SARASOTA COUNTY – Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) has contracted with private vendor Ride Right Transit to provide open-air vehicle circulator service on Siesta Key.
This free service, called “Siesta Key Breeze,” is a modification of the existing Route 10, providing a more tailored mode of transportation not leaving the key. The six-month pilot program is being partially funded by a state grant.
It will start at Turtle Beach, proceeding north to the village, turning on Calle De La Siesta (No. 7 Beach Public Access) and Canal Road, heading southbound through the village and returning to Turtle Beach.
Passengers can pick up the circulator at all SCAT stops located along Beach Road. There will be an emblem of a trolley on each bus sign indicating where the service will stop. South of Midnight Pass Road, passengers can flag stop the vehicle, and it will stop at the safest location.
SCAT Route 11 remains the same and travels off the key to Sarasota Pavilion, Westgate Mall and downtown Sarasota. Once the circulator commences, Route 10 will be eliminated.
“We are excited to try this type of service on Siesta Key where people live, work and vacation,” said SCAT Director Rocky Burke. “I encourage everyone to ride this free service while on the key to help eliminate traffic congestion.”
The service will run from 8 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Monday through Sunday. During peak hours (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) there will be service every 20 minutes; during non-peak hours, service will be every 30 minutes.
For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000 or visit www.scgov.net.
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