Passengers looking for a free ride got another year.
Joshua LaRose went before the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Sept. 1, hoping for approval of his Easy Parking contract for another year — and he got it.
Easy Parking operates the Bradenton Beach Old Town Tram, a CRA-funded shuttle that runs passengers between Coquina Beach and Bridge Street. According to LaRose, the service had a slower than expected summer due to red tide and thunderstorms.
The free park-and-ride service began Nov. 7, 2020, and provides people looking to dine, shop and stroll Bridge Street an alternative for parking. The initiative was meant to alleviate traffic congestion and compensate for parking scarcity in the CRA district.
LaRose said since its inception, the tram has provided 2,700 rides and acquired $4,775 in advertising fees for placards that promote businesses on the shuttle vehicles.
The CRA voted to approve the renewal of the Easy Parking contract for another year.
While City Commissioner Ralph Cole, the CRA chair, said he wasn’t willing to “jump into a five-year contract,” he added, “Issues come up, but as we solve problems, we’re going to make it happen.”
LaRose said, “I’m confident I can provide the quality of services for what is needed for the town.”
CRA member David Bell said, “The goal is to bring more people to Bradenton Beach without bringing their cars. …Let’s see if we can connect the city a little bit better.”
After this next year, Easy Parking will come up for a five-year agreement. The city will have 60 days to decide to move forward or terminate the contract.