A new bus service for Broward County commuters aims to take the stress out of your drive to work.
Starting Tuesday and running through June 1, travelers can test out the 595 Express Bus service for free. It offers two routes from the BankAtlantic Center Park and Ride in Sunrise to downtown Miami and downtown Fort Lauderdale.
"It's the ultimate hands-free device," said Tim Garling, director of Broward County Transit. "This bus is Wi-Fi enabled, it has plug ins for your cell phones, your iPads, your laptops, it also has very, very comfortable seating and it also has new Hybrid bus technology."
The 42-foot-long Hybrid buses run every 30 minutes and weekdays during morning and afternoon rush hours. The new fleet offers Wi-Fi and 12-volt power outlets for charging laptops, iPads and cellphones. Each bus seats 38 passengers.
The bus service is funded by the Florida Department of Transportation. Some $13 million went to depots and the fleet of buses, and the service is expected to cost $2.1 million per year.
"If we get 500 people out of their cars and get them on to the bus that is something that's definitely noticeable, but it's also a start," said Jeremy Mullings, FDOT Project Manager.
Some of the first passengers to take a ride Tuesday were enjoying the new buses.
"Less stress and for me it's going to be door to door, so I'm going to be left right in front of my building," said Carmen Perez.
"I figure instead of a tank of gas a week, I'm going to probably use a tank of gas a month," said Diana Wilson.
Starting June 4, a one-way adult fare will be $2.35. BCT also offers a Premium 31-Day Bus Pass for $85 that includes unlimited rides on both express and regular bus service.
For more information visit 595Expressbus.com. To purchase tickets visit www.broward.org/BCT.
