VoRide in Volusia County
Volusia County is preparing to eliminate several long-standing Votran bus routes and shift riders to VoRide, a tech-based, on-demand microtransit system powered by Uber Transit. The change, planned for early 2026, is raising concerns among riders who depend most on traditional public transportation.
Under the proposal, multiple east and west side routes would be replaced by VoRide, which requires riders to book trips through a smartphone app or by calling a dispatch line. Riders and advocates worry the new model may not be accessible for those without reliable devices, technology skills or stable phone access — including seniors, low-income residents, people with disabilities and individuals experiencing homelessness.
Federal law requires public outreach and equity analysis before major service changes. VoRide currently serves parts of West Volusia, including DeLand, Deltona, DeBary and Orange City.
Community Feedback and Concerns
At recent community meetings, many attendees described relying on fixed routes for essential trips to medical appointments, jobs, classes and family obligations. Votran representatives said low ridership on several routes — sometimes with only a few or no riders — drove the decision. They said shifting to on-demand service would reduce costs and reallocate resources to higher-demand areas.
John Davidson, a New Smyrna Beach resident and longtime rider who uses a power wheelchair, said he has depended on Votran for 27 years to travel to work. He has not yet switched to VoRide but is already experiencing changes in how he books rides. “I used to have a standing order for my pickup and drop-off, but now I have to call each time,” he said. Davidson said early problems with long phone hold times improved after AT&T addressed phone line issues.
The County Council approved the service changes Oct. 7, 2025. According to the Nov. 18 meeting agenda, council members also approved an amendment allowing the transit and maintenance contractor to begin microtransit services in designated areas. Meeting minutes had not been posted at the time of publication.
Davidson, who spoke at the Nov. 18 meeting to raise concerns about phone access, said he is now communicating directly with Transit Services Director Bobbie King. “Speaking with her makes me feel increasingly reassured,” he said. “I get a live person who walks me through the booking when I call for my ride.” He added that the transition will “take some getting used to,” but he is hopeful.
While fares are considered low, some riders said cost could still pose challenges for those on fixed incomes. VoRide fares start at $2 for trips up to 5 miles and increase by $1 per additional mile, up to a $7 maximum. Fares for youth, seniors and people with disabilities are half-price. Children under 7 ride free with a paying adult.
Concerns raised during public meetings included technology barriers, loss of guaranteed routes and stops, the lack of Sunday or holiday service, and uncertainty during the transition. Supporters say the model could offer more flexible and affordable travel, but its success will depend on riders’ comfort with booking tools, access to a phone and ability to walk short distances to pickup points.
For more information on VoRide, visit City.RidewithVia.com/Voride. For Votran service details or feedback opportunities, call (386) 761-7700 or visit: Votran.org.
Images from Votran.com
Mimi McKee is a Realtor with Ocean Properties & Management Inc. and a member of the NSB Board of Realtors. She relocated from Atlanta, GA in 2005 and is “Loving Living at the Beach.”
Any information provided for this news column is based on personal research and analysis and does not reflect the views or opinions of Ocean Properties & Management Inc.
