As the trolley rolls, so does the mainland bus.
Since its inception, the island trolley has operated fare-free. Beginning Nov. 1, all Manatee County bus routes will be fare-free for 18 months, part of a pilot program pushed by county commissioners.
A fare still will be collected on the Sarasota County portion of the Route 99 service between downtown Bradenton, the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and downtown Sarasota.
“If we start treating transit like infrastructure instead of like a service, I think you’re going to start seeing a massive improvement in people’s lives,” said at-large County Commissioner George Kruse, who recommended the fare-free program.
Commissioners, in asking for the pilot, noted the success of the island trolley, which operates 365 days a year between Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and the Anna Maria City Pier.
— Lisa Neff