have.
Citrus Connection provides access to the Lakeland Veteran’s Affairs Clinic, Lakeland Regional Medical Center, Watson Clinic, Bartow Regional Medical Center, Winter Haven Hospital and a variety of other medical facilities.
Shopping and social destinations include most Publix Super Markets, Eagle Ridge Mall, Lakeside Village, VFW and American Legion posts, Legoland and many local vendors.
In this day and age, transportation is basic for getting around just for everyday things. Things many take for granted, like going to a restaurant, making it to the laundry mat and getting groceries, become complicated.
