St. Johns County residents can weigh in on the future of public transportation at an open house on Nov. 17 in St. Augustine.

The county and the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization (North Florida TPO) are developing a 10-year Transit Development Plan. The plan will identify public transportation needs and evaluate potential improvements across the county, according to a county announcement written by Kymberlyn McCrea.

Areas under review include expanded service options, better connections to key destinations, improved accessibility and mobility, upgraded passenger amenities, and investments in transit facilities and infrastructure.

The open house runs from 5 to 6 p.m. at the St. Johns County Council on Aging Coastal Community Center, 180 Marine St., St. Augustine. A brief presentation begins at 5 p.m.

The meeting will follow an open-house format. Attendees can learn about the planning process and share feedback on transit priorities.

Why it matters locally

Transit options in St. Johns County have narrowed in recent months. The Council on Aging's Coastal Transportation program, which offered private car, bus and shuttle service for individuals and small groups, discontinued operations June 30. The Council on Aging's Demand Response Paratransit and Sunshine Bus public transportation services remain operational, according to the agency.

The county and the North Florida TPO said community participation will help shape the 10-year plan.

How to get involved

Residents who want more information can visit the North Florida TPO website. Jennifer Lott, a TPO contact, can be reached at (904) 306-7511 for questions about meeting materials.