By Kevin Deutsch
A new transportation provider will be running the city’s two intracity community buses starting next week.
Protransportation Inc., of Boca Raton, will take over the city’s intracity bus routes from Limousines of South Florida, Inc., a company based in Lauderdale Lakes that has run Coral Springs’ intracity bus routes for 16 years, according to the city.
The new provider, which does business as ProKel Mobility, won out after the city announced a call for proposals. The company said it currently operates five public transportation routes with five trolley shuttle buses in the city of North Miami Beach, as well as routes in cities across the U.S.
Competition for the city’s bus contract got ugly after Limousines of South Florida claimed ProKel Mobility made misrepresentations in its proposal and that the process by which the city chose the company was flawed.
The incumbent company, which finished third in the city’s selection process, launched a protest to the city’s decision but lost. City commissioners at Wednesday’s commission meeting questioned city staff about the company’s complaints but ultimately said they were satisfied that all procedures during the request for proposals and protest process were properly followed.
City officials also raised concerns about complaints among Coral Springs seniors about the intracity bus program, as well as some missed routes.
“I want to thank the city for procuring an open, competitive bid and selecting the number one vendor,” said Kelly Gonzalez, Jr., the CEO and owner of ProKel Mobility.
The company’s contract will commence on Feb. 29, 2024, and run until February 28, 2027, with the option to renew for one additional three-year renewal, city records show.
Coral Springs’ intracity bus program, which costs $550,758 per year, is paid for with county money through a one-cent sales tax, records show.
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Author Profile
- Kevin Deutsch is an award-winning crime journalist and author. A graduate of Florida International University, Kevin has worked on staff at The Miami Herald, New York Daily News, and The Palm Beach Post.
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