“The Squeeze” launches this month in Lakeland, FL

Orange you ready for something new in town? Meet “The Squeeze,” coming to Lakeland on Nov. 29 with its lunchtime services.

Launched by Citrus Connection, the new form of transportation will operate via eight-person golf carts throughout a one-year pilot program. The carts will offer lunchtime services during the week, as well as a few evening services during the weekends, kicking off on Dec. 3. “The Squeeze” will be one of the first forms of microtransit in Polk County — aka transportation based on demand, operating on a flexible schedule, with shared ride services.

Routes will span north on Kentucky Avenue, east on East Main Street, south on Tennessee Avenue, and east on Lake Morton Drive during the lunchtime service, and will route around Florida Southern College, the RP Funding Center, The Joinery, and throughout downtown during the weekends.

Other important details include:

• The schedule. The Squeeze’s lunchtime services kick off at 11 a.m. and operate until 1 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Friday evening services will start at 3 p.m., running until 10:30 p.m. And, Saturday services will run from 4-midnight.
• The vehicles. As previously mentioned, the ride components are eight-seater golf cart style trams, offering open-air rides, especially crucial during the continuation of COVID-19 safety measures.
• Pricing. Riders have access to a custom QR code allowing for payment across platforms such as Venmo and CashApp for the day fare ($2), weekly passes ($3), and monthly passes ($9).
• Hailing a ride. Citrus Connection’s app will allow riders to both pay a fare, as well as locate information regarding routes.

Planning to hitch a ride in a couple of weeks? Share your experience with us.

Poll