MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — Martin County's contracted transit provider walked away from its agreement Thursday, halting all MARTY bus service and laying off 29 employees with no warning to riders or county leaders.
Martin County issued an official statement acknowledging the disruption and pledging to work toward a solution.
"Martin County is actively working to identify solutions to restore transit service as quickly as possible and minimize the impact on our riders," Martin County officials said in the statement.
Martin County Transit, the company contracted to operate the MARTY system, blamed rising operating costs for the decision. In a statement, CEO Karen Deigl said, "we entered this contract in good faith and made every effort to find a path forward. We understand how important MARTY is to its riders and the community, and this decision was not made lightly.”
Martin County Transit also acknowledged the abruptness of the shutdown.
"We understand that this news may feel sudden to riders and residents. As strong advocates for reliable public transportation, we are disappointed that we are unable to continue to operate the MARTY system," Martin County Transit said.
In an afternoon press conference, county leaders explained they were in negotiations after the vendor asked for a significant increase in the cost of the contract. Two weeks ago, the company gave notice it planned to leave in 180 days and instead, it walked away Thursday, according to the county.
Jim Gordon, Martin County's Public Works Director, said the county had no warning the cancellation was coming.
"We were not given advanced notice that they were going to cancel service today," Gordon said.
For Joe, a 67-year-old veteran and Martin County resident, losing MARTY service means losing his lifeline. Joe sat at the bus stop Thursday expecting his regular pickup, but no buses came. He relies on the transit system daily.
"[I use it] to go to work sometimes and to go down to the homeless place, the church that feeds us food," Joe said.
Joe said he received no notice before service was cut.
"No warning at all, nothing, zero." Joe said.
Physical limitations make alternative transportation all but impossible for Joe.
"I've had two broken necks, three broken backs, I can't feel my feet, so I'm not getting anywhere," Joe said.
Tony Argudo, a Martin County resident, said the transit company's handling of the shutdown lacked transparency.
"I don't think letting people go first thing this morning was a good idea. There should have been more transparency and the people should have had some kind of notice so they could have made other plans," Argudo said.
George Stokus, Martin County's Assistant County Administrator, said county officials are working urgently to restore service.
"We're doing everything we can humanly due to restore service as soon as we can," George Stokus said.
United Way steps in
In the meantime, the United Way of Martin County is stepping in through its Ride United program, which provides free, pre-scheduled Lyft rides to eligible residents for trips to work, grocery stores, medical appointments and other essential services.
The organization said it was already facing financial challenges due to increased demand and other funding reductions before the MARTY service interruption and is now anticipating even greater need.
Carol G. Houwaart-Diez, president and CEO of United Way of Martin County, emphasized the critical importance of transportation access for those who depend on it.
"Transportation isn't a luxury for the people who depend on it. It's how they get to work, receive medical care and put food on the table. When a critical service like this disappears, the need doesn't disappear with it," Houwaart-Diez said.
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Houwaart-Diez said the United Way is committed to being there for riders during the disruption.
"This is important for people to be able to get to the doctor's, to get to wherever they need to go so we want to be there," Houwaart-Diez said.
Ashley Capital has committed an initial $2,500 donation to help support the Ride United program's response, alongside a contribution from another donor. Since launching in September 2022, Ride United has provided thousands of rides for Martin County residents facing transportation barriers. However, United Way emphasized that the program cannot fully replace MARTY's fixed-route bus and paratransit services and that its response is only a temporary solution dependent on available funding.
Martin County said it will continue providing updates as it works to restore public transit service. Information about MARTY can be found on the county's transit website.
Residents seeking transportation assistance can call the United Way of Martin County at 772-283-4800 or click here to visit their website.
Residents seeking paratransit transportation assistance can call 772-463-2822.
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