Quick Navigation
Votran History
The Volusia County Council created Volusia County’s public transportation system, called Votran, in 1975. Votran is a service of Volusia County Government. Over the years, Votran has hit some major milestones for a transit agency.
- 1975 – Votran is created by the Volusia County Council. Fixed Route is provided throughout the Greater Daytona Beach Area.
- 1975 – East Volusia Transportation District began operations Sept. 2 with 28 buses covering 14 routes in the Daytona Beach Area.
- 1993 – Votran’s new transfer terminal is opened in downtown Daytona Beach.
- 1993 – The County Council votes to expand Votran service to other urban areas of the county. Votran’s taxing district is expanded countywide and is designated as the Community Transportation Coordinator.
- 1994 – Votran expands service in the Greater Daytona Beach Area to include Sundays.
- 1994 – Votran’s look is modernized with the adoption of new color schemes and the marketing slogan, “We drive a great bargain.”
- 1994 – Votran assumes operation of the countywide paratransit service formerly provided by the Council on Aging. This service is renamed Votran Gold.
- 1994 – Votran begins West Volusia service to include DeLand, Orange City, Deltona and DeBary.
- 1995 – Votran begins connector service between West Volusia and the Greater Daytona Beach Area.
- 1996 – Votran begins Southeast Volusia service to include New Smyrna Beach and Edgewater with a connector to Port Orange (Greater Daytona Beach Area).
- 1998 – Votran dedicated a new Mobility Management Center (administration and operations center) on Big Tree Road in South Daytona.
- 1998 – Votran begins Volusia/downtown Orlando I-4 Express Link, a regional partnership between Votran/LYNX, with five buses in a.m. and p.m.
- 1999 – Votran introduces Guaranteed Ride Home to Commuter Assistance program.
- 1999 – Votran host the State Paratransit Rodeo
- 2000 – Votran begins Beach Tram service in Daytona Beach tourism district.
- 2000 – Votran begins Stow & Go bicycle/passenger program.
- 2000 – Votran begins service to Northwest Volusia County.
- 2000 – Votran opens new Intermodal Transportation Facility in Daytona Beach. Human Resources Annual report Information.docx
- 2001 – Votran hosts the State of Florida Mega (Fixed Route) Operations and Maintenance Bus Roadeo.
- 2002 – Night Service begins/ Beach Tram discontinued.
- 2002 – Beachside Speedway Express service begins operating from ITF.
- 2003 – Votran introduced www.votran.org so customers could have access to information 24/7
- 2004 – Votran hosts the State of Florida Mega (Fixed Route) Operations and Maintenance Bus Roadeo.
- 2005 – Route 60 expands to Saturdays.
- 2005 – New maps/schedules were designed.
- 2006 – Votran hosts the State Paratransit Roadeo.
- 2007 – Votran initiated major technological improvements, including automatic locators, automated fare boxes, digital camera security systems, and electronic route information signs at the major transfer centers.
- 2007 – Votran initiates going “green” concept.
- 2008 – Votran opens the State of Florida Regional Training Facility.
- 2008 – Votran acquires nine 35’ and two 30’ new fixed route Gillig buses.
- 2008 – Votran discontinues service for Medicaid trips.
- 2009 – Votran saw leadership change from Lois Bollenback to Ken Fischer as General Manager.
- 2009 – Votran Earth Green Day; free ride with green shirt.
- 2009 – Votran hosted the State Paratransit Roadeo.
- 2009 – Votran received eight new Paratransit Vehicles.
- 2009 – Votran received three new Service Vehicles.
- 2009 – Votran participated in Hybrid Demo Project.
- 2009 – Votran was called upon to help flood victims of Daytona Beach in May.
- 2009 – Votran was big part of the Oak Hill food drive for their community center.
- 2010 – Votran initiated new service involving a loop around the cities of Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach and beachside.
- 2010 – Votran hosted the State Paratransit Roadeo.
- 2010 – Votran introduced nine fixed route and seven paratransit hybrid buses to its fleet.
- 2010 – Votran initiated the first flex service schedule in southeast Volusia County.
- 2011 – Votran hosted first ever State Triple Crown Roadeo.
- 2012 – Votran worked with Orange City to develop and build a new garage for the western county buses that were parked in a temporary garage in Osteen.
- 2012 – Votran worked with Volusia County, Lynx and the State of Florida on the establishment of the new SunRail train line that will connect Orlando to DeBary. A new bus route is being planned to connect passengers from this station to Votran’s routes on the west side of the county, with continuation to the east side of the county.
- 2012 – Votran worked with the City of New Smryna Beach to establish a permanent parking area to connect the flex service passenger buses to bus service to the Edgewater and Daytona Beach area.
- 2014 – Votran launched Westside Volusia connecting bus service to the SunRail DeBary Station.
- 2014 – Votran opened the West Volusia Maintenance Facility Sept. 19 to reduce costs and increase operating efficiencies.
- 2014 – MyStop Mobile iphone app was introduced.
- 2014 – Text "Vo to Go" for live schedule information from any phone with message capability
- 2014 – Routes 3 and 4 service on U.S. Hwy. 1 frequency improved to 30 minutes with FDOT Corridor funding.
- 2014 – New website was launched with interactive rider tools for trip planning and live schedule information.
- 2014 – Google Transit was implemented for trip planning from votran.org or Google Maps.
- 2014 – Votran increased fares to help offset substantially higher operating costs.
- 2014 - Votran starts new bus routes connecting to SunRail at the DeBary SunRail Station. These routes are Route 30, 31, 32, 33 and connect DeBary, DeLand, Deltona and Orange City to SunRail DeBary Station.
- 2015 – Votran celebrated its 40th service anniversary.
- 2015 – Propane vehicles were acquired for paratransit service.
- 2017 - Votran increases service on the Route 20 and Route 60. The increased service provides half hour service to both routes.
- 2018 - Votran hosts the 2018 Florida Triple Crown Bus Roadeo inside the Ocean Center for the second year in a row.
- 2018 - Votran increases service on the Route 7, Route 11. The increased service provides half hour service to both routes.
- 2018 - Votran begins the operation of the Route 44 in New Smyrna Beach. "From the Store to the Shore, It's the Route 44" started operation in June of 2018
- 2018 - Votran hosts the 2018 FPTA/CTD Annual Conference at the Ocean Center
- 2018 - Votran implements an electronic telephone messaging system for Gold Service customers. "Vo-Call" will allow Gold Service customers to call in and check on trips, cancel trips and receive reminders of their trips.
- 2018 - Votran aquires five 35' Gillig fixed-route buses.
- 2019 - Votran begins operation of the Route 25 in north Deltona. "Ride to the Big 5 on Route 25" started operation on February 25, 2019
- 2019 - Votran acquires 11 35' Gillig fixed-route buses and 11 23' Paratransit buses.
- 2020 - Votran acquires seven 35' Gillig fixed-route buses, nine 23', and three 25' Paratransit buses.
- 2020 - Service to Tanger Outlets/Tomoka Town Center begins via Routes 11B, 11N, and 10S.
- 2020 - Volusia County contracts with First Transit to manage and operate Votran's services.
- 2021 - Votran acquires three, 23' Paratransit buses and seven support vans.
- 2021 - Votran hosts the 2021 FPTA/CTD Annual Conference & Expo at the Ocean Center.
- 2022 - Votran places 12 new paratransit buses and two new Flex Service buses into service.
- 2023 - The County Council votes to create the Transit Services Division. This move also restructured Votran: Management, Planning, and Finance functions are now a part of the Transit Services Division with Operations, Maintenance, and Customer Service remaining under a contractor.
- 2023 - Votran places four new 35' Gillig fixed-route buses into service.
- 2023 - Votran launches VoRide, a ridesharing service in DeLand
- 1984 – County Achievement Award for the Accident Review Committee from the National Association of Counties
- 1986 – State Bus Rodeo Second Place from Jacksonville Transportation Authority
- 1987 – County Achievement Award of Progressive Discipline Policy From the National Association of Counties
- 1992 – Unit Safety Award, Most Improved, Group II from Florida Transit Association
- 1992 – Outstanding Achievement in Local Government Award from the Volusia Council of Governments
- 1993 – Unit Safety Award, Most Improved, Group II from Florida Transit Association
- 1993 – Public Transportation System Outstanding Achievement Award from American Public Transit Association, East Volusia Transportation Authority
- 1993 – Achievement Award for ADA Task Force from National Association of Counties
- 1994 – Unit Safety Award, Most Improved, Group B from Florida Transit Association
- 1996 – Unit Safety Award, First Place, Group B from Florida Transit Association
- 1996 – 1997 Community Patient Service Award Awarded to Votran from the American Cancer Society
- 1996 – Florida Design Art Award for Votrans Bus Transfer Facility from Secretary of State Sandra B. Mortham of Florida Arts Council on Behalf of the Citizens of the State of Florida
- 1997 – Unit Safety Award, First Place, Group B from Florida Transit Association
- 1997 – Urban CTC of the Year from the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged
- 1998 – Unit Safety Award, Second Place, Group B from Florida Transit Association
- 1989 – Blue Springs Manatee Festive, Volusia Transit Authority
- 1992 – Ground Breaking Golden Shovel Award for the Transfer Terminal
- 1993 – Best Commercial Building, Votran Bus Terminal from Peck & Associates Construction
- 1993 – Florida Council of the Blind, Meritorious Service with Local Chapter Award
- 1997 – Above & Beyond Corporate Award, Exceptional Dedication to Our Cause Award from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Central Florida Chapter
- 1998 – The American Red Cross honored Votran for its "generous donation of a blood donor shuttle bus to support the collection of vital lifesaving blood products for area hospital patients."
- 1999 – Unit Safety Award, second place, Group B, from Florida Transit Association
- 1999 – State Rodeo, first place, Engine Award
- 1999 – Dedication and Service Award presented to Votran by the Handicapped Adults of Volusia County
- 1999 – Florida Travel Choice Award from Florida Department of Transportation
- 1999 – State Rodeo, third place award to Team Maintenance
- 1999 – Paratransit Rodeo Votran Staff & Management Hosts of 1999 Rodeo for Your Hard Work & Commitment
- 1999-2003 – Preferred Governmental Insurance Trust awarded to Volusia Transit Management as a charter nember of the Preferred Governmental Insurance Trust Program
- 2000 – Unit Safety Award, first place, Group B from Florida Transit Association
- 2000 – Bus Mechanic of the Year first runner up awarded to Rick Kazawitch from the Florida Transit Association
- 2000 – The Best Daytona Beach Tourism Award for A1A Trolley Service
- 2001 – Unit Safety Award, second place, Group B, from Florida Public Transportation Association
- 2001 – Driver of the Year, Evett “Doc” Wilson” from Florida Transportation Association
- 2001 – The Best Daytona Beach Tourism Award for A1A Trolley Service
- 2001-2002 – Serving Today for a Better Tomorrow Award from the Port Orange & South Daytona Chamber of Commerce
- 2002 – Unit Safety Award, second place, group B, from Florida Public Transportation Association
- 2002 – Dispatcher / Scheduler of the Year, Edie Biro from the Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged, State of Florida
- 2002 – Paratransit Bus Operator of the Year, Betty “BJ” Crooms from the Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged, State of Florida
- 2002 – Above & Beyond in Special Needs Awarded to Sue Smeltzer from Sure-Lok Safe & Secure
- 2002 – Mega Rodeo, First Place Written Test & Maintenance Awarded to Bus Operators & Maintenance Employees from the State of Florida
- 2002 - Mega Rodeo, Third Place Overall & Maintenance Awarded to Bus Operators & Maintenance Employees from the State of Florida
- 2003 – Unit Safety Award, Second Place, Group II from Florida Public Transportation Association
- 2003-2004 – Changing Lives Award from United Way
- 2003-2004 – Star of the Campaign Extraordinary Commitment to the United Way Award
- 2004 – Unit Safety Award, First Place of a Mid-Size System fro the Florida Public Transportation Association
- 2004 – State Rodeo, Rookie of the Year Award to Keith Smith
- 2004 – State Rodeo, Highest Maintenance Air Board Score Awarded to John Foderaro, Kenneth Traher & James Bosco
- 2004 – State Rodeo, Property Participation Award Awarded to John Foderaro, Kenneth Traher, James Bosco & Keith Smith
- 2004 – State Rodeo, Overall Maintenance second place awarded to John Foderaro, Kenneth Traher & James Bosco
- 2004 – Volusia County Schools presented Votran a Volunteer / Partnership Programs Award for its "commitment to the education of our students."
- 2004 – State Rodeo, Operators & Maintenance Property Participation Award from Florida Public Transportation Association & Florida Department of Transportation
- 2005 – Volusia County Schools presented Votran a Volunteer / Partnership Programs Award for its "commitment to the education of our students."
- 2005 – Award of Appreciation of Votran Bus Services from the Daytona Beach Junior League
- 2005 – Florida Rodeo, Second Place Maintenance
- 2005 – Award of Excellence, Radio Class One, Florida Public Transportation Association 31st Annual Conference, Sanibel, Florida
- 2005 – Florida State Rodeo, “Power Train Champ”
- 2006 – Outstanding Coordinating Board of the Year Award from the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged, Volusia County Coordinating Board
- 2006 – Volusia County Schools presented Votran a Volunteer / Partnership Programs Award for its "commitment to the education of our students."
- 2006 – Mechanic of the Year First Runner Up Awarded to John Foderaro from the Florida Public Transportation Association
- 2006 – Award of Excellence Competition Certificate for the Citized Education of Rx: Commutus Liberatus Campaign from NACIO
- 2006 – Certificate of Appreciation Awarded to Votran In Recognition of Serving as a Valuable Contributor to Volusia County MPO’s Second Annual Safety Awareness Day
- 2006 – Friend of the League, Women Building Better Communities Award from the Junior League of Daytona Beach
- 2007 – Volusia County Schools presented Votran a Volunteer / Partnership Programs Award for its "commitment to the education of our students."
- 2007 – The Florida Preservation Award In Recognition of Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Restoration / Rehabilitation of the DeLand Train Station from the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, Inc.
- 2008 – Ken Fischer is awarded the William G. Bell Lifetime Achievement Award by the Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged.
- 2008 – Volusia County Schools presented Votran a Volunteer / Partnership Programs Award for its "commitment to the education of our students."
- 2009 – Rick Kazawitch was honored by Volusia County Council for developing the specifications for new Paratransit buses.
- 2009 – Robert Davenport was awarded The Helping Hands Award from Council on Aging.
- 2009 – Bernard Huggins received the National Safety Council Southeast Regional Best Safe Driver of the Year Award and was honored by the Volusia County Council.
- 2009 – Evett (Doc) Wilson received Safe Driver of the Year Award of Honor from the National Safety Council and was honored by the Volusia County Council.
- 2009 – Nathaniel Flynt received Safe Driver of the Year Award of Honor from the National Safety Council and was honored by the Volusia County Council.
- 2010 – Bill Mayer was selected to be the spotlight feature in the RTAP Bulletin.
- 2010 – Bernard Huggins was named the Florida Transportation Association 2010 Operator of the Year.
- 2011 – Maintenance Department takes highest scores for I/O Controls and third place overall Maintenance in the State Triple Crown Roadeo.
- 2011 – Votran wins several awards during the FPTA annual conference, including:
- Second runner-up Safety Award from the FPTA.
- John McDermott wins second runner-up for Operator of the Year
- Ffirst place for the Most Innovative Project for its “Go Green Project”
- 2012 – Votran wins several awards from McDonald Transit Company including:
- Second place SafeService Award for the Highest Increase in Paratransit Trips for 2010
- Third place Over 1 Million Passenger Service Award for highest increase in fixed route passenger trips in 2011
- 2012 – Votran Maintenance Team wins several awards at the Florida State Roadeo including:
- First place for Maintenace Team Overall
- Highest Cummins ISL Engine Score
- Highest Detroit Diesel Engine Score and Highest I/O Controls Score
- 2012 – Votran Fixed Route Operator wins for Highest Operator Written Test Score at the Florida State Roadeo.
- 2012 – Votran Paratransit Operator wins ‘Above and Beyond Award’ at the State of Florida Paratransit Roadeo.
-
2012 – Votran received three awards at the FPTA conference and expo:
-
Operator of the Year for Janet Kisner
-
Bus Safety Award, third place . his award acknowledges transit agencies for "the promotion and encouragement of safety throughout their community."
- Innovation and Creativity Award for Votran’s Trolley Partnership Pass Program. This award acknowledges transit agencies for "demonstrating innovative and creative concepts in effective problem solving techniques."
-
-
2013 – FPTA Employee Communications Award This award acknowledges transit agencies for their efforts to inform, educate, motivate or reward employees. Votran was selected for this award for our entry of the “Diversitree” display that was created as a way to celebrate diversity in the workplace.
-
2013 – Bus Operations / Maintenance Roadeo. Votran Mechanics John Foderaro and Scott Groth represented Votran in the Florida Public Transit Association annual maintenance roadeo and took first place in the both the Airboard event and the Cummins Engine event
-
2013 – Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged 2013 Driver of the Year. Votran’s own Stewart Wood was selected as the 2013 Driver of the Year from among nominations submitted statewide.
-
2013 – Evett "Doc" Wilson was awarded by the National Safety Council for safe driving. He is the first Votran operator to reach the 3 million mile safety mark.
-
2014 – Votran Scheduler Williams Reynolds received the State of Florida Dispatcher/Scheduler of the Year from the Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged Dispatcher.
-
2014 – Votran hosted the second Triple Crown Roadeo.
-
2014 – Votran wins the FPTA “Best In Class” Online Communication/Social Media Website.
-
2014 – Votran Fixed Route Operator Bernard Huggins attains 3 million miles of safe driving from the National Safety Council
-
2015 – Steven Sherrer, Votran’s general manager, was elected vice chair of the Florida Public Transportation Association’s board of directors.
-
2015 – Votran wins four awards at the FPTA annual conference:
-
Bus Safety Excellence Gold Award
-
People's Choice Award for marketing campaign in Aging Tree
-
Scott Groth, second place, Technician of the Year
-
Doc Wilson, second place, Bus Operator of the Year
-
-
2016 – Daytona Beach News Journal "40 under 40" awarded Steve Sherrer as Young Local Government Professional of the Year
-
2016 - Votran wins awards at the FPTA annual conference:
-
Votran wins 2nd place FPTA Marketing Award for Electronic Media - Ride Votran: Spectrum Ad Campaign
-
Tier 2 Certificate of Merit for Safety - Expanded Annual Safety Training
-
-
2016 - Commision on Transportation Disadvantage awards Votran with
-
CTD Safety Award - System of the Year
-
Arlene Thompson Dispatcher/ Scheduler of the Year
-
-
2017 – Votran wins awards at the FPTA annual conference:
-
1st Place Award for Marketing in Print Instructional Information - Votran Rider Courtesy Campaign
-
Tier 2 Certificate of Merit for Safety
-
Certificate of Merit - Votran Training Ambassador Program
-
- 2017 - Votran General Manager, Steven Sherrer, named Florida Public Transportation Association Board Chair
- 2017 - Votran Assistant General Manager, Heather Blanck, was awarded the Women in Transportation Seminar's Innovative Transportation Solution Award
- 2017 - Votran General Manager, Steven Sherrer, was awarded the Honorable Ray LaHood Award by the Women in Transportation Seminar.
- 2018 - Votran wins awards at the 2018 Florida Triple Crown Roadeo - Highest ThermoKing A/C Module Score, Highest Fixed Route Inspection Score and 3rd Place Fixed Route Maintenance Division
- 2018 - Votran wins awards at 2018 FPTA & CTD Annual Conference
- Florida Public Transportation Association Tier 2 Certificate of Merit for Safety
-
State of Florida Commission for Transportation Disadvantaged CTD - System of the Year Safety Award
-
State of Florida Commission for Transportation Disadvantaged Dispatcher / Scheduler of the Year - Susan Smeltzer
-
The Sheila Winitzer Shinning Star Award- Edie Biro
- 2019 - Votran participates in the 2019 Florida Triple Crown Roadeo in Jacksonville Florida. Hosted by Jacksonville Tranist Authority (JTA), Votran entered 1 maintenance department member, 2 paratransit drivers and 1 fixed route driver.
- Mike Erdman - 3rd Place Paratransit Maintenance Technician
- Fred Schrader - 4th Place Paratranist Driver
- Mart Hart - 9th Place Paratransit Driver
- Tracey McClary - 10th Place Fixed Route Driver
- 2019 - Votran wins awards at the 2019 FPTA & CTD Annual Conference
- 2019 FPTA 2nd Place Marketing Award for Route 44 Shore to the Store Campaign
- 2019 CTD Dispatcher / Scheduler of the Year - Tommie Robinson
- 2019 FPTA Bus Operator of the Year - Doc Wilson
- 2019 Bus Con Maintenance Manager of the Year - Rick Kazawitch
- 2019 CTD Safety Award of the Year - Votran
- 2019 Bus Con PERC - Propane Education & Research Council Fleet Award - Votran
- 2020 - Twenty Votran bus operators receive the National Safety Council award for safe driving.
- 2020 - Bus operator Theodore "Teddy" Glenn is ranked 2nd place by the FPTA for Bus Operator of the Year.
- 2021 - Votran wins awards at the 2021 FPTA & CTD Annual Conference
- FPTA Outstanding System of the Year Award
- FPTA Bus Safety Excellence Gold Award
- John Foderaro - 1st Place Bus Technician of the Year Award
- Patricia Speranza - 1st ever recipient of the Transit Hero of the Year Award
- FPTA 2nd Place Marketing Award for Internal Communications (internal COVID posters/flyers)
- FPTA 3rd Place Marketing Award for Your Safety is Out Priority campaign (COVID bus wrap)
- Scott Groth - Graduate of the CUTR/FDOT Certified Transit Technician program
- Tamika Whitaker - Graduate of the FPTA Leadership Training program
- 2022 - Votran wins awards at the 2022 FPTA Conference
- FPTA Bus Safety Excellence Gold Award
- Davidson Abraham - 3rd place Bus Operator of the Year
- Interieor/Exterior Signage (Low cost transportation option)
- 2022 - Votran wins award at the 2022 CTD Annual Conference
- The Votran system wins the CTD Safety Award
- 2023 - Votran's Mike Erdman, Maintenance Technician B, won 1st place Paratransit Technician of the Year at the 2023 FPTA Annual Conference
- 2023 - Votran wins awards at the 2023 CTD Annual Conference
- Jose Pagan, Paratransit Operator, wins 1st place Paratransit Operator of the Year
- The Votran system wins the CTD Safety Award
