All aboard the trolley, but what time?
Manatee County Area Transit is gathering feedback from transit riders on how to improve services and possibly change schedules, including the hours of the fare-free island trolley.
An announcement said MCAT may change the start time for the trolley from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and increase the frequency of buses on Manatee Avenue to every 30 minutes instead of every 60 minutes.
MCAT invited riders to comment online at ridemcat.org/public-hearings or attend a workshop.
The first workshop will be 2-4:30 p.m. Monday, May 16, at the Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
A second workshop will be 2-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, at Palmetto City Hall, 516 Eighth Ave., Palmetto.
MCAT representatives are handing out fliers to riders and posting information at transfer stations to increase awareness of the meetings.
MCAT will present the survey results this summer to county commissioners.
A random survey of trolley riders on May 6 found almost unanimous opposition to a later start hour.
“I like to take the trolley to the public beach for breakfast and sunrise, but that’s not going to happen at 8 a.m.,” said Chrissie Parker of Holmes Beach. “That’s really late to get things going. And don’t some kids use the trolley to get to school?”
Several transit riders also said a later start could cost them their jobs.
“The trolley is a lot more than a joy ride for vacationers,” said Anna Maria resident Jack Wallace.
Any route changes would likely take place in the fall.
For more information, visit www.mymanatee.org, call MCAT at 941-749-7116 or email mcat@mymanatee.org.
— Kristin Swain