Palm Tran celebrated the launch of its route 62 beach extension with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held Jan. 10, 2020, in Lake Worth Beach, Fla. With the 1.2-mile extension, residents and visitors of Palm Beach County can now be dropped off steps away from the sandy shores of Lake Worth Beach without worrying about the parking and traffic hassle. Attendees at the ribbon-cutting ceremony included: Palm Beach County Mayor Dave Kerner, Palm Beach County Commissioner Mack Bernard, City of Lake Worth Beach Mayor Pam Triolo, County Administrator Verdenia C. Baker, Assistant County Administrator Todd J. Bonlarron and Palm Tran Executive Director Clinton B. Forbes.
“We are tremendously excited about the service,” said Palm Tran Executive Director Forbes. “The route 62 extension to the beach will encourage more tourism and support the businesses in Lake Worth Beach and at the Lake Worth Beach Casino.”
The route 62 extension has been a long time in the making. It started several years ago with the approval of funding from the Palm Beach Board of County Commissioners then in 2017, the Palm Tran Service Board approved it unanimously. Lastly, the city of Lake Worth Beach approved funding necessary enhancements allowing the route to come to fruition.
“I am elated we were able to accomplish this partnership,” said County Administrator Verdenia Baker. “To the city of Lake Worth Beach; your leadership was insurmountable in getting this particular project completed.”
The city of Lake Worth Beach funded the curb and street improvements needed for the buses to navigate properly. The enhancements represent a $175,000 commitment to providing the service to the community. Mayor Pam Triolo expressed her excitement over the completion of the long-awaited project.
“The beach is the heart and soul of our community,” she said. “As the county population continues to grow, we need to come up with innovative transportation solutions, and of course Palm Tran is a key to that conversation.”
Palm Beach County Mayor Dave Kerner commemorated the route extension sharing stories from his childhood.
“It’s uniquely personal; I am reminded of my father who was a retired Lake Worth police deputy chief,” said Kerner. “His first beat was walking this beach patrol, so my memories growing up in Palm Beach County are here at this beach.”
Commissioner Mack Bernard noted the financial prosperity of enhancing the route.
“We’ve found that when investments are made in enhancing transit, ridership grows,” he said.
Assistant County Administrator Todd J. Bonlarron expressed his enthusiasm by walking up to the podium holding two dollar bills signifying the affordability of riding Palm Tran in comparison to parking or using rideshare services.
“For all of you wondering what it’s going to take to go to the beach, it’s going to take two dollars! Two bucks!” he said. “This is the best bargain in Palm Beach County, and for another two bucks, we’ll take you back home.”
To conclude the ceremony, all of the dignitaries took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony signifying the official launch of the beach extension. In addition to the beach, route 62 makes stops at the Lake Worth Road Target, the Mall at Wellington Green and the Wellington Regional Medical Center. Route 62 also connects to Palm Tran routes: 1, 40, 43, 46, 52, 61, 63 & 64. For more information on Palm Tran, visit: www.palmtran.org.
