The driving force behind public transportation.

About Us

Introduction to PTA

Times are changing. Progress is moving forward in Polk County and so is the Polk Transit Authority. The driving force behind providing county-wide transit, top quality service and a seamless transition toward the future, the Polk Transit Authority is working diligently to make public transportation your mobility choice.

 

Mission Statement

Mission

Secure public support for a countywide transit plan to be implemented over five years and secure dedicated funding by November 2010 to begin implementing the plan in July 2011; and, maintain the consolidated Transit Development Plan (TDP).

 

Past/Present/Future

PAST

The Polk Transportation Planning Organization conducted a Countywide Transit Study in 2003 which provided evidence that increased coordination and cooperation among Polk transit providers was needed.  The Polk Regional Transportation Organization (RTO) was created in 2004 to increase coordination of the existing transit services and lead the transition to a new countywide transit system.  The RTO Board members, along with the Transition Committee, worked on drafting the legislation presented to the Florida Legislators in 2007 to form the Polk Transit Authority.  On July 27, 2007, Governor Crist signed Bill 777, officially forming the Polk Transit Authority. The Polk Transit Authority Board of Directors was seated and held its first meeting on February 27, 2008, in Haines City.

 

PRESENT

In-kind Support Staff services for the Polk Transit Authority are provided by the Lakeland Area Mass Transit District, Polk County Board of County Commissioners, and Polk Transportation Planning Organization.  The Board of Directors and Staff have worked with outside consultants to conduct a Comprehensive Operational Analysis and Master Strategic Plan.  The Comprehensive Operational Analysis evaluated existing transit services identifying potential improvements to current service.  The Master Strategic Plan identified the strategies and procedures to consolidate the existing county transit service efficiently and identified future transit corridors and services to expand transit services countywide including staffing, operational revenues and expenses, and facility and capital needs and expenses. 

A Public Communications Program has been implemented to educate the citizens of Polk County on the Polk Transit Authority’s progress, countywide service plans, and efforts to obtain funding to implement the countywide plan.

 

FUTURE

Secure public support and local funding for Polk Transit Authority operations with a target of implementing expanded transit service countywide as early as 2011.