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Officials expand Votran services to help riders get to SunRail station

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — More bus services are coming to Volusia County.

On Thursday, county commissioners agreed to expand Votran service, so residents can get to the county’s only SunRail stop.

The extra rides will cost the county a half million dollars.

The expanded services will help future SunRail riders get to the train station if they don’t have a car.

The only stop in Volusia County is in DeBary, which is 12 miles from downtown DeLand.

“It’s estimated that some 30,000 people who live in Volusia County actually commute to jobs in Seminole and Orange counties,” said Volusia County spokesperson David Byron.

The feeder bus service, however, won’t mean more buses on the road.

The county will just be expanding service of the current routes 30, 31, 32, and 33, which pick up Votran riders.

The expanded service will run an express route, which will limit stops along the current routes to make sure the buses are on time for the train in the morning and evening.

Officials said Votrain riders who don’t plan to use the SunRail need to be aware of the change, or they may miss a stop.

“Obviously this is all brand new to everyone,” Byron said.

Officials said taxpayers won’t be footing the bill for the new feeder service.

“We’re providing service equal to what the Department of Transportation has allocated for the feeder bus routes,” Byron said.

A county spokesperson said they will put information about the feeder service on the buses by next week.

Riders who use Votran to get to SunRail will get a free transfer onto the train at the DeBary station.

Votran riders who travel into Seminole and Orange counties will pay a discounted fare.