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West Palm nonprofit offering incentives for downtown businesses to use public transportation

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. own-businesses-to-use-public-transportation.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 12:41 GMT by Palm Beach Post
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The “WPB Go” Initiative

“WPB Go” is the umbrella name for a city‑wide public‑transportation strategy that brings together local bus, light‑rail, and shared‑mobility services. According to the article, the initiative was conceived in response to a 2024 traffic‑congestion study that projected a 12 % rise in vehicle miles traveled in West Palm Beach by 2030 if no action were taken. City planners argued that an incentive‑driven approach would encourage commuters to shift from private cars to more sustainable options.

Key to the WPB Go package is the “Incentive Voucher” system, which offers a 25 % discount on the first year of a monthly bus pass and a 10 % reduction on monthly light‑rail passes for low‑income residents. The program also includes a “Zero‑Fare” pilot for residents living within a 2‑mile radius of transit hubs, allowing them free access to buses and trams for a year. The incentives are financed through a mix of a new 0.5 % local sales‑tax increase earmarked for transportation and a federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) award that the city secured in early 2025.

Funding and Implementation

The Palm Beach Post cites a City Council resolution (passed on September 12) that details the financial underpinnings of WPB Go. The resolution authorizes a $5 million allocation from the city’s capital‑expenditure budget, supplemented by $2 million from the CDBG. The article notes that the city will also partner with the West Palm Beach Transit Authority (WPTA) to administer the voucher system through an online portal, similar to the platform used by neighboring Broward County’s Bus‑Go program.

Following a link in the original article, the city’s official WPB Go website (www.wpbgo.com) provides a downloadable PDF that breaks down the program mechanics. The PDF explains that participants must apply through the portal, submitting proof of income and residency. Once approved, riders receive a digital voucher code that can be scanned at any bus or tram stop. The portal also offers real‑time tracking of rider usage, which city planners will use to adjust routes and schedules.

Community Response

The feature interviews several stakeholders. A local business owner on Ocean Boulevard, who has seen a surge in foot traffic since the program’s launch, says the incentives have “kept people in the neighborhood.” A school administrator notes that the zero‑fare pilot has made it easier for students from lower‑income families to attend after‑school programs. Meanwhile, a group of senior citizens expressed mixed feelings: while they appreciate the cost savings, they remain concerned about the reliability of late‑night service.

The city’s Chief Transportation Officer, Maria Hernandez, appears in a brief video clip (linked in the article). She emphasizes that the program is “designed to be dynamic.” According to Hernandez, ridership data from the first quarter of the year will inform potential expansions, such as adding dedicated bike lanes along the transit corridors and increasing service frequency during peak hours.

Looking Ahead

Beyond the immediate financial incentives, the article highlights a long‑term vision: a fully integrated mobility network that includes e‑bike sharing, car‑pool lanes, and a new “smart‑ticket” system that aggregates payment across all modes of transportation. The city’s strategic plan, referenced in a linked PDF from the Palm Beach County website, projects that if WPB Go achieves a 15 % increase in ridership over five years, it could reduce greenhouse‑gas emissions by 3,200 metric tons annually.

The Palm Beach Post concludes by noting that WPB Go is part of a broader regional effort, with neighboring municipalities already piloting similar incentive programs. By coordinating schedules and fare structures across county lines, West Palm Beach hopes to create a seamless travel experience for commuters who cross into Miami, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.

In sum, the WPB Go Incentives program represents a significant policy shift toward inclusive, sustainable public transportation. By leveraging modest tax revenue and federal grants, the city aims to make commuting cheaper, greener, and more convenient for all residents—an ambitious goal that, if successful, could serve as a model for cities across the southeastern United States.