The City of Boca Raton launches new BocaConnect Circuit Bus Service.

Circuit Transit Inc. is an affordable (sometimes free), electric, micro-transit solution. Circuit uses fleets of nimble cars that fulfill the first-mile last-mile gap that’s experienced by municipalities around the world. The service is made possible by collaborating with municipal organizations and executing innovative out of home / experiential advertising campaigns with some of the world’s most recognizable brands. Co-founders Alexander Esposito, CEO, and James Mirras, COO, started Circuit as a fun and free beach shuttle in the Hamptons in 2011, then quickly partnered with Jason Bagley in Fort Lauderdale to expand the service into Florida markets. Since then, Circuit has grown to provide over 5 million rides to people across the country without burning an ounce of gas. The all-electric fleet of vehicles have given over 5 million rides in locations across eight different states – NY, FL, CA, NJ, CO, MA, IL and TX.

Circuit has been operating in the South Florida area for over 10 years, with services in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Miami, Hollywood Beach, Palm Beach Gardens and Pompano Beach. With the help of innovative Cities, CRAS, private companies and national brands, Circuit is able to provide low-cost shuttle rides without emitting greenhouse gases. Circuit Transit aims to operate the best to bridge the first / last mile gap, connect riders to public transit, improve circulation, reduce congestion, and reduce parking issues. Circuit Transit also offers innovative out-of-home advertising opportunities promoting local economic development.

At a City Council meeting on April 9th, 2024, a contract was signed with Circuit Transit Inc. to provide on-demand shuttle service in the City of Boca Raton downtown area and beyond. The new “Boca Connect” circuit shuttle will help with connectivity by offering the first-mile-last-mile rides within and around the downtown area and in the City. This will also be available to those arriving at the Brightline Boca Raton Station located at 101 NW 4th St, Boca Raton, FL 33432 and nearby transportation hubs. Providing a convenient and sustainable multimodal transportation service for the community falls under the City’s strategic goal of improving mobility and connectivity across Boca Raton.

Yvette Drucker, Deputy Mayor of Boca Raton

“We’re very excited to welcome Circuit. It’s a project in the making for over a year. It aligns with our strategic priorities of transportation and mobility so anytime you can offer residents, neighborhoods another way of moving around, a multimodal option, which is Circuit, it’s a great day,” shared Yvette Drucker, Deputy Mayor of Boca Raton, during the ribbon-cutting event. “We want people to get out, less traffic and it also helps our environment so we’re really, really excited to offer another option.”

Deputy Mayor Drucker later shared a social media post highlighting the benefits of such a service in the City, “It’s so exciting to move forward with this initiative that can reduce traffic congestion and make our city more innovative. It’s a win-win for our neighborhoods and our downtown and I’m pleased to be part of it. Download the app and begin riding the circuit let me know how you like it.”

The shuttle service began June 17, 2024 and the initial contract spans one year, during which Circuit and City staff will conduct regular assessments to optimize operations and service coverage. Circuit’s mobile app allows users to request rides, just like other ride-sharing companies. However, a ride with Circuit is a fraction of the cost. Riders can download the Circuit app, available on both iOS and Android platforms, to request a ride with just a few clicks. Ditch the car and catch a ride to and from Boca Raton’s favorite spots like the Museum of Art, Royal Palm Place, Mizner Park, and more.

“Getting around Downtown Boca just got a whole lot easier. Join us in welcoming Circuit to our beautiful city,” shared Jessica DelVecchio, Economic Development Manager of Boca Raton.

Services include:

The Circuit App:

Riders will download the Circuit app, available on both iOS and Android platforms, to request a ride with just a few clicks.

Hours of Service:

• Monday – Thursday: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
• Friday: 7:00 am – 2:00 am
• Saturday: 9:00 am – 2:00 am
• Sunday: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm

Service Area & Cost:

Circuit’s service area in Boca Raton will be south of Glades Road, east of I-95, north of the Hillsboro Canal, and west of NE 5th Way / SE 5th Avenue / Royal Palm Way.

Rides that begin and end in the RED service area on the Base Service Area Map (see map below) are FREE. Rides that start or end in the BLUE service area on the Base Service Area Map (see below) will be $2.00 per rider with $1.00 for each additional rider, capped at $5.00 per ride for a one-way trip.

Be sure to enter City of Boca Raton's first two FREE rides that start or end in the BLUE service area through July 14, 2024 by using code "bocaconnect2free".

Wait time for a shuttle once requested will be 10 minutes or less.

Eco-Friendly Fleet:

Circuit's all-electric fleet is quiet and environmentally sustainable, helping to reduce emissions and our carbon footprint.

This is an initial pilot (12 months) with the service area established to evaluate mobility solutions within and around the downtown area and the Brightline station. Staff will review the data collected during the pilot stage and determine future service locations. Future service locations could include the Tri-Rail Station, the Spanish River Library, FAU, the beaches, and more.

DOWNLOAD THE BOCA RATON CIRCUIT APP HERE:

Circuit App for IOS.

Circuit App for the Android.

FAQs

How much does it cost to ride?

Circuit aims to be the lowest cost option for your about-town mobility needs. Instead of charging a premium for electric vehicles, we believe it should cost less. At Circuit we work closely with cities, transportation partners and advertisers to subsidize the service so it’s either an affordable fare or free! Happy riding!

Why does my location ask for my credit card?

In some locations and destinations, riders may be required to pay a small fare. If you would like to request a ride in one of those locations, you must enter a valid payment method before making the request. Be sure to keep an eye out for promo codes, sponsored by our advertisers, that will allow you to ride free during their supported campaigns!

Do I have to tip drivers?

Gratuities for drivers are appreciated but never required and are completely at your discretion. In most markets, Circuit is free thanks to our sponsors on the interior and exterior of our cars. If you would like to show your appreciation to any of our sponsors, we recommend sending them a message on social media.

Do I have to use the app, or is there another way (what if I don’t have a smartphone)?

In some of our locations, call-in to ride service is available. In other locations, you may hail or flag down a car to ride with us, although the Driver must have a safe, accessible, and legal space to pull over and pick you up. App requests take priority over our flag down service and as such, riders inside the vehicle may request drivers not stop to pick up other passengers.

Can I schedule my ride in advance?

We love getting you where you need to go, but as an on-demand service, we do not currently book / schedule rides in advance. When you are ready to ride simply send us a request via the Circuit app or wave down a friendly driver!

I'm visiting from outside the USA, can I use Circuit service?

Yes, Circuit service is available for anyone visiting our service areas. However, the Circuit app is only available from the US Android Play Store and Apple App Store, some international users must temporarily change the country in which their account is registered to download the app..

Can kids join the ride?

We love having kids along for the ride, but our priority is to keep them safe so our vehicles follow individual state car seat and child passenger laws. Please find the basic requirements below along with links to full state regulations. If your child does not meet state requirements, they must be secured in a car seat or booster seat provided by a parent or guardian to comply.

• California, Massachusetts, & New Jersey
  Children must be 8 years of age OR have reached 4’9” in height to be secured by a safety belt.
• Florida
  Children must be 5 years of age to be secured by a safety belt.
• New York & District of Columbia
  Children must be 8 years of age to be secured by a safety belt.
• Texas
  Children must be secured in a booster seat until the safety belt fits them properly (usually between 10-12 years of age).
• Washington
  Children over height 4’9” must be secured by a properly fitted seat belt (typically starting at 8-12 years old).

Can pets join the ride?

We love having pets along for the ride but welcome them at the discretion of each individual driver and the other passengers in the vehicle. In some jurisdictions, only service animals are allowed to ride. Please speak with your driver when they arrive to confirm it is acceptable and remember to follow this pet etiquette:

• Pets are not allowed on seats
• Your pet must stay on your lap or on the floor between your legs at all times
• Pets must remain inside the vehicle at all times

Are Circuit cars electric?

Yes! Circuit uses 100% electric vehicles. We use a wide range of electric vehicles for our services, including electric vans, sedans, and low-speed neighborhood vehicles.