METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Palm Tran launches enhanced bus network

The Route Performance Maximization project is the first of its kind for agency in more than two decades.

October 15, 2018
Palm Tran launches enhanced bus network

For the special ribbon-cutting ceremony, a bus instead of scissors cut through a banner held by Palm Tran staff, Palm Tran Service Board (PTSB) members and local county officials. 

Palm Tran

2 min to read


For the special ribbon-cutting ceremony, a bus instead of scissors cut through a banner held by Palm Tran staff, Palm Tran Service Board (PTSB) members and local county officials. Palm Tran

Fla.’s Palm Tran celebrated the launch of its revamped bus system in a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at the West Palm Beach Intermodal Center.

Known as the Route Performance Maximization (RPM) project, the system redesign is the first of its kind for Palm Tran in more than two decades. With the RPM, Palm Tran “revved” up its bus network with more direct and efficient service. To honor the momentous occasion, a bus, instead of scissors, cut through a banner held by Palm Tran staff, riders, and local county officials.

Ad Loading...

“The launch of the RPM project is a huge milestone for Palm Tran, and signifies the beginning of the future,” said Palm Tran Executive Director Clinton B. Forbes. “Through identifying inefficiencies in our network, we were able to vastly enhance our system, which will continue to serve the booming population of Palm Beach County.”

The bus system redesign results in improved travel times, more direct service, and extended hours for select routes. The buses were also equipped with free onboard Wi-Fi. Palm Tran collected more than 1,400 surveys through various outreach events prior to implementing any changes. The Board of County Commissioners approved the final proposal in August 2018, and final preparations by Palm Tran staff were made to ensure the most seamless transition for riders, including more than 70 outreach events.

Palm Tran’s bus service was free from September 30th to October 3rd allowing new riders a chance to try the system and current riders an opportunity to acclimate to their new routes without cost concerns. During this period, more than 80 staff members set out to bus stops throughout Palm Beach County to help guide riders in the right direction. The ridership during the launch of the RPM project soared with a 21% ridership increase on the Sunday of the launch compared to the prior Sunday. Furthermore, the average On-Time Performance (OTP) for the new bus network for the first five days of service sustained an unprecedented 82%.

In 2017, Palm Tran reported more than nine million rides a year. With these new enhancements, the goal is for Palm Tran’s ridership will skyrocket to more than 10 million.

More Management

LIT Legacy Tour photo
Managementby StaffFebruary 18, 2026

Latinos In Transit Launches 'Legacy Tour' Marking 10 Years of Impact

The tour reflects LIT’s commitment to supporting professional growth, collaboration, and opportunity for individuals at all career stages within the transit industry, according to LIT officials.

Read More →
2026 LITLA Class
Managementby StaffFebruary 16, 2026

LIT Announces the 2026 Leadership Academy Class

Curated and facilitated by transportation industry leaders, LITLA provides a high-quality, structured learning experience that combines theoretical knowledge, professional networking, and practical leadership application.

Read More →
Cover photo for METROspectives with WSP USA's Inez Evans Benson
Managementby Alex RomanFebruary 16, 2026

WSP's Inez Evans-Benson on Customer Satisfaction and the Customer Experience

Drawing on decades of industry experience, Evans-Benson offered insights into the differences between the two, along with tips for better customer engagement and more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Portrait of Joshua Schank, Ph.D., alongside the ACES Mobility Coalition logo.
Managementby StaffFebruary 16, 2026

ACES Mobility Coalition Selects Joshua Schank as New Executive Director

Veteran transportation innovator to lead coalition as it pushes nationwide expansion of shared autonomous mobility.

Read More →
A Parsons & Sons bus
Motorcoachby Staff and News ReportsFebruary 12, 2026

Parsons & Sons Named METRO’s 2026 Motorcoach Operator of the Year

METRO Executive Editor Alex Roman presented the award to the operation’s President/CEO Scott Parsons at the United Motorcoach Association’s EXPO in Birmingham, Alabama.

Read More →
The ONE Transit Board wearing newly branded hats.
Managementby StaffFebruary 12, 2026

Central Oklahoma RTA Approves New Name, Branding

The brand strategy was developed based on input from RTA board members, staff, and stakeholders, along with secondary research conducted over a months-long process.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Fans riding VTA for Super Bowl LX.
Managementby StaffFebruary 10, 2026

VTA Delivers Record Super Bowl LX Ridership

In close coordination with regional partners including Caltrain and BART, the agency ensured convenient interagency connections and seamless transfers for game-day passengers.

Read More →
A BART railcar
ManagementFebruary 9, 2026

BART Details Contingency Plans Without Funding

Because rail has high fixed costs and low marginal savings, it is impossible to close the projected FY27 $376M deficit with service cuts and fare increases alone, said agency officials.

Read More →
A picture of C-TRAN's electric bus.
Managementby StaffFebruary 6, 2026

C-TRAN Sees Fourth Consecutive Year of Ridership Growth

The total ridership includes all fixed-route bus service, C-VAN paratransit service, The Current, Vanpool, and special event service. Almost all individual routes saw year-over-year increases from 2024 to 2025.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A woman pushes a man in a wheelchair on a rail platform.
Managementby Elora HaynesFebruary 5, 2026

Free Rides, Civil Rights, and the Legacy of Rosa Parks in 2026

Transit agencies across the U.S. commemorated Transit Equity Day with zero fares and a renewed focus on access and equity.

Read More →