Polk County

2035 Long Range Plan

Bus System

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2035 Long Range Plan

The map below, developed by the Polk County Transportation Planning Organization, outlines the public transportation needs for Polk County by 2035.  Click on the map to view a larger image.

Bus System

Because of the county's recent growth, Polk will soon no longer qualify to receive federal money to operate its public transportation systems.  In November 2010, a referendum was held asking residents to increase the sales tax by 0.5% to continue funding the bus system.  The referendum was defeated, and with the loss of its largest funding source, there is a good chance that the majority of the existing system will be shut down until an alternative funding source is identified.  In Winter Haven, the funding may dry up by 2012 or earlier.  The system in the City of Lakeland is supported in part by a small millage, which may enable them to keep a skeleton service in place for longer.

Learn More

The Polk County Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) is a resource agency for transportation planning.  You can find resources on their site for all modes ranging from bus to roads to pedestrian facilities. http://polktpo.com/