Since we choose to live within the geographical boundaries of Stuart, our property taxes are a bit higher than if we lived in unincorporated Martin County. For that small additional amount, we receive enhanced municipal services such as shorter police response times. It is far easier to obtain permits or open a business within city limits than in the county. Stuart is the county seat and in actuality the only full service municipality within Martin County.

Martin County provides what they term “public transit.” The system operates Monday to Friday from about 7am to 7pm. It does not run on the weekends or holidays. There are three routes within the county and an express route which travels four times a day to the Gardens Mall in Palm Beach County.  For the most part, you rarely see more than one or two people in a bus at any time. There are definitely reasons for the lack of ridership.

Stuart’s downtown trams move about the same number of people per year than the county wide system. For any public transit system to be successful in moving large numbers of riders, there needs to be a few essential elements. First, it must take the riders where they want to go. Depending on the demographic served, transit provides a way to bring people to where they are employed, shop, have appointments or are entertained.

Second, the system must be reliable. The public has to know they can safely return home and not worry about missing the last bus because it leaves at 5:00 pm. Therefore, frequency and the duration of the hours of operation are important. This is especially true if you are counting on public transportation to take you to and from work.

There also needs to be enough people or density within the geographic framework of the transit district to allow for the system to operate efficiently and be sustainable. Unfortunately, unincorporated Martin County lacks every element to having a full functioning public transit system. However, the City of Stuart has all the elements in place.

We are geographically contained. Our routes can be relatively short in duration allowing for the frequency needed to move a large number of people. A public transportation system can allow seniors to remain in their homes longer and be self-sufficient. Whether it is to visit a doctor or to the grocery store, seniors will be able to do that. A system can allow a person to leave his/her car home and go to work …no parking space needed. Teenagers can have the ability to visit a friend, go shopping or get to an after-school job without parental involvement. Someone can use the tram or bus to eat downtown and safely return home without the worry of parking or a having that extra glass of wine.

Our entire city becomes more desirable and livable. It can be an example for other cities to follow.  Imagine attracting young and middle aged families and singles because it would be necessary to own only one car. Teens and seniors would have the ability to get from Point A to Point B allowing for independence for these two diverse groups. Stuart could be known as the most livable city within Florida.

A commitment would be necessary by all residents that a true public transportation system is achievable and doable. It will not be accomplished tomorrow but will take a decade to be fully implemented. The city would also need to come up with funding sources. New routes would have to be thought out and be integrated with existing ones.

Stuart currently has a system that serves the needs of downtown.  The vast majority of our residents have not used that system. I believe it is time to have every resident be able to use a true micro-transit system within Stuart. We can have a future that serves our existing population and one that will be able to attract new residents. Then we would truly be a full service city.