Trollys as transportation within the bubble?

[Minoletti]

Someone mentioned a monorail in jest i think, but how about using those sale trollys as a form of villager transportation running during peak hours to various rec centers and squares?
I am sure some seniors would use them as a shuttle frequently, along with their visitors.
Also a way to "enjoy" multiple beverages without putting the key in the vehicle.

[ThirdOfFive]

Someone mentioned a monorail in jest i think, but how about using those sale trollys as a form of villager transportation running during peak hours to various rec centers and squares?
I am sure some seniors would use them as a shuttle frequently, along with their visitors.
Also a way to "enjoy" multiple beverages without putting the key in the vehicle.
Good idea. There are folks here who for whatever reason are finding driving to be more and more of a challenge. Offering them an alternative to driving to wherever they need to go would help them AND would help alleviate the road congestion around here.

[Bogie Shooter]

Someone mentioned a monorail in jest i think, but how about using those sale trollys as a form of villager transportation running during peak hours to various rec centers and squares?
I am sure some seniors would use them as a shuttle frequently, along with their visitors.
Also a way to "enjoy" multiple beverages without putting the key in the vehicle.

How do you suggest this be funded and by whom? Where would the pickup points be, and how many?
Really, how many would consider using?

[Randall55]

Good idea. There are folks here who for whatever reason are finding driving to be more and more of a challenge. Offering them an alternative to driving to wherever they need to go would help them AND would help alleviate the road congestion around here.The trolley would not be able to go door to door. Residents would still have to drive. With most of TV closing by 9 pm, how many trips could it make back and forth to each square?

[ThirdOfFive]

How do you suggest this be funded and by whom? Where would the pickup points be, and how many?
Really, how many would consider using?
1. Fares.
2. Mail stations.
3. We wouldn't know until it is tried, but (say) a 90 - day trial in a couple of selected areas would give a good idea.

[JRcorvette]

How do you suggest this be funded and by whom? Where would the pickup points be, and how many?
Really, how many would consider using?

Users would purchase a monthly Trolly Pass. To start they could go from Town Square to Town Square. If you did not have a Pass it would cost a lot more to ride.

[fdpaq0580]

Users would purchase a monthly Trolly Pass. To start they could go from Town Square to Town Square. If you did not have a Pass it would cost a lot more to ride.

The specifics aside, one thing TV could use is some form of alternative transportation. (Shuttles and taxi's)

[retiredguy123]

If it were profitable, someone would already be doing it. In my opinion, it would just be an additional cost for Villagers to pay, and it would be an underused amenity.

[Bogie Shooter]

If it were profitable, someone would already be doing it. In my opinion, it would just be an additional cost for Villagers to pay, and it would be an underused amenity.

I agree.

[MsPCGenius]

Uber
Lyft

[fdpaq0580]

If it were profitable, someone would already be doing it. In my opinion, it would just be an additional cost for Villagers to pay, and it would be an underused amenity.

I'm pretty sure that is the mindset Elon Musk had when he thought up Tesla. "If there was any money in it, someone would be doing it". If only he had followed throught and brought EVs to the forefront of transportation technology.
🫠😉🤭

[Velvet]

How do you suggest this be funded and by whom? Where would the pickup points be, and how many?
Really, how many would consider using?

Excellent questions, I don’t have the answer, but if they can do it for sales…

[biker1]

Musk did not start Tesla. It was founded by Eberhard and Tarpenning. Tesla is a leader in the ever growing EV marketplace and had the best selling car in the world in 2023. I don't understand why you think he hasn't followed through. The company's sales increase each year and they continue to expand their manufacturing facilities, including battery production. Please explain.

I'm pretty sure that is the mindset Elon Musk had when he thought up Tesla. "If there was any money in it, someone would be doing it". If only he had followed throught and brought EVs to the forefront of transportation technology.
🫠😉🤭

[frayedends]

Musk did not start Tesla. It was founded by Eberhard and Tarpenning. Tesla is a leader in the ever growing EV marketplace and had the best selling car in the world in 2023. I don't understand why you think he hasn't followed through. The company's sales increase each year and they continue to expand their manufacturing facilities, including battery production. Please explain.

Apart from who started Tesla I think you missed the point of that post. Unless I read it wrong.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Excellent questions, I don’t have the answer, but if they can do it for sales…

It is a good idea but multiple posters have mentioned overhead. If you're gonna go with a 2 trolley operation then maybe...with fares, it would work. Any larger fleet will require expensive purchases of additional trolleys, maintenance, fuel, insurance, salaries etc. It's not as easy as it looks and again, if it comes to fruition, watch those line items

[Kenswing]

There are very few if any public transportation systems that are self sufficient. Most are taxpayer subsidized. Are you willing to have your taxes raised so a few people can have access to a ride? I see Sumter County Dial-a-Ride shuttles all the time. So there are transportation options for people without the means to drive themselves.

[Number 10 GI]

Who is going to pay for it, is that a serious question!! It will have to be subsidized with a significant amount of money from the amenity fees. I don't know of any public transit system that pays for itself through ridership fees, public money is always needed to keep them operating. I imagine it would require multiple millions of dollars annually to provide an acceptable and functional trolley service in TV. And like everything else, it will require higher funding every year.

[jimbomaybe]

It is a good idea but multiple posters have mentioned overhead. If you're gonna go with a 2 trolley operation then maybe...with fares, it would work. Any larger fleet will require expensive purchases of additional trolleys, maintenance, fuel, insurance, salaries etc. It's not as easy as it looks and again, if it comes to fruition, watch those line items

I think you pointed out the problem, its the same one encountered in cities, during peak hours of operation you need much more carrying capacity to keep from being overwhelmed, and at off hours you have a lot of unused, excess equipment not making any $

[retiredguy123]

Where are the environmental people who want to ban plastic grocery bags? Those inefficient trolleys would increase pollution in The Villages more than plastic bags.

[Normal]

Oh boy, another entity that can be sued. Insurance will be a real pocket book buster,I’m sure.

[LuvNH]

Insurance claims would be a real problem. When transporting elderly people there is a major chance of accidents. Dan Newlin would LOVE this opportunity.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Where are the environmental people who want to ban plastic grocery bags? Those inefficient trolleys would increase pollution in The Villages more than plastic bags.

Right!
A couple did mention Elon Musk/EV so I guess that's their Mic drop on it ;)

[Stu from NYC]

It is a good idea but multiple posters have mentioned overhead. If you're gonna go with a 2 trolley operation then maybe...with fares, it would work. Any larger fleet will require expensive purchases of additional trolleys, maintenance, fuel, insurance, salaries etc. It's not as easy as it looks and again, if it comes to fruition, watch those line items

I am sure that somewhere along the line the developer would have looked into this and decided it was not going to help him sell more houses or be profitable so he dropped it.

[villagetinker]

A few years ago there was an experimental (Voyager?) company that had driverless vehicles, it shut down, but now I see Orlando (I think) now has reactivated their driverless vehicles. The villages is a well defined area, and it should be very suitable for this type of system. With the proper management system there could be multiple pickups and drop offs on each run. The initial implementation could be town squares, rec centers, mail centers, and then if (big if) the economics work out then door to door. This would be similar to the Uber/Lyft) combined with the Sumter county bus transportation system, but driverless.

[Shipping up to Boston]

A few years ago there was an experimental (Voyager?) company that had driverless vehicles, it shut down, but now I see Orlando (I think) now has reactivated their driverless vehicles. The villages is a well defined area, and it should be very suitable for this type of system. With the proper management system there could be multiple pickups and drop offs on each run. The initial implementation could be town squares, rec centers, mail centers, and then if (big if) the economics work out then door to door. This would be similar to the Uber/Lyft) combined with the Sumter county bus transportation system, but driverless.

I always respect your commentary. But as I stated earlier, where do those purchases (driverless vehicles), the fuel (unless EV), salaries, maintenance and insurance derive from? You know a fare system would be insufficient for such an undertaking especially on a limited schedule/hours of operation. I love the idea...dont get me wrong....but everything costs money and no county or state is going to underwrite a community that has the means to do it themselves. Which worries me and my wallet

[Bogie Shooter]

A few years ago there was an experimental (Voyager?) company that had driverless vehicles, it shut down, but now I see Orlando (I think) now has reactivated their driverless vehicles. The villages is a well defined area, and it should be very suitable for this type of system. With the proper management system there could be multiple pickups and drop offs on each run. The initial implementation could be town squares, rec centers, mail centers, and then if (big if) the economics work out then door to door. This would be similar to the Uber/Lyft) combined with the Sumter county bus transportation system, but driverless.
Oh no, driving in The Villages today is challenging with carts & cars with drivers doing all kind of weird things with their vehicles………this proposal would mean now watching out for driverless vehicles as well. I vote no!

[Papa_lecki]

The specifics aside, one thing TV could use is some form of alternative transportation. (Shuttles and taxi's)

Theres a cool thing called UBER,

if uber drivers cold make a bunch of money, there would be plenty around.

[Papa_lecki]

There are very few if any public transportation systems that are self sufficient. Most are taxpayer subsidized. Are you willing to have your taxes raised so a few people can have access to a ride? I see Sumter County Dial-a-Ride shuttles all the time. So there are transportation options for people without the means to drive themselves.

No public transportation system is self sufficient. New York is the closest (at least they were pre COVID) and they were 75% self sufficient. And that was operating costs, not capital costs, which are mostly paid with federal and state funds.

Who is going to wait 20 minutes for a bus to pic them up? No one is going to ride from Spanish Springs to Brownwood.

[Papa_lecki]

Oh boy, another entity that can be sued. Insurance will be a real pocket book buster,I’m sure.

The Villages Trolley, presented by Morgan and Morgan.

[Velvet]

I like the idea of a driverless vehicle - after they’ve perfected it. Probably safer than many of our current drivers.

[Rainger99]

Who is going to wait 20 minutes for a bus to pic them up? No one is going to ride from Spanish Springs to Brownwood.

If they ran on schedule, there would be no need to wait 20 minutes.

And I think a lot of people would take a trolley from Spanish Springs to Brownwood. If you are getting old and are reluctant to drive, it is faster than a golf cart.

And there is supposed to be billions available for green transportation.

St. Augustine got funding for a free shuttle service. Surely we can get federal or state funding for a pilot program.

Your browser is not supported | staugustine.com (https://www.staugustine.com/story/news/local/2022/08/12/st-augustine-gets-federal-funding-downtown-shuttle-other-upgrades/10302661002/)

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I was actually surprised that the Villages didn't already have a tram system, when I first came to visit years ago. My grandparents lived in Century Village in Deerfield Beach - much much smaller community, maybe the size of the Historic section with one big clubhouse, one golf course, and a pool for each section of condos. There were three or four trams total, that would go back and forth, picking up and dropping off passengers at each section with a stop at the shopping plaza where they had some medical offices as well, and another stop at the clubhouse. They'd go from around 7AM til 9:30PM, when the clubhouse closed for the night after shows (it was pretty big, with a full sized theatre, similar to the Savannah Center).

I could see a similar setup in The Villages, where each Rec Center would be a stop. But instead of one big loop like they had at Century Village, it'd be a series of loops. For instance, the Hacienda Rec Center stop would take people to the Hospital campus, since Spanish Springs is only one block away from that rec center. From the Hospital campus, there might be another route that gets people to and from the Savannah center. Hacienda would also be a stop for a loop to and from the Historic Section. Spanish Springs town square might have a loop to Sumter, another loop to the strip malls (maybe Best Buy?), another to Chula Vista rec center and then to the driving range. People could use these for day-trips, by taking advantage of transfers between loops.

It'd absolutely take much longer than driving yourself, but if you can't drive anymore, or don't want to deal with driving and parking in a town square for entertainment, you could just go to the nearest rec center and hop transfers do dinner and dancing.

Instead of a separate pass, you'd scan your ID. You can get billed by the month, the quarter, six months at a time, a full year, or per trip.

[Bogie Shooter]

Been reading TOTV for 16 years this pie in the sky topic has been discussed before…..when TV was a whole lot smaller.
Doubt if an Uber driver will haul you from one square to another for a buck or a trolley either.🤦
.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Been reading TOTV for 16 years this pie in the sky topic has been discussed before…..when TV was a whole lot smaller.
Doubt if an Uber driver will haul you from one square to another for a buck or a trolley either.🤦
.

There is nothing new or novel about this. The suggestion by some that there is some 'green' funding or state contribution possibilities is so misleading. The Feds or FL is not going to underwrite a program to shuttle retirees from square to square or other points of interest. That type of funding is usually awarded to communities as a way to connect those work force residents with their places of employment. I know of no grants awarded for connectivity to bars, restaurants or recreation in an amenity based development.

[Rainger99]

There is nothing new or novel about this. The suggestion by some that there is some 'green' funding or state contribution possibilities is so misleading. The Feds or FL is not going to underwrite a program to shuttle retirees from square to square or other points of interest. That type of funding is usually awarded to communities as a way to connect those work force residents with their places of employment. I know of no grants awarded for connectivity to bars, restaurants or recreation in an amenity based development.

St. Augustine is also preparing to launch a free shuttle downtown with the help of Florida Department of Transportation funds. I don't think this is to connect work residents with their places of employment. I believe that the free downtown shuttle would be primarily for tourists - to connect them to bars and restaurants.

If global warming is as existential as people say, I would think that the Federal and state government would provide us funding to save the planet.

It doesn't hurt to apply for the funds - all they can do is say no. There are a lot of votes in the Villages. And people would save a lot of money if they could stay independent for a year or two instead of going to an assisted living facility or a nursing home.

[Shipping up to Boston]

St. Augustine is also preparing to launch a free shuttle downtown with the help of Florida Department of Transportation funds. I don't think this is to connect work residents with their places of employment. I believe that the free downtown shuttle would be primarily for tourists - to connect them to bars and restaurants.

If global warming is as existential as people say, I would think that the Federal and state government would provide us funding to save the planet.

It doesn't hurt to apply for the funds - all they can do is say no. There are a lot of votes in the Villages. And people would save a lot of money if they could stay independent for a year or two instead of going to an assisted living facility or a nursing home.

I agree on the request but understand, St. Augustine is a municipality....big difference. As another posted earlier, if it was that important, the developer would’ve found a way to implement by now. I don’t think it’s amongst their top priorities. There are voters in TV, but I don’t see any politician getting bounced over an issue like this

[Rainger99]

I agree on the request but understand, St. Augustine is a municipality....big difference.

St. Augustine may be a municipality (which is “any city, town, or village duly incorporated under the laws of the state”) but it has a population of less than 16,000.

Not sure why its political definition makes a difference in funding.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was a $1.2 trillion bill. As far as I can tell, it was not limited to municipalities. One of the bill’s purposes was to address climate change. If we can get 5% of Villagers to use it, it would perhaps save the planet. Surely we can get our fair share of the money.

And the government should also put a connecting rail from the Villages to Orlando airport. That would be very popular!

[msilagy]

I guess some folks really believe they live in Disneyland!

[collegeref]

Cleverly written the
Vehicle meaning the
car and car with letter
T on the end. That at
least would give those
who believe their empowered from
danger with the
CART an option.
Example: A trolley
from SS 2x 8:30 and
9:30 with a few drop
sites. Those paying
Ride share now would
not even blink at a 10
dollar ride. Just a
thought.

[MandoMan]

Someone mentioned a monorail in jest i think, but how about using those sale trollys as a form of villager transportation running during peak hours to various rec centers and squares?
I am sure some seniors would use them as a shuttle frequently, along with their visitors.
Also a way to "enjoy" multiple beverages without putting the key in the vehicle.

It’s an interesting idea, but there are problems. When I go to a rec center, I need to be there at a specific time. I don’t want to get there an hour early or late. The trolleys are big, use a lot of gas, and they aren’t efficient ways of getting one or two people to a place and doing an at-home pickup and drop off. (We’ve all seen the complaints about shuttle services here.) Many people live a mile from their postal station, so they won’t walk there for a pickup. Driving there for a pickup defeats the purpose, as those who need this can’t drive.

Uber and Lyft are thoughts in the right direction, but those drivers make a living by having lots of fares or long fares. I’ve only taken a few Uber rides, to and from Denver airport to my dad’s house. That’s about a 45 minute ride. The fare ranged, according to time of day and availability, from $50 to $75. That’s more than lots of villagers can afford.

What we need is something like a combination of Meals-on-Wheels and the Community Watch people. That is, something that might be coordinated by a church group or by The Villages. The drivers would all be villagers. The people using it would all be villagers. The destinations would be close to The Villages or to doctors’ offices and hospitals as far away as Ocala. (No airport runs.) The drivers could use their own cars, but they would be electric vehicles, and the driving would pay for them. The cost would be by time rather than by distance, and it would be a max of, say, $15 per hour (including the cost of the driver’s return home after drop-off. There would be a dispatcher to assign cars. Reservations could be made weeks in advance for people who need to go to medical appointments. Drivers could wait indefinitely and accept the responsibility of taking people home after, say, a colonoscopy or other day surgery. This would be a huge benefit for a lot of people here who can’t drive.

It’s possible that there might be county agencies that could help support this. The Villages could own the vehicles, and the drivers could pick them up and return them daily. The people who would need this service would mostly be people unable to play golf or pickleball or even go to clubs in rec centers. Just as all those people pay amenities fees that cover those costs, perhaps we could all help subsidize a service like this, say by covering the cost of the cars and a dispatcher, that would help those who don’t use many other amenities.

[Normal]

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was a $1.2 trillion bill!

It is just what you said it was, “ A BILL “. Except we got the double whammy. We paid more in taxes and it assisted in giving us more inflation.

[DrHitch]

Start small:

Only use the trolley buses to go to the three (four) squares for SPECIAL EVENTS ONLY.

The trolleys are "owned" by The Villages real estate group as a way transport prospective buyers to new home areas. So, that organization will have to decide if it's profitable to use their vehicles as a free/paid shuttle...but, onboard advertising may get passengers to buy new houses!!!

[bragones]

A trolley would solve a growing parking problem in TV. When there is a special event or hot band at a square parking has become very difficult if not impossible. On two separate occasions, we have tried but failed to attend an event at a square due to lack of parking.

[Normal]

A trolley would solve a growing parking problem in TV. When there is a special event or hot band at a square parking has become very difficult if not impossible. On two separate occasions, we have tried but failed to attend an event at a square due to lack of parking.

And where would you park to initially get on a trolley? As you mentioned, the square parking is already an issue.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Start small:

Only use the trolley buses to go to the three (four) squares for SPECIAL EVENTS ONLY.

The trolleys are "owned" by The Villages real estate group as a way transport prospective buyers to new home areas. So, that organization will have to decide if it's profitable to use their vehicles as a free/paid shuttle...but, onboard advertising may get passengers to buy new houses!!!

This is actually a more realistic option. An event organizer could choose to ‘charter’ the existing, TV owned fleet and pay costs associated with said including driver compensation.

[retiredguy123]

I could be wrong, but I think the trolley tours are operated mostly by volunteers.

[sallyg]

Good idea! Routes, schedules, tickets/fares etc. could be figured out and adapted.

[Shipping up to Boston]

And where would you park to initially get on a trolley? As you mentioned, the square parking is already an issue.

Since it would be event specific charter....costs for such borne by organizer....temporary routes could be set up at rec centers, mail pickups etc so attendees could leave personal vehicles at home and still have a centrally located and designated pick up/drop off location on event days.

[Normal]

I could be wrong, but I think the trolley tours are operated mostly by volunteers.

They are and The Villages Recreation Department organizes most events.

[Normal]

Since it would be event specific charter....costs for such borne by organizer....temporary routes could be set up at rec centers, mail pickups etc so attendees could leave personal vehicles at home and still have a centrally located and designated pick up/drop off location on event days.

Pickup might be solved, now for the big one. What about the bottleneck at the end of an event? If it ends at 9, is it first come first serve and drivers repeatedly drive routes till everyone is gone? Maybe their shift is 2 hours past square closings?

[Shipping up to Boston]

Pickup might be solved, now for the big one. What about the bottleneck at the end of an event? If it ends at 9, is it first come first serve and drivers repeatedly drive routes till everyone is gone? Maybe their shift is 2 hours past square closings?

Logistics my friend. Thus the word ‘organizers’

[Robojo]

1. Fares.
2. Mail stations.
3. We wouldn't know until it is tried, but (say) a 90 - day trial in a couple of selected areas would give a good idea.

I would LOVE to see some type of Village Transport. I live in the southern part and would use a trolley, if it was reliable.

[Robojo]

If it were profitable, someone would already be doing it. In my opinion, it would just be an additional cost for Villagers to pay, and it would be an underused amenity.

I don't agree. And it doesn't have to be profitable it just has to break even.

[Robojo]

Uber
Lyft

Haven't you heard? Those aren't safe anymore. So many driving under someone else's name.

[Robojo]

It is a good idea but multiple posters have mentioned overhead. If you're gonna go with a 2 trolley operation then maybe...with fares, it would work. Any larger fleet will require expensive purchases of additional trolleys, maintenance, fuel, insurance, salaries etc. It's not as easy as it looks and again, if it comes to fruition, watch those line items

So let's do little vans then. ANYTHING. Not everyone can drive!

[Robojo]

A few years ago there was an experimental (Voyager?) company that had driverless vehicles, it shut down, but now I see Orlando (I think) now has reactivated their driverless vehicles. The villages is a well defined area, and it should be very suitable for this type of system. With the proper management system there could be multiple pickups and drop offs on each run. The initial implementation could be town squares, rec centers, mail centers, and then if (big if) the economics work out then door to door. This would be similar to the Uber/Lyft) combined with the Sumter county bus transportation system, but driverless.

Sorry. If i see driverless vehicles im getting some traffic cones to put on their hoods..

[Robojo]

No public transportation system is self sufficient. New York is the closest (at least they were pre COVID) and they were 75% self sufficient. And that was operating costs, not capital costs, which are mostly paid with federal and state funds.

Who is going to wait 20 minutes for a bus to pic them up? No one is going to ride from Spanish Springs to Brownwood.

They will if they aren't allowed to drive anymore. or are drunk. Or or or...

[craarmy]

How do you suggest this be funded and by whom? Where would the pickup points be, and how many?
Really, how many would consider using?

For special events, like art fair at Brownwood. Not enough parking in Brownwood, Could shuttle between other squares, reduce parking conjestion at Brownwood. Also for special events at other squares.

[Rodneysblue]

Someone mentioned a monorail in jest i think, but how about using those sale trollys as a form of villager transportation running during peak hours to various rec centers and squares?
I am sure some seniors would use them as a shuttle frequently, along with their visitors.
Also a way to "enjoy" multiple beverages without putting the key in the vehicle.

One problem, indulging at the squares and a ride back to the original pick up location like another square. Then what, drive home?

[jasamy2]

Good idea. There are folks here who for whatever reason are finding driving to be more and more of a challenge. Offering them an alternative to driving to wherever they need to go would help them AND would help alleviate the road congestion around here.
It would be an answer to the parking problems at the squares also. I’m sure it would be a Huge money maker for the Morse family. They have their hands into everything so why not transportation too.

[Stu from NYC]

It would be an answer to the parking problems at the squares also. I’m sure it would be a Huge money maker for the Morse family. They have their hands into everything so why not transportation too.

If they thought it would be a money maker and help to sell more houses they would have been all over this years ago.

[Lottoguy]

This would actually be easy to do. They have plenty of those trolleys just sitting over by Lake Sumter. Maybe scan your Villagers card for access and a small $3.00 fee for each way your going. It would be cashless and if you have 3 guests riding with you your card is then scanned the additional three times to cover their ride.
The trolleys would start in the far north at the Mulberry Recreation center and end at a site in the far southern end of The villages. With stops only at the regional recreation centers and town squares. They would only stay on Morse and Buena Vista.
The startup would have a six month run to see if it is popular with the residents. If indeed it is popular then The VIllages can go forward with it for a longer period.

[wbilbrey99@gmail.com]

Would be nice if Brightline would come through the villages.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Start small:

Only use the trolley buses to go to the three (four) squares for SPECIAL EVENTS ONLY.

The trolleys are "owned" by The Villages real estate group as a way transport prospective buyers to new home areas. So, that organization will have to decide if it's profitable to use their vehicles as a free/paid shuttle...but, onboard advertising may get passengers to buy new houses!!!

Fine - they go to the squares for special events only. Where will they come FROM? What will be their route? How many of these buses will there be? Where do they pick passengers up, on their way to the squares?

Are they picking passengers up at their homes? That's around 80,000 homes. You'll need a lot of busses - not because all 80k people are going somewhere that day but - because those 80k people are spread out over around 70 square miles of property. If ONE person in the Historic section wants to go to an event at Brownwood, someone's gonna have to get the bus up that end, to pick up that one person.

That's why I think a network, a transportation routing system - is the best option.

[Bogie Shooter]

It would be an answer to the parking problems at the squares also. I’m sure it would be a Huge money maker for the Morse family. They have their hands into everything so why not transportation too.

Huge money maker?

[Bogie Shooter]

This would actually be easy to do. They have plenty of those trolleys just sitting over by Lake Sumter. Maybe scan your Villagers card for access and a small $3.00 fee for each way your going. It would be cashless and if you have 3 guests riding with you your card is then scanned the additional three times to cover their ride.
The trolleys would start in the far north at the Mulberry Recreation center and end at a site in the far southern end of The villages. With stops only at the regional recreation centers and town squares. They would only stay on Morse and Buena Vista.
The startup would have a six month run to see if it is popular with the residents. If indeed it is popular then The VIllages can go forward with it for a longer period.

So, I live a mile from the rec center……how do I get there from my house?

[Drakeswood]

Uber and Lyft seem much more costly in TV than in other cities and availability is less.

For those of us preferring not to drive, public transport -even if only on major roads -would be a godsend and just think of how it might alleviate parking woes….

My biggest disappointment with life in TV and its design is lack of walkability to necessities (grocers, restaurants, etc).

Guess we can’t have it all…

[Rainger99]

So, I live a mile from the rec center……how do I get there from my house?

You could walk.
Ride a bike.
Take a golf cart.
Carpool with a neighbor.

[Rainger99]

If we live long enough, at some point most of us will not be able to drive a car.

Those of you that are against it now may benefit from it someday.

A six month trial program would be great. If it doesn’t work out, we can end it. If it works out, we can continue it.

We won’t know until we try it.

[Velvet]

If we live long enough, at some point most of us will not be able to drive a car.

Those of you that are against it now may benefit from it someday.

A six month trial program would be great. If it doesn’t work out, we can end it. If it works out, we can continue it.

We won’t know until we try it.

I agree.

[frayedends]

Uber and Lyft seem much more costly in TV than in other cities and availability is less.

For those of us preferring not to drive, public transport -even if only on major roads -would be a godsend and just think of how it might alleviate parking woes….

My biggest disappointment with life in TV and its design is lack of walkability to necessities (grocers, restaurants, etc).

Guess we can’t have it all…

I'm not down there full time so I can't say how Uber is there. But up here, if I want a short ride it's almost impossible to get a driver to take the ride. I want to go to a local bar, 10 minute ride and they won't pick me up because they make nothing.

What I want is for Uber to allow me to put in what I am going to tip before the ride. I'd pay $20 for a ride each way if I know I shouldn't be driving home. But the driver has no way to know that and none of them accept the ride.

Self driving cars would be great but I'm betting there will still be some liablity on the human in the car if they are drunk.

[Velvet]

I'm not down there full time so I can't say how Uber is there. But up here, if I want a short ride it's almost impossible to get a driver to take the ride. I want to go to a local bar, 10 minute ride and they won't pick me up because they make nothing.

What I want is for Uber to allow me to put in what I am going to tip before the ride. I'd pay $20 for a ride each way if I know I shouldn't be driving home. But the driver has no way to know that and none of them accept the ride.

Self driving cars would be great but I'm betting there will still be some liablity on the human in the car if they are drunk.

That puzzles me, if it’s a self-driving car, what difference does what situation the passenger is in, as long as they can get in and out?

[Bogie Shooter]

Uber and Lyft seem much more costly in TV than in other cities and availability is less.

For those of us preferring not to drive, public transport -even if only on major roads -would be a godsend and just think of how it might alleviate parking woes….

My biggest disappointment with life in TV and its design is lack of walkability to necessities (grocers, restaurants, etc).

Guess we can’t have it all…
You want a grocer on every corner. I think you picked the wrong retirement community.

[Shipping up to Boston]

I'm not down there full time so I can't say how Uber is there. But up here, if I want a short ride it's almost impossible to get a driver to take the ride. I want to go to a local bar, 10 minute ride and they won't pick me up because they make nothing.

What I want is for Uber to allow me to put in what I am going to tip before the ride. I'd pay $20 for a ride each way if I know I shouldn't be driving home. But the driver has no way to know that and none of them accept the ride.

Self driving cars would be great but I'm betting there will still be some liablity on the human in the car if they are drunk.

The owner(s) of driverless vehicles will never be absolved of liability in its operation

[Bogie Shooter]

You could walk. I have a hip issue

Ride a bike.
I would fall off a bike

Take a golf cart.
If I had a cart I could go anywhere

Carpool with a neighbor.
If i could carpool he could take where i wanted to go.

A trolley(?) does me no good……to assisted living I do go!

[DrHitch]

Where will they come FROM? What will be their route? How many of these buses will there be? Where do they pick passengers up, on their way to the squares?.

My thoughts are square-to-square only....each square has a sales office. The trolleys drop off and pick up in BACK of each sales office. Run on 1/2 hour schedule to minimize congested parking

[Marathon Man]

This has been brought up before. The idea that some sort of public transportation between the squares could be financial self-sustaining seems a far reach to me. That would put the costs on the residents. I vote no. Sorry. I just don't believe that there is a need or enough of an interest. Some interest, yes. Enough interest, no.

[Rainger99]

This has been brought up before. The idea that some sort of public transportation between the squares could be financial self-sustaining seems a far reach to me. That would put the costs on the residents. I vote no. Sorry. I just don't believe that there is a need or enough of an interest. Some interest, yes. Enough interest, no.

You said you don’t “believe that there is a need or enough of an interest”.

Would you oppose a trial period? Just to see if you are correct?

[Normal]

This has been brought up before. The idea that some sort of public transportation between the squares could be financial self-sustaining seems a far reach to me. That would put the costs on the residents. I vote no. Sorry. I just don't believe that there is a need or enough of an interest. Some interest, yes. Enough interest, no.

Ya, golf carts are enough. It takes me when and where I want to go.

[Bogie Shooter]

My thoughts are square-to-square only....each square has a sales office. The trolleys drop off and pick up in BACK of each sales office. Run on 1/2 hour schedule to minimize congested parking

How does this help those that cannot drive?

[Bogie Shooter]

You said you don’t “believe that there is a need or enough of an interest”.

Would you oppose a trial period? Just to see if you are correct?

Based on what?

[jimjamuser]

The trolley would not be able to go door to door. Residents would still have to drive. With most of TV closing by 9 pm, how many trips could it make back and forth to each square?
Riders could park in some church's parking lot. or rec dept lot and the trolley could pick them up. Just say that it is one more advantage of Village life that the Real Estate salespeople could brag about. Then if it was an electric trolley, we could further brag about how PROGRESSIVE TV Land really is.

[Rainger99]

Based on what?

Based on usage. If 5 people use it each day we would realize that there is not enough interest. If the trolleys are 75% full, we would realize that there is sufficient interest.

[Papa_lecki]

Riders could park in some church's parking lot. or rec dept lot and the trolley could pick them up. Just say that it is one more advantage of Village life that the Real Estate salespeople could brag about. Then if it was an electric trolley, we could further brag about how PROGRESSIVE TV Land really is.

I don’t think anyone is buying or not buying in the villages based on Trolleys driving between LSL and Brownwood.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

My thoughts are square-to-square only....each square has a sales office. The trolleys drop off and pick up in BACK of each sales office. Run on 1/2 hour schedule to minimize congested parking

That means people have to drive to the squares, to get a ride to the square. The whole point of having a trolley/tram system within the Villages, is to avoid having to drive to the square.

[Papa_lecki]

That means people have to drive to the squares, to get a ride to the square. The whole point of having a trolley/tram system within the Villages, is to avoid having to drive to the square.

Between 466 and 4661 there are 25 postal stations. i did not count between 466A and 44.
Do the math, it will take 60 minutes to get from LSL to brownwood.
ITT could be intriguing once, no one is riding more than once.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I think people are considering this idea from the wrong perspective, for the wrong reasons. The idea of a trolley/tram system isn't to get people from one square to another, and it's also not to eliminate driving.

It's to minimize driving outside the "relative safety" of a residential village area, to get to either non-residential village areas, or to someone else's residential village area. Not eliminate it - just minimize it. To reduce traffic outside the residential village areas while providing a service to people who would most benefit from the service. Who would most benefit? People who PREFER not to drive, or can't drive cars anymore, CAN drive golf carts, but don't really want to. Or who don't feel comfortable driving on the bigger roads, or into the traffic of the squares or other commercial areas. It would also serve those who live in immediate proximity to the pickup/dropoff stops, such as the houses next door to or right behind rec centers, or (for example) the townhouses that surround Spanish Springs, or the Cottages at Sumter.

There are a lot of people who would love to not need to drive "into town" every time they want to come into town, especially if it's for dinner, when the return trip would be at night. Or on festival days when you spend an hour, white-knuckled and gritting your teeth, just to find a parking space and then having to walk four blocks to the festival because there just aren't any, any closer.

This would relieve some folks - while at the same time, reducing the number of vehicles at these destination points. Yes, they still have to get to a rec center to be picked up. But these are people who are still able-bodied and COULD drive, even if it's only driving their golf cart and not their cars anymore. It's also people who /shouldn't/ be driving anymore, but do anyway because how else are they going to get anywhere? The shorter distance they have to go, the less likely they are to cause an accident.

[JoMar]

Remember when they trialed valet parking in SS?

[Stu from NYC]

This can be discussed until the cows come home but does anyone really think this is going to happen?

If this was of interest would see a lot more taxis and ubers in the bubble

[Shipping up to Boston]

This is a very business savvy developer. Other than more golf cart pathways, that may be all you see for awhile. The recent acquisition of the 3500 acre Monarch Ranch coupled with new I-75 interchange....who knows, maybe down the road they may be thinking an Intermodal passenger component for connectivity. They are a patient group and seem to read the tea leaves pretty well...

[bgnn54]

No body said anything about being free. I think it's an interesting idea, we lost the taxi service during the covid disaster. If I want to head over to Post 347 for an evening it cost $ 5.00 each way for a local taxi plus a tip. Cheap and safe at 79 I don't want a drink and drive at night. I just wish instead of so many saying no, no, no how about some suggestions of how this could be done. Oh and for the end of earthers, maybe we could use battery power or wind sails to power the trolleys.

[Rwirish]

Another silly idea.

Quit the beverages would be a better idea.

[Normal]

Is this a direct route of 30 minutes from town square to town square, or are there stops everywhere that make the same trip 3 times longer? Where would everyone park if the squares already have issues?

[Papa_lecki]

Is this a direct route of 30 minutes from town square to town square, or are there stops everywhere that make the same trip 3 times longer? Where would everyone park if the squares already have issues?

It’s whatever we want, because it won’t become a reality.

It’s actually a large bus that flies to everyone’s house, like the Jetsons.

[Regorp]

Someone mentioned a monorail in jest i think, but how about using those sale trollys as a form of villager transportation running during peak hours to various rec centers and squares?
I am sure some seniors would use them as a shuttle frequently, along with their visitors.
Also a way to "enjoy" multiple beverages without putting the key in the vehicle.

Not practical and would be too expensive. Great marketing tool and tour vehicle .

[Fenster]

I like the idea. It needs to be thought through, but it certainly merits consideration. There is potential for many of the large activities to use these.

[Shipping up to Boston]

It’s whatever we want, because it won’t become a reality.

It’s actually a large bus that flies to everyone’s house, like the Jetsons.

Love the Jetsons. I think Walt Disney took some pointers from them...

[Normal]

It’s whatever we want, because it won’t become a reality.

It’s actually a large bus that flies to everyone’s house, like the Jetsons.

Yes, the thoughts come right in with rainbows, candy sprinkles and pink unicorns.

[Velvet]

How many municipalities do you know that have a population of above 150,000 and zero public transit?

[Shipping up to Boston]

How many municipalities do you know that have a population of above 150,000 and zero public transit?

Just to play along those lines....how many 'municipalities' have miles upon miles of golf cart pathways. Now how many of the other 'gated' or 'planned' municipalities have public transit within their borders?

[Bogie Shooter]

In The Villages the paths are called Multi-Modal.
Multi-Modal Path Information and Safety (https://www.districtgov.org/community/MultiModal.aspx)

[graciegirl]

If it were profitable, someone would already be doing it. In my opinion, it would just be an additional cost for Villagers to pay, and it would be an underused amenity.

I agree too.

Too many pie in the sky wishes .......somebody's gotta pay for.

[tophcfa]

Theres a cool thing called UBER,

if uber drivers cold make a bunch of money, there would be plenty around.

We used UBER once, never again. Credit card was hacked. Bottom line, if it requires an app with a credit card linked it’s not happening.

[Velvet]

Just to play along those lines....how many 'municipalities' have miles upon miles of golf cart pathways. Now how many of the other 'gated' or 'planned' municipalities have public transit within their borders?

The planning is missing the public transit component. One doesn’t become aware of it until they get old here or gets ill. We are not a gated community, and the size of the population warrants public transportation. Golf cart paths are like bicycle paths, nice to have but not an alternative if you can’t drive or maintain a cart. Many people move here with the intent to die here, but this community discourages that. Is it time to change that, or do we stay as a transitional community?

[Shipping up to Boston]

The planning is missing the public transit component. One doesn’t become aware of it until they get old here or gets ill. We are not a gated community, and the size of the population warrants public transportation. Golf cart paths are like bicycle paths, nice to have but not an alternative if you can’t drive or maintain a cart. Many people move here with the intent to die here, but this community discourages that. Is it time to change that, or do we stay as a transitional community?

This may be of help to you. They will deviate from existing routes for ‘medical appointments’. At the least, if you’re advocating for services like this or in the other two counties, this may be a good starting point...

Reservations and Routes | Sumter County, FL - Official Website (https://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/184/Reservations-Shuttle-SchedulesRoutes)

[fdpaq0580]

I agree too.

Too many pie in the sky wishes .......somebody's gotta pay for.

Only the naysayers assume it will be an amenity or somehow "free". Those who recognize that is worthy of consideration also assume there will be a charge of some kind associated with whatever public transport might be available. If there were a taxi company and I called a cab, I would expect to pay a reasonable fare for the miles driven. Even bus or shuttle service of some sort would require riders to pay a fare. So that naysayers argument is off the table.

[fdpaq0580]

Another silly idea.

Quit the beverages would be a better idea.

Kill joy! It's not like you would have to pay for it. God forbid. Riders pay a fare. No reason to even worry about it now.

[fdpaq0580]

It’s whatever we want, because it won’t become a reality.

It’s actually a large bus that flies to everyone’s house, like the Jetsons.

Of course you are just being silly. If enough people see that a taxi company or bus or shuttle service is desirable as an alternative transport option and can be run efficiently, then it could become a reality.

[fdpaq0580]

Yes, the thoughts come right in with rainbows, candy sprinkles and pink unicorns.

And are immediately ridiculed. Alternative transportation is a highly desirable service in a community that is aging. If I were a younger person looking to start a business, I would look for a niche that is overlooked in an area were product or service would be desired if made available. Taxi service could be a nice business for an individual or group of investors. To turn hoses up without even considering the possibilities? Of course for those among us who have their town car with chauffeur need not concern themselves with the needs of the hoi-palloi.

[Shipping up to Boston]

And are immediately ridiculed. Alternative transportation is a highly desirable service in a community that is aging. If I were a younger person looking to start a business, I would look for a niche that is overlooked in an area were product or service would be desired if made available. Taxi service could be a nice business for an individual or group of investors. To turn hoses up without even considering the possibilities? Of course for those among us who have their town car with chauffeur need not concern themselves with the needs of the hoi-palloi.

So as you know, this thread started out with the question of the need for and/or how sustainable a trolley system here in TV would be. Not to rehash the prior commentary on both....but do you not think the developer has looked at this issue in the past, I don’t know 20 years? It’s not like in a 55+ retirement community that said developer doesn’t have realization that it, on some levels, becomes an aging and limited mobility population....agreed. That said, in an entrepreneurial economy as rich as ours...don’t you think if rideshares, taxis, shuttle or bus services saw the need that has been expressed here....that all the above wouldn’t be deployed all over the region to date? Why is that? I know of no restrictions or ordinance that would restrict it. Maybe it’s just as simple as has been stated many times here.....the ‘demand’ doesn’t justify the need.

I sent a link earlier to another poster. Again, it’s a good option and starting point for those who need an affordable and dedicated assist on occasion...


Reservations and Routes | Sumter County, FL - Official Website (https://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/184/Reservations-Shuttle-SchedulesRoutes)

[Nana2Teddy]

We rode one of these trolleys recently from Sawgrass to the Street of Dreams to see the model homes, and I had trouble climbing up and down the fairly steep steps to get in and out of it. I’m a pretty spry 70 y/o with just minor arthritis in my knees, but I definitely can’t see myself climbing in and out of the trolleys on a regular basis. They’d need some serious modification. Also, wouldn’t they have to legally be handicap accessible to become public transportation? I don’t know the FL laws regarding accessibility.

[retiredguy123]

We rode one of these trolleys recently from Sawgrass to the Street of Dreams to see the model homes, and I had trouble climbing up and down the fairly steep steps to get in and out of it. I’m a pretty spry 70 y/o with just minor arthritis in my knees, but I definitely can’t see myself climbing in and out of the trolleys on a regular basis. They’d need some serious modification. Also, wouldn’t they have to legally be handicap accessible to become public transportation? I don’t know the FL laws regarding accessibility.
Good question, but aren't they already being used as public transportation?

[Bogie Shooter]

Good question, but aren't they already being used as public transportation?

Private.

[retiredguy123]

A lot of posters seem to think that the squares are a popular destination. But, I rarely go to the squares.

[retiredguy123]

Private.
How so? They offer free tours of The Villages to the public. How would anything change if they started to take people to other locations in The Villages?

[Velvet]

This may be of help to you. They will deviate from existing routes for ‘medical appointments’. At the least, if you’re advocating for services like this or in the other two counties, this may be a good starting point...

Reservations and Routes | Sumter County, FL - Official Website (https://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/184/Reservations-Shuttle-SchedulesRoutes)

Thank you, I’m fine. At this time I drive between two homes 19 hours apart. Golf cart works fine too (now that I use the kill switch to spare the battery). But my aunt at 78 was not fine. She could not do everything needed after her husband died. What she needed was public transportation to do many things; go shopping, go to doctor appointments, go for entertainment… in other words, what people do everyday. She had to sell the house she lived in for 32 years and go into independent living. She had to leave her activities and her friends she could just drop in with.

Don’t kid yourself because you can drive now. You’re going to need this service if you stay here. Especially if your spouse should pass away before you. Why do you think there is public transportation, pretty well everywhere in the world?

[Shipping up to Boston]

Thank you, I’m fine. At this time I drive between two homes 19 hours apart. Golf cart works fine too (now that I use the kill switch to spare the battery). But my aunt at 78 was not fine. She could not do everything needed after her husband died. What she needed was public transportation to do many things; go shopping, go to doctor appointments, go for entertainment… in other words, what people do everyday. She had to sell the house she lived in for 32 years and go into independent living. She had to leave her activities and her friends she could just drop in with.

Don’t kid yourself because you can drive now. You’re going to need this service if you stay here. Especially if your spouse should pass away before you. Why do you think there is public transportation, pretty well everywhere in the world?

I appreciate your post on many levels. As you know, and we both may be pivoting a little bit here....but TV is an ‘active’ retirement community. You are correct, myself included, the day will come when properties and neighborhoods such as this, the ones many of us came from or still split time between.....become insufficient to meet the many needs we will encompass. That is the difficult decisions families make on behalf of loved ones daily in this country.

[fdpaq0580]

A lot of posters seem to think that the squares are a popular destination. But, I rarely go to the squares.

For bus/shuttle service, think of the squares as hubs where folks could transfer to another line, if needed. And rec centers as community pu and drop off locations for shuttles going to the squares.

[Bogie Shooter]

Some threads just get more silly as time goes by .

[fdpaq0580]

So as you know, this thread started out with the question of the need for and/or how sustainable a trolley system here in TV would be. Not to rehash the prior commentary on both....but do you not think the developer has looked at this issue in the past, I don’t know 20 years? It’s not like in a 55+ retirement community that said developer doesn’t have realization that it, on some levels, becomes an aging and limited mobility population....agreed. That said, in an entrepreneurial economy as rich as ours...don’t you think if rideshares, taxis, shuttle or bus services saw the need that has been expressed here....that all the above wouldn’t be deployed all over the region to date? Why is that? I know of no restrictions or ordinance that would restrict it. Maybe it’s just as simple as has been stated many times here.....the ‘demand’ doesn’t justify the need.

I sent a link earlier to another poster. Again, it’s a good option and starting point for those who need an affordable and dedicated assist on occasion...


Reservations and Routes | Sumter County, FL - Official Website (https://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/184/Reservations-Shuttle-SchedulesRoutes)

The developer put a lot of thought into creating the villages, but their focus was on selling homes and activities, the lifestyle. But they couldn't think of everything. And the lifestyle changes and needs change.
Lots of room for entrepreneurs to come up with all kinds of sales or services to fill a void. Besides, the developer already has a business. Real-estate! Let others provide food, clothing, autos, hair and nail salons, etc. Even taxi service.

[fdpaq0580]

Some threads just get more silly as time goes by .

🤭🫠 some may consider it thought provoking. Not silly at all. But, to each their own.

[Shipping up to Boston]

The developer put a lot of thought into creating the villages, but their focus was on selling homes and activities, the lifestyle. But they couldn't think of everything. And the lifestyle changes and needs change.
Lots of room for entrepreneurs to come up with all kinds of sales or services to fill a void. Besides, the developer already has a business. Real-estate! Let others provide food, clothing, autos, hair and nail salons, etc. Even taxi service.

There is a taxi service....call them!
There are rideshares...call them!
If it’s a budget issue, I left the same Sumter County Transit link multiple times...they will deviate and accommodate for ‘medical appointments’ for those you have the need in an affordable fashion.

There are options that some just want to gloss over.

Part of being a member of the 55+ demo.....is planning. Not just tee times!

[Carla B]

What is the name and number of the taxi service?

The developer has produced housing for an aging population; we enjoy one level, no stairs, accessible showers, etc. But, overall, this place is built and promoted for an active, mobile, lifestyle and so far, transportation is not under consideration, unfortunately. A viable taxi service would be a decent start.

[JMintzer]

What is the name and number of the taxi service?

The developer has produced housing for an aging population; we enjoy one level, no stairs, accessible showers, etc. But, overall, this place is built and promoted for an active, mobile, lifestyle and so far, transportation is not under consideration, unfortunately. A viable taxi service would be a decent start.

If the residents used a taxi service on a sufficient basis, someone would seize that business opportunity.

Same with Uber. It takes so long to get an Uber ride because so few people use the service...

The developer in not in the Taxi business...

[fdpaq0580]

If the residents used a taxi service on a sufficient basis, someone would seize that business opportunity.

Same with Uber. It takes so long to get an Uber ride because so few people use the service...

The developer in not in the Taxi business...

Um. Isn't saying it takes so long to get an Uber because so few use it kind of like saying that nobody goes to a certain restaurant because it is always so crowded? Same kind of logic, no? 🤔

[Pairadocs]

Someone mentioned a monorail in jest i think, but how about using those sale trollys as a form of villager transportation running during peak hours to various rec centers and squares?
I am sure some seniors would use them as a shuttle frequently, along with their visitors.
Also a way to "enjoy" multiple beverages without putting the key in the vehicle.

That just make too much sense, but it might (?) the usefulness of the Trolley's as a tax write off for advertising ? Or, a nominal $.50 fee, or a low priced monthly pass for seniors, might cut into profits (?). But on the other hand, probably could be off set with the money saved by not having ambassadors offering free cold water ? Don't know what it all might entail, but is certainly something that would greatly enhance the lives of many seniors here !

[Pairadocs]

How many municipalities do you know that have a population of above 150,000 and zero public transit?

ahhh, ummmm, ahhhh, I'm taking your challenge seriously, but I can't think of any.... few municipalities have NO affordable transportation options for seniors and disabled, usually an even lower price pass for seniors. But, this is a planned community, no mayor, no city council, and it's a for profit business. There are so many things that would make life easier for this age population, but as someone posted, none of them are going to happen.

[Pairadocs]

For bus/shuttle service, think of the squares as hubs where folks could transfer to another line, if needed. And rec centers as community pu and drop off locations for shuttles going to the squares.


LOL, ask Disney corp. to consult on how they "do it". Few have mastered the efficiency and effectiveness between and among so many parks, points of interest, and hotels as Disney's bus transportation system, if you've used it extensively you know it runs "like a well oiled machine" as the old saying goes.

[JMintzer]

Um. Isn't saying it takes so long to get an Uber because so few use it kind of like saying that nobody goes to a certain restaurant because it is always so crowded? Same kind of logic, no? 🤔

No, it's not. Have you ever tried to Uber in TV? You can see how many drivers are around you. It's very few...

[Bill14564]

No, it's not. Have you ever tried to Uber in TV? You can see how many drivers are around you. It's very few...

Part of that is chicken/egg or self-fulfilling. We would use Uber here if it was more affordable/available here - Uber would likely be more affordable/available here if more people used it. I'm not willing to pay the high prices hoping that they will come down - Uber drivers aren't willing to drive around the Villages hoping that they will get riders.

I often think I ought to start driving for Uber/Lyft here... then I remember I like being retired.

[JMintzer]

Part of that is chicken/egg or self-fulfilling. We would use Uber here if it was more affordable/available here - Uber would likely be more affordable/available here if more people used it. I'm not willing to pay the high prices hoping that they will come down - Uber drivers aren't willing to drive around the Villages hoping that they will get riders.

I often think I ought to start driving for Uber/Lyft here... then I remember I like being retired.

I just don't think the demand is there... Yet...

I'm 66. I use Uber a lot. Especially, when I fly home and my wife stays in TV. But maybe the older demographics aren't so keen on using it?

[Bill14564]

I just don't think the demand is there... Yet...

I'm 66. I use Uber a lot. Especially, when I fly home and my wife stays in TV. But maybe the older demographics aren't so keen on using it?

Possibly so. I would use it but I too am part of the younger demographic.

[Carla B]

I would use Uber or Lyft, or taxi service, and I am part of the older agers, beyond you Baby Boomers. Maybe if Baby Boomers would use it, it would come.

[Direwolf]

Musk did not start Tesla. It was founded by Eberhard and Tarpenning. Tesla is a leader in the ever growing EV marketplace and had the best selling car in the world in 2023. I don't understand why you think he hasn't followed through. The company's sales increase each year and they continue to expand their manufacturing facilities, including battery production. Please explain.

Pretty sure they were being sarcastic.

[JMintzer]

I would use Uber or Lyft, or taxi service, and I am part of the older agers, beyond you Baby Boomers. Maybe if Baby Boomers would use it, it would come.

I would use it in a heartbeat, if needed. But so far, haven't had the need...

[KAM+6]

The planning is missing the public transit component. One doesn’t become aware of it until they get old here or gets ill. We are not a gated community, and the size of the population warrants public transportation. Golf cart paths are like bicycle paths, nice to have but not an alternative if you can’t drive or maintain a cart. Many people move here with the intent to die here, but this community discourages that. Is it time to change that, or do we stay as a transitional community?
I believe this is promoted as an ACTIVE retirement community. There are many assistant living facilities in TV that have vans to transport to various events. Sell their house and use proceeds to pay for their care. Problem solved!

[Boilerman]

I’ve used Uber several times here with no issues. The wait is usually around 10 minutes and the fare is reasonable. I think you can even schedule a ride in advance if you have a medical appointment. And it’s door to door service.

[Bill14564]

I’ve used Uber several times here with no issues. The wait is usually around 10 minutes and the fare is reasonable. I think you can even schedule a ride in advance if you have a medical appointment. And it’s door to door service.

$1.60/mile in Orlando
$2/mile in Annapolis, MD
$4/mile ($24) to take me to Lake Sumter

Villages rates aren't astronomical but twice what I am used to.

[Boilerman]

$1.60/mile in Orlando
$2/mile in Annapolis, MD
$4/mile ($24) to take me to Lake Sumter

Villages rates aren't astronomical but twice what I am used to.

Yes it’s not cheap. But for as often as I need it, it works for me.