Lynx to cut Clermont-Orlando bus route

CLERMONT, Fla. — Thousands of Lake County bus riders may soon have to find a new way to get to work after it was announced Lynx will get rid of its Clermont Express route in October.

For the passengers that ride the Clermont to Orlando route, having it couldn't be a bigger convenience.

One rider said she takes the bus to the Main Street station, gets off and walks across the street to work, making it very convenient for her.

"Practically door to door," said Michelle Hoffman. "It's great."

Hoffman said she moved to Lake County partially because of a bus route that brings her back and forth to work from Clermont to Orlando for about $70 a month.

"If I drive by myself, I'm not only paying for parking, but I'm paying the gas, the wear and tear on my car, the tolls, so the bus has been cheaper, more convenient," Hoffman said.

But that's about to change because Lake County lawmakers have chosen not to fund the route any longer. It costs the county about $183,000 a year to transport 3,300 people a month.

"It's a contracted service. We're contracted by Lake County, and as long as they want to fund it, we'll put that route on the road," said Matt Friendman, of Lynx. "What we've been told is they're no longer going to fund it, so the route will go away."

Riders have suggested a number of solutions, including increasing the $70 a month charge or reducing the number of runs between the two cities.

Either way, Lake County will have to subsidize some of it, and county leaders aren't willing to do that right now, according to Channel 9's Steve Barrett.

There will be a public hearing coming up in downtown Clermont for riders to speak up. The meeting is scheduled for Sept. 24 at Clermont City Hall from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

LINK: Lake County ends contract with Lynx

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