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'''Lynx''' (stylized as '''LYNX''') is a bus system run by the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority, serving the greater ], ] area in ], ], and ] counties with limited service to ]. Bus routes are referred to as '''''Links'''''. In {{American transit ridership|annualdate}}, the system had a ridership of {{American transit ridership|FL Orlando Lynx total annual}}, or about {{American transit ridership|FL Orlando Lynx total daily}} per weekday as of {{American transit ridership|dailydateasof}}. '''Lynx''' (stylized as '''LYNX''') is a transit system serving the greater ], ] area. Operated by the '''Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority''', it provides bus, curb-to-curb, and paratransit services in three counties: ], ], and ]. Bus routes are referred to as '''Links'''.

LYNX does not operate ], the region's ] service, but it does provide bus connections to SunRail stations within its service area.

In {{American transit ridership|annualdate}}, the system had a ridership of {{American transit ridership|FL Orlando Lynx total annual}}, or about {{American transit ridership|FL Orlando Lynx total daily}} per weekday as of {{American transit ridership|dailydateasof}}.


==History== ==History==
⚫ The Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority was formed in May 1972 under the name Orange-Seminole-Osceola Transportation Authority (OSOTA). The bus service was originally named Tri-County Transit, or TCT for short. The authority changed its name in 1994 via a public naming contest and started doing business as Lynx.
], ]]]
], ]]]
⚫ The Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority was formed in May 1972 under the name ]-]-] Transportation Authority (OSOTA). The bus service was originally named Tri-County Transit, or TCT for short. The authority changed its name in 1994 via a public naming contest and started doing business as Lynx.


The agency opened ] (LCS) in November 2004 and a new operations center called LYNX Operations Center (LOC) in 2007. The agency opened ] (LCS) in November 2004 and a new operations center called LYNX Operations Center (LOC) in 2007.


LYNX also opened through a partnership with the city of Kissimmee the Osceola Satellite Facility (OSF) to operate their Kissimmee routes Link 10, 18, 26, 55, 56, 57, 108, 306, 407, 426, and 612. The only Kissimmee route that does not operate from OSF is ''FastLink 441'' which is fully run out of LOC. LYNX also opened through a partnership with the city of Kissimmee the Osceola Satellite Facility (OSF) to operate their Kissimmee routes. The only Kissimmee route that does not operate from OSF is FastLink 441, which is fully run out of LOC.


==Services== ==Services==
Other LYNX services include a commuter assistance Vanpool program; Access LYNX paratransit service; NeighborLink (formerly PickUpLine) community circulators; and the Road Rangers roadside assistance program on ] between ] and ], sponsored by ].


==Routes== === LYNX Bus ===
]
LYNX operates a total of 68 fixed routes in the Orlando area, serving Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties with limited service to Polk County. LYNX routes include Link local bus routes, Disney Direct commuter service to ], FastLink ] bus routes, the LYMMO ] service in ]. LYNX also operates 11 NeighborLink community circulator routes, providing curb-to-curb service through advance reservations.<ref name=lynxschedule>{{cite web|title=Lynx Schedule Book|publisher=Lynx|url=https://www.golynx.com/resources/pdf/LYNX-Schedule-Book_April-2021.pdf|access-date=April 27, 2021}}</ref>
LYNX operates 68 bus routes throughout its three-county service area. The bus system connects to ] (servicing ]) in ] and to ] (servicing ]) in ] and ]. All ] stations within the service area have bus connections, though transfers are irregularly timed.

LYNX directly services ] and the ] of ], as well as some employee areas. All other transportation in WDW is provided by Disney's ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-01 |title=Brochure T: Disney Area |url=https://www.golynx.com/core/fileparse.php/97362/urlt/WEB_LNX_Lft_Disney_230724.pdf |access-date=2023-10-15 |website=LYNX}}</ref> A similar system is used at ]; LYNX connects to ] (and, by extension, the ] ] parks), while Universal's resorts are connected via trails, water taxis, and a resort-operated bus.

Bus frequency varies by route, ranging from every fifteen minutes to every hour. On official maps, routes with frequencies of thirty minutes or better are colored purple, while less-frequent routes are colored orange. All routes are available Monday through Friday; weekend and holiday service varies by route.

Three routes (407, 418, and 441), branded as FastLink, use a ] route pattern to provide faster trips. These routes only operate weekdays from 6 AM to 6 PM.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date= |title=FastLink {{!}} Public Transportation Services for Orange, Seminole, & Osceola |url=http://www.golynx.com/plan-trip/riding-lynx/fastlink.stml |access-date=2023-10-15 |website=LYNX |language=en}}</ref>

All LYNX buses, with the exception of those used on the LYMMO system, have front-mounted ] which can be used at no extra charge.

Bus stop signs were originally designated with a ] paw in place of a traditional bus icon, with Links servicing the stop listed below. Following a rebranding initiative, this was replaced with a bus icon that incorporates the lynx paw.

==== LYMMO ====
], ]]]LYMMO is a ] ] system in ], which utilizes ] and ] to improve speed and reliability. The service connects downtown destinations, such as ] and ], to parking and ]. The service was first launched in 1997 and claims to be the oldest BRT system in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date= |title=LYMMO History / Timeline {{!}} Public Transportation Services for Orange, Seminole, & Osceola |url=http://www.golynx.com/plan-trip/riding-lynx/lymmo/lymmo-history.stml |access-date=2023-10-15 |website=LYNX |language=en}}</ref>

The system consists of three circulator routes, each named after ] fruits: the Orange Line (officially Link 60), the Lime Line (Link 61), and the Grapefruit Line (Link 62). The routes operate daily with headways of 8-15 minutes at peak and 15-20 minutes off-peak.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date= |title=LYMMO {{!}} Public Transportation in Orange, Seminole & Osceola |url=http://www.golynx.com/plan-trip/riding-lynx/lymmo/ |access-date=2023-10-15 |website=LYNX |language=en}}</ref>

Starting on August 20, 2023, during off-peak hours (10 AM-2 PM and 6:30 PM-10:30 PM), a portion of the Orange Line in the Creative Village neighborhood is instead serviced by SWAN, an ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gillespie |first=Ryan |date=2023-08-09 |title=Orlando pitches its autonomous Swan Shuttle, which starts Aug. 20 |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/08/09/orlando-pitches-its-autonomous-swan-shuttle-which-starts-aug-20/ |access-date=2023-10-15 |website=Orlando Sentinel |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== NeighborLink ===
NeighborLink (formerly PickUpLine) is an on-demand service that allows riders to schedule curb-to-curb trips within 11 specified zones. Trips can be scheduled online, by phone, or through an app.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Solodev |date=2018-02-06 |title=NeighborLink {{!}} Public Transportation Services for Orange, Seminole, & Osceola |url=http://www.golynx.com/plan-trip/riding-lynx/neighborlink.stml |access-date=2023-10-15 |website=www.golynx.com |language=en}}</ref> Trips must be scheduled at least two hours in advance.

=== Access LYNX ===
Access LYNX is a ] service which provides ]-compliant service to patrons incapable of using the bus system, as well as non-ADA service to users without reliable transportation due to disability, age, or income.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date= |title=Program Eligibility {{!}} Public Transportation Services for Orange, Seminole, & Osceola |url=http://www.golynx.com/plan-trip/riding-lynx/access-lynx/program-eligibility.stml |access-date=2023-10-15 |website=LYNX |language=en}}</ref> Since June 2023, Access LYNX has been operated by ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-25 |title=Transdev and LYNX partnering on paratransit service |url=https://www.masstransitmag.com/bus/paratransit/press-release/53061656/transdev-north-america-transdev-and-lynx-partnering-on-paratransit-service |access-date=2023-10-15 |website=Mass Transit}}</ref>

=== Vanpool ===
LYNX operates a ] program for riders in its service area, which allows groups of six to fifteen people to rent a vehicle for a monthly fee. The cost covers registration and service, but it does not cover fuel or tolls.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date= |title=Vanpool {{!}} Public Transportation Services for Orange, Seminole, & Osceola |url=http://www.golynx.com/plan-trip/riding-lynx/vanpool.stml |access-date=2023-10-15 |website=LYNX |language=en}}</ref>

=== Road Rangers ===
In partnership with the ], LYNX operates Road Rangers, a ] program for drivers on ]. Road Rangers provides minor vehicle repairs, towing, and communication with ] to drivers.


Road Rangers services two stretches of I-4, totaling 48 miles. The eastern stretch lasts from Exit 132 (]) to Exit 98 (Lake Mary Boulevard). The western stretch lasts from Exit 72 (]) to Exit 58 (]).<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date= |title=Road Rangers {{!}} Public Transportation in Orange, Seminole & Osceola |url=http://www.golynx.com/plan-trip/riding-lynx/road-rangers.stml |access-date=2023-10-15 |website=LYNX |language=en}}</ref>
Bus stop signs were designed with a ] paw in place of the traditional bus stop signs, which show a bus; although newer signs have been placed, adding the paw to the traditional sign. Also, the route numbers are usually attached to the bus stop signs.


==Fares== ==Fares==
A standard adult one-way fare is $2, which includes a free transfer within 90 minutes of activation. (The transfer cannot be used on the same Link, e.g. for round trips.) Payment can be made in cash or via the PawPass app. An All-Day Pass, which lasts until 3 AM the following morning, is available for $4.50 upon request.<ref name="Fares & Passes">{{Cite web |last= |date= |title=Fares & Passes {{!}} Public Transportation in Orange, Seminole & Osceola |url=http://www.golynx.com/fares-passes/ |access-date=2023-10-15 |website=LYNX |language=en}}</ref>
The standard adult one-way fare is $2 with free single transfers valid for 90 minutes (not valid on the same Link or for round trips). LYNX runs the ] '''LYMMO''' Bus in ], connecting many downtown destinations to parking and the ] by controlling ] on a three-mile route along a fully separate right-of-way or a combination of separate right-of-way and mixed traffic. All LYNX buses, except the Lymmo, have bike racks (2 – 3 bike capacity) for use at no extra charge. A single transfer to another route is available for free, but must be used within 90 minutes of paying cash fare. A rolling 24-Hour Pass costs $4.50 and must be purchased on board the bus. Lynx offers a rolling 7-Day Pass for $16 and a rolling 30-Day pass for $50; these passes may be purchased at the Lynx Central Station, online, the app, and at various retailers in the Orlando area.<ref name=lynxschedule />


LYNX offers a rolling 7-Day Pass for $16 and a rolling 30-Day pass for $50. These passes may be purchased at LYNX Central Station, online, via the PawPass app, or at Orlando-area retailers.<ref name="Fares & Passes" /> Up to three riders under 7 can board for free with fare-paying rider; additional children (or children without adults) require a $1 fare.<ref name="Reduced Fares">{{Cite web |last= |date= |title=Reduced Fares {{!}} Public Transportation in Orange, Seminole & Osceola |url=http://www.golynx.com/fares-passes/reduced-fares-application.stml |access-date=2023-10-15 |website=LYNX |language=en}}</ref>
A Lynx Discount Fare ID allows for discounted fares for children ages 7 to 18, high school students, senior citizens over age 65, and persons with disabilities. The discount fare costs $1 for a single ride, $2.25 for a rolling 24-Hour Pass, $8 for a rolling 7-Day Pass, and $25 for a rolling 30-Day Pass.<ref name=lynxschedule />


Discounted fare IDs are available to youth (age 7 - 18 and/or currently in high school), seniors (age 65+), ] card holders, and disabled people. Patrons with a discounted fare ID can buy passes for half price.<ref name="Reduced Fares" />
Under 7 can board for free with fare-paying rider; 3-kid-limit applies.


==Images== ==Images==
Line 57: Line 88:
File:Orlando Lynx Bus.jpg|Lynx bus File:Orlando Lynx Bus.jpg|Lynx bus
File:Lynx Bus 01.jpg|Lynx bus wrapped File:Lynx Bus 01.jpg|Lynx bus wrapped
File:Lynx stop (3427780278).jpg|Lynx bus stop sign File:OrlandoLYNXStop, AmSouth Building.jpg|Older bus stop sign
File:OrlandoLYNXStop, AmSouth Building.jpg|Lynx bus stop sign
</gallery> </gallery>


Revision as of 17:52, 15 October 2023

Public transportation service in Orlando, Florida
LYNX
FoundedMay 1972 (1972-05)
Headquarters455 N Garland Avenue
Orlando, Florida
LocaleGreater Orlando, U.S.
Service areaOrange County, Seminole County, Osceola County, Lake County, Polk County
Service typeTransit bus
Routes68 Fixed Route; 11 NeighborLink
Stops4,441
Fleet301
Daily ridership57,400 (weekdays, Q3 2024)
Annual ridership18,647,400 (2023)
Fuel typeBiodiesel, diesel, CNG, Electric
OperatorCentral Florida Regional Transportation Authority
Chief executiveTiffany Homler Hawkins
Websitegolynx.com

Lynx (stylized as LYNX) is a transit system serving the greater Orlando, Florida area. Operated by the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority, it provides bus, curb-to-curb, and paratransit services in three counties: Orange, Seminole, and Osceola. Bus routes are referred to as Links.

LYNX does not operate SunRail, the region's commuter rail service, but it does provide bus connections to SunRail stations within its service area.

In 2023, the system had a ridership of 18,647,400, or about 57,400 per weekday as of the third quarter of 2024.

History

The Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority was formed in May 1972 under the name Orange-Seminole-Osceola Transportation Authority (OSOTA). The bus service was originally named Tri-County Transit, or TCT for short. The authority changed its name in 1994 via a public naming contest and started doing business as Lynx.

The agency opened LYNX Central Station (LCS) in November 2004 and a new operations center called LYNX Operations Center (LOC) in 2007.

LYNX also opened through a partnership with the city of Kissimmee the Osceola Satellite Facility (OSF) to operate their Kissimmee routes. The only Kissimmee route that does not operate from OSF is FastLink 441, which is fully run out of LOC.

Services

LYNX Bus

A LYNX stop sign consists of a circular sign with a "bus" icon and a rectangular sign listing connecting Links.
Current LYNX bus stop signage

LYNX operates 68 bus routes throughout its three-county service area. The bus system connects to LakeXpress (servicing Lake County) in Zellwood and to Citrus Connection (servicing Polk County) in Four Corners and Poinciana. All SunRail stations within the service area have bus connections, though transfers are irregularly timed.

LYNX directly services Disney Springs and the Transportation and Ticket Center of Walt Disney World, as well as some employee areas. All other transportation in WDW is provided by Disney's own bus system. A similar system is used at Universal Orlando; LYNX connects to Universal CityWalk (and, by extension, the original two parks), while Universal's resorts are connected via trails, water taxis, and a resort-operated bus.

Bus frequency varies by route, ranging from every fifteen minutes to every hour. On official maps, routes with frequencies of thirty minutes or better are colored purple, while less-frequent routes are colored orange. All routes are available Monday through Friday; weekend and holiday service varies by route.

Three routes (407, 418, and 441), branded as FastLink, use a limited-stop route pattern to provide faster trips. These routes only operate weekdays from 6 AM to 6 PM.

All LYNX buses, with the exception of those used on the LYMMO system, have front-mounted bike racks which can be used at no extra charge.

Bus stop signs were originally designated with a lynx paw in place of a traditional bus icon, with Links servicing the stop listed below. Following a rebranding initiative, this was replaced with a bus icon that incorporates the lynx paw.

LYMMO

LYMMO stop on South Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando, Florida

LYMMO is a free bus rapid transit system in Downtown Orlando, which utilizes bus lanes and priority signals to improve speed and reliability. The service connects downtown destinations, such as Lake Eola Park and Amway Center, to parking and LYNX Central Station. The service was first launched in 1997 and claims to be the oldest BRT system in the United States.

The system consists of three circulator routes, each named after citrus fruits: the Orange Line (officially Link 60), the Lime Line (Link 61), and the Grapefruit Line (Link 62). The routes operate daily with headways of 8-15 minutes at peak and 15-20 minutes off-peak.

Starting on August 20, 2023, during off-peak hours (10 AM-2 PM and 6:30 PM-10:30 PM), a portion of the Orange Line in the Creative Village neighborhood is instead serviced by SWAN, an autonomous shuttle.

NeighborLink

NeighborLink (formerly PickUpLine) is an on-demand service that allows riders to schedule curb-to-curb trips within 11 specified zones. Trips can be scheduled online, by phone, or through an app. Trips must be scheduled at least two hours in advance.

Access LYNX

Access LYNX is a paratransit service which provides ADA-compliant service to patrons incapable of using the bus system, as well as non-ADA service to users without reliable transportation due to disability, age, or income. Since June 2023, Access LYNX has been operated by Transdev.

Vanpool

LYNX operates a vanpool program for riders in its service area, which allows groups of six to fifteen people to rent a vehicle for a monthly fee. The cost covers registration and service, but it does not cover fuel or tolls.

Road Rangers

In partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation, LYNX operates Road Rangers, a roadside assistance program for drivers on Interstate 4. Road Rangers provides minor vehicle repairs, towing, and communication with first responders to drivers.

Road Rangers services two stretches of I-4, totaling 48 miles. The eastern stretch lasts from Exit 132 (Interstate 95) to Exit 98 (Lake Mary Boulevard). The western stretch lasts from Exit 72 (Florida State Road 528) to Exit 58 (Osceola County Road 532).

Fares

A standard adult one-way fare is $2, which includes a free transfer within 90 minutes of activation. (The transfer cannot be used on the same Link, e.g. for round trips.) Payment can be made in cash or via the PawPass app. An All-Day Pass, which lasts until 3 AM the following morning, is available for $4.50 upon request.

LYNX offers a rolling 7-Day Pass for $16 and a rolling 30-Day pass for $50. These passes may be purchased at LYNX Central Station, online, via the PawPass app, or at Orlando-area retailers. Up to three riders under 7 can board for free with fare-paying rider; additional children (or children without adults) require a $1 fare.

Discounted fare IDs are available to youth (age 7 - 18 and/or currently in high school), seniors (age 65+), Medicare card holders, and disabled people. Patrons with a discounted fare ID can buy passes for half price.

Images

  • Lynx bus Lynx bus
  • Lynx bus wrapped Lynx bus wrapped
  • Older bus stop sign Older bus stop sign

References

  1. ^ LYNX Fast Facts
  2. "Bus Shelter Program – Public Transportation Services for Orange, Seminole and Osceola Counties". Web.archive.org. 2012-08-20. Retrieved 2014-01-18.
  3. "Transit Ridership Report Third Quarter 2024" (PDF). American Public Transportation Association. November 20, 2024. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
  4. "Transit Ridership Report Fourth Quarter 2023" (PDF). American Public Transportation Association. March 4, 2024. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  5. LYNX About Us
  7. "Brochure T: Disney Area" (PDF). LYNX. 2023-08-01. Retrieved 2023-10-15.
  8. "FastLink | Public Transportation Services for Orange, Seminole, & Osceola". LYNX. Retrieved 2023-10-15.
  9. "LYMMO History / Timeline | Public Transportation Services for Orange, Seminole, & Osceola". LYNX. Retrieved 2023-10-15.
  10. "LYMMO | Public Transportation in Orange, Seminole & Osceola". LYNX. Retrieved 2023-10-15.
  11. Gillespie, Ryan (2023-08-09). "Orlando pitches its autonomous Swan Shuttle, which starts Aug. 20". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved 2023-10-15.
  12. Solodev (2018-02-06). "NeighborLink | Public Transportation Services for Orange, Seminole, & Osceola". www.golynx.com. Retrieved 2023-10-15.
  13. "Program Eligibility | Public Transportation Services for Orange, Seminole, & Osceola". LYNX. Retrieved 2023-10-15.
  14. "Transdev and LYNX partnering on paratransit service". Mass Transit. 2023-05-25. Retrieved 2023-10-15.
  15. "Vanpool | Public Transportation Services for Orange, Seminole, & Osceola". LYNX. Retrieved 2023-10-15.
  16. "Road Rangers | Public Transportation in Orange, Seminole & Osceola". LYNX. Retrieved 2023-10-15.
  17. ^ "Fares & Passes | Public Transportation in Orange, Seminole & Osceola". LYNX. Retrieved 2023-10-15.
  18. ^ "Reduced Fares | Public Transportation in Orange, Seminole & Osceola". LYNX. Retrieved 2023-10-15.

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