OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Some Lynx buses in Osceola County are so crowded there is standing room only.
Ridership on Lynx buses is up nearly 25 percent, and some riders are now questioning the buses' safety.
People who pack the buses in Osceola County told Eyewitness News the ride is not just uncomfortable, some say it is downright dangerous.
“The bus hits the brakes, everybody goes ‘boom, boom,’” said one bus passenger.
One frequent rider sent WFTV cellphone video from a bus route on Highway 192 where it was standing room only.
Regular Lynx bus rider Julie Price deals with the same thing every week.
“A lot of times I have my 1-year-old grandbaby with me and I've almost fallen holding him on there before. So, yeah, I think it's a safety issue,” said Price.
Riders also said it is almost impossible to get anywhere on time.
The bus that runs up and down Highway 192 is supposed to stop at the Osceola Square Mall every half an hour, but people Eyewitness News spoke to said sometimes they are waiting an hour or an hour and a half for the bus to show up.
“It makes no sense to leave for work two to three hours early because the buses can't be on time,” said Victor Brown, Lynx rider.
“It's not like we can walk over to the local car dealer and purchase a bus,” said Lynx Spokesman, Matt Friedman.
Lynx told Eyewitness News that adding new buses could take time but it is an option.
The agency is working on the problem with county leaders and said the safety concerns are just one reason they need a solution quickly.
“We apologize for the inconvenience, but you have to trust us,” said Friedman. “We really are working to find a solution.”
Onnie Williams said she would like to offer her input at an upcoming meeting.
“It would be real nice if they can get these buses to run like New York,” said Williams.
Lynx said gas prices are a major cause for the increase in ridership. The agency will meet with commissioners to discuss the problems at a meeting scheduled for April 2.