Funded with Federal Transit Administration Rural Public Transit funds and a local match, the Clewiston-Belle Glade Community Bus Route (or “Clew-Belle” Route) now has a new bus to enhance service to the community.

The Community Transportation Coordinator for Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties, unveiled the new “Clew-Belle” route bus at the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Clewiston on Tuesday, August 25th. The new bus, which accommodates 22 ambulatory passengers and two wheelchair securement positions, will be used for the Clewiston to Belle Glade community bus route that provides daily service between these communities.

Speakers at the event included Hendry County Administrator Charles Chapman, and Hendry County Commissioner Janet Taylor. In addition, several other dignitaries from Hendry County and the City of Clewiston were in attendance. The Florida Department of Transportation District One Public Transit Office provided Federal Transit Administration Section 5311 grant funds for 80 percent of the bus cost, with the balance being provided by Hendry County Government. This new vehicle will provide safe and reliable transportation to the citizens of Hendry County. The Clewiston to Belle Glade community bus route is one of the projects from the Florida DOT District One Heartland Rural Mobility Plan which is coordinated by the Central Florida Regional Planning Council. It provides service from 7:00am to 7:00pm Monday to Friday and from 8:00am to 5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday.

The Central Florida Regional Planning Council provides staff services for the Heartland Rural Mobility Plan.