Leave the driving to us
Traveling has become more difficult with rising gasoline prices, but once arriving on the Emerald Coast, it is easy to park and ride, or hop a shuttle from just about anywhere in town for less than one gallon of gas.
Thanks to the public transit systems in Okaloosa County and Panama City, visitors and locals can get around without spending an arm and a leg.
In Fort Walton Beach, Crestview and Destin, catch the WAVE or Shuttle for only 50 cents. Non-stop northern routes to Crestview run on the WAVE Express for $1.50.
Discounts are available to seniors (65 and older), and those with disabilities. Monthly passes can be purchased too.
The WAVE offers several routes throughout Fort Walton Beach, stopping at shopping centers, medical facilities, community service and government offices, and libraries. Riders can make one free transfer from their first route.
The Shuttle runs three routes from Okaloosa Island to Destin.
If travelers want to make stops that are not specifically on the WAVE route, call the Okaloosa County Transit office at (850) 833-9168 to request a deviation.
Summer hours, Memorial Day to Labor Day, are Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. with stops every 20 minutes.
During winter, September through May, hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. with stops every 45 minutes.
Park and ride locations are also available to commuters at Uptown Station, the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, the Destin Commons, and all other public parking lots.
For more information about the WAVE or Shuttle, visit the Okaloosa County homepage at http://www.rideoct.org.
In Panama City, ride along the waterfront and Gulf Coast on the Bay Town Trolley. The eight interconnected routes make stops at government and community service offices, shopping centers, historic downtown, and Gulf Coast Community College.
The trolley runs Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Park and ride locations for the trolley are at the west end of the Winn Dixie parking lot, Pier Park, Panama City Mall, at Thomas Drive a the curve, and K-Mart on the beach.
Regular fare is $1. Students (with local ID) and seniors (with Medicare card) and persons with disabilities are 50 cents. Children age 5 and younger ride free with an adult. Monthly passes are available.
For more information about the Bay Town Trolley, call (850) 769-0557 or go online at http://www.baytowntrolley.org.
Both systems offer para-transit services to anyone who cannot access the vehicles, and provide free transport for one personal care attendant for riders who are disabled. For more information or to arrange pick-up in Panama City call (850) 785-0808, in north Okaloosa County call (850) 689-7809, and in south Okaloosa County call (850) 833-9168.