Manatee County Government
MCAT offers complimentary service on Try Transit Day -- Tues., April 19
MANATEE COUNTY, FL (April 18, 2011) – Come on and take a free ride, Manatee County Area Transit passengers! Manatee County Area Transit will offer complimentary service tomorrow, April 19, as part of a regional Try Transit campaign.
MCAT will offer free rides throughout the service day, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., including Route 99 riders going into Sarasota. The promotion is part of the Florida Department of Transportation’s awareness campaign to get commuters to consider alternative modes of transportation, especially for work commutes typically involving one vehicle transporting one person.
MCAT Manager Ralf Heseler said Try Transit Day is a great way to highlight the benefits public transportation offers riders, including saving money on fuel, improving the environment by cutting down on carbon emissions and additional leisure time on the commute to and from work.
“We’re hoping to attract people to our system to experience the benefits and the availability of the service,” Heseler said. “MCAT benefits the environment and mitigates traffic in our county. At the end of the day, you can count up the amount of money you didn’t pay out at the gas pump. Also, on your MCAT ride, you could be doing other things like reading the paper, safely using your mobile device or doing some work.”
Manatee County Community Services director and Green Team coordinator Brenda Rogers said there has been a good amount of local enthusiasm for FDOT’s Commuter Services promotions, More than 600 people signed up to get more information on carpooling and alternate forms of transportation after last week’s Commuter Services Day in downtown Bradenton.
“That tells me that people are interested in saving money on gas, and they want to know more about the other benefits associated with reducing the number of vehicles on the road,” Rogers said.
The Commuter Services promotion is also part of National County Government Month to raise public awareness and understanding about the roles and responsibilities of county government.
MCAT serves Bradenton, Ellenton, Palmetto and the gulf beach communities. Buses run 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. No service is offered Sunday. The fare is $1.25 each way; transfers are 25¢ each. Accepted forms of payment include U.S. coins and currency or M-Card transit passes.
For information on MCAT routes and schedules visit www.mymanatee.org/mcat or call (941) 747-8621. To register for more information on car pools, transit, biking, walking and running as alternatives, visit www.commuterservicesFL.com