Fla. launches pilot public transportation system

On Saturday, South Walton County, Fla. launched the Sunshine Turtle Express — a free pilot transportation program that is privately funded by local business leaders dedicated to changing the car-centric culture of the area.

“We can no longer stick our heads in the sand and hope the traffic conditions get better. As the TDC has reported, a trolley service is No. 4 on the list of what the public would like to see implemented in South Walton County,” said John Finch, owner of Sunshine Shuttle & Limousine. “The leaders we’ve worked with know that by investing in a system that will benefit everybody, not just their businesses, everyone will see positive change.”

The Turtle Express service is expected to run through Sept, 1, 2014.