Pine Hills Community Expresses Worries About Bus Stop Safety After Recent Assault Sentencing

ORLANDO, Fla. – Numerous bus patrons are expressing their worries regarding bus stop enhancements and safety measures. This situation arises a week after 32-year-old Nelson Odige was given a life sentence for the rape of a woman at a Pine Hills bus stop in 2023.

June Williams, a resident who has been using the bus system in Pine Hills for 12 years, is compelled to sit on a grocery cart at the bus stop along Hiawassee Road due to the lack of seating.

“It’s incredibly inconvenient for us. Whether it’s raining or the sun is blazing hot, you’re left standing after a long day at work,” explained Williams. “After being on your feet the whole day, arriving at a bus stop with no seating only to have to stand again is exhausting.”

She says the bench was recently removed, and she hopes they put it back.

Plus, she says several bus stops across Pine Hills have similar problems.

“Some don’t have any cover. Some have no seats. We have to stand until the bus comes. Sometimes the bus doesn’t come for 1 hour, 2 hours,” Williams said.

Joseph Carson says he still believes the stops are dangerous.

“If I gotta take the bus at night, I’m not gonna do it because I’ll just wait till in the morning because it’s not safe; it’s dark,” said Carson.

Carson says several stops need more lighting to help prevent crime. He also says people need to pick up their trash.

“The city has done their part. The city has put the cans out here for you, not just one but two,” Carson said.

We spoke with the Pine Hills community council, which has organized several community cleanups near bus stops. They plan to bring these issues up during their next council meeting on Tuesday.

We reached out to a LYNX Representative; they explained the coverings at the bus stops are placed based on how many riders use the stop. However, the benches and lighting are controlled by Orange County or the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

We reached out to Orange County, and they told us to speak with LYNX or OCSO.

LYNX Representatives also say Orange County leaders approved the Accelerated Transportation Safety Program in June 2023, giving LYNX around $45 million to add 264 new shelters in the county, more bus routes and stops over the next three to four years.

LYNX says they’re also working to finish up a new $15 million Pine Hills Transfer Center near the intersection of Silver Star Road and Pine Hills Road off Belco Drive.

It will feature eight bays to load and unload buses. Waiting passengers will be sheltered by a canopy resembling the one found at the agency’s downtown bus station.