| SARASOTA COUNTY – Starting Thursday, Dec. 1, Sarasota County’s transit system will see changes to fares on three of its four services. The new fares will better align with service features, industry trends, and the rising costs of doing business. The base bus fare will increase from $1.25 to $1.50. Bus fare for Medicare cardholders and those aged 65-plus will increase from 60 cents to 75 cents.Remaining fares will be simplified with the removal of daily, weekly, and student semester bus passes. The half-price monthly bus pass will be phased out over a period of 18 months.Children aged five and under, and seniors aged 80 and older, will continue to ride free on buses.The paratransit service fare will change from $2.50 to $3.00.The base OnDemand fare will increase from $1.25 to $2.00. Children aged five and under will continue to ride free on the OnDemand service.A new Transportation Disadvantaged fare option will allow qualifying individuals to ride OnDemand for $1.50. The Siesta Key Breeze Trolley will remain free. Seasonal adjustments to route schedules will begin on Saturday, Dec. 3, including the return of Route 33 between Pinecraft and Siesta Key. The revisions accommodate changes in travel patterns and traffic volumes that result from visiting tourists and part-time residents. For more information regarding services and employment opportunities, call 311 or visit scgov.net. |