December 16, 2025

VoTran Modernizes Paratransit, for Better Reliability and Accessibility in Volusia County

Isabella Downes
Community Marketing Manager

On November 1st VoTran launched VoAccess, Volusia County’s ADA and Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) paratransit service, now powered by Spare. This partnership marks a major step forward in delivering innovative, smarter, more accessible public transit for residents across the region!

“Volusia County’s partnership with RATP Dev and Spare has proven to be the best decision we’ve ever made. The efficiencies that this system has provided in the short time that it has been up and running proves this. The professionalism and knowledge of all the staff involved has helped make this transition seamless.”

Bobbie King, Transit Services Director, VoTran

A Countywide Leap in Transit Innovation

Covering nearly 1,200 square miles and serving close to half a million residents, VoTran connects Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Deltona, DeLand, and surrounding communities with dependable transit options. Operated by RATP Dev, VoTran services span fixed routes, flex routes, and on-demand microtransit — and now, a modernized paratransit network through VoAccess.

With over 60 vehicles on the road and 700 daily trips, VoAccess plays a vital role in ensuring equitable mobility for riders who need accessible transportation. Through Spare, every ride now benefits from intuitive scheduling, real-time optimization, and greater transparency for both riders and operators.

From 83% to 97% On-Time Performance

Before Spare, achieving an 83% on-time performance was considered a good day for the VoTran paratransit team. On Spare’s first full weekday, that number soared to 92%, and within the first week, the service consistently achieved 92–95% OTP.

This approximately 10% improvement means riders can count on getting to work on time, keeping medical appointments, and participating in their communities. Hundreds of daily riders now have the reliable transportation they need for independence.

These results reflect the impact of our collaborative approach: from on-site training and ADA compliance redevelopment to fine-tuning dispatching and reservation workflows alongside RATP Dev and VoTran staff.

“At RATP Dev USA, we know change isn’t just about new technology — it’s about people coming together with purpose. Partnering with Spare, we successfully launched a new paratransit and microtransit platform in Volusia County, giving our riders a faster and more reliable experience. Over two weeks of hands-on training, our local team worked side-by-side with Spare’s trainers to master new tools and workflows that are already improving service. We’re so proud of how our employees embraced innovation with enthusiasm, teamwork, and heart. When great people and great partners align, the results speak for themselves.”

-Angela Milroy, Director of Operations, RATP Dev USA

Volusia County riders gain self-service access through the Spare Rider App

As of December 1, Volusia County riders now have self-service access through the Rider App - powered by Spare. For the first time, residents and visitors can book, track, and manage their rides directly from their smartphones.

For riders, this means:

  • Trip booking without waiting on hold
  • Real-time tracking showing exactly when rides will arrive
  • Trip management without phone calls

For VoTran’s reservation team, the app reduces the routine “Where’s my ride?” calls to the reservation center, freeing staff capacity to focus on passengers with complex accessibility needs, such as riders requiring specialized equipment coordination or those needing additional booking assistance. This shift allows VoTran to deliver higher-touch service where it matters most while improving overall system efficiency.

Transforming Paratransit for the Future

Spare’s unified platform manages VoAccess paratransit operations while supporting VoTran’s broader transformation vision outlined in its 2026-2031 Transit Development Plan. The same technology will power VoTran’s planned microtransit expansion in March 2026, reducing operational costs and complexity as the agency evolves. The platform currently coordinates VoTran’s main fleet alongside three subcontractor fleets (CCT, AVT, and MedOne) through unified dispatching with proper role-based access controls. Advanced capabilities include dynamic service zone management that automatically adjusts coverage boundaries based on time and day, geographic fleet prioritization across East and West operational zones and complex booking workflow support for seven-day advance reservations, roundtrip payment processing and driver-initiated protocols.

“At RATP Dev USA, we know change isn’t just about new technology, it's about people coming together with purpose,” said Angela Milroy, Director of Operations at RATP Dev USA. “Partnering with Spare, we successfully launched a new paratransit and microtransit platform in Volusia County, giving our riders a faster and more reliable experience. Over two weeks of hands-on training, our incredible local team worked side-by-side with Spare’s trainers to master new tools and workflows that are already improving service.”

Supporting VoTran's Vision

VoTran's investment in technology, sustainability, and accessibility reflects a forward-thinking vision. Together, we're supporting Volusia County's long-term goal of providing efficient, reliable, and inclusive transit service for all.

The VoAccess launch demonstrates what's possible when transit agencies have the right tools. With improved on-time performance, riders who can manage their own trips, and streamlined operations, Volusia County is setting a new standard for reliable, dignified access to public transit in Florida.

Spare is proud to partner with VoTran and RATP Dev USA on this launch. As Volusia County's transit needs evolve, the platform is built to support their vision for serving their community and achieving their service goals. Spare's mission is to make every ride matter—for residents of Volusia County, this means reliable transportation they can count on for work, medical care, and family.

The story doesn’t end here — see how Spare is powering paratransit in Boston with MBTA.

Want to see how transit tech could expand access and boost efficiency in your region?‍ Our team can help you design the right solution for your community.
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Isabella Downes
Community Marketing Manager
Community Marketing Manager helping transit agencies showcase how their services and stories are enhancing mobility and making a difference throughout communities.
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Isabella Downes

Having applications in Spare not only significantly streamlines our application processing, but it also allows us to more efficiently and effectively serve GATRA riders. GATRA can process applications in real time so riders can start using the service right away.

Kylie Araujo
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Executive Assistant