A pilot shuttle service in Bradenton Beach is under the scope.
The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency met March 2 at city hall, taking up a conversation with Josh LaRose, owner of Easy Parking Group, about the fare-free shuttle program that he operates between the commercial district and Coquina Beach.
There was back and forth between LaRose and CRA members over deviation from the set routes for the shuttle.
The CRA created the pilot service to provide park-and-ride options from the beach to the CRA district. The low-speed vehicles are to operate along Gulf Drive from Coquina Beach to Fifth Street South, on Bay Drive South to the east end of Bridge Street, then to the Bradenton Beach Marina before looping back.
People can hail a ride along the Old Town Tram route, including at parking lots, or call 941-404-6240 for a ride.
At the CRA meeting, members expressed a desire to fine-tune the shuttle, with greater service predictability, a reliable timetable and an agreed-upon route.
According to CRA members, the trams have been observed north of Cortez Road, outside the CRA district, which stretches from Gulf to bay and Cortez Road to Gulf Drive South.
LaRose referred to reports of the GPS logs from his trams, but CRA members suggested reviewing that information on monitors at their April meeting.
CRA member Ed Chiles, a longtime advocate of a park-and-ride operation and a Bradenton Beach businessman, stressed its importance.
“Things are changing and they are changing dramatically,” he said, adding that the island is busier than ever and programs like the shuttle are instrumental to improving the experience in the commercial district.
About the CRA
The Bradenton Beach CRA funds capital improvement projects to promote restoration, growth and tourism for the district, which is bordered by Cortez Road, Sarasota Bay, Fifth Street South and the Gulf of Mexico.
The CRA funds the projects with incremental tax revenue collected by Manatee County since 1992, when the area was declared blighted.
The board includes the mayor, city commissioners and two appointed members, restaurateur Ed Chiles and resident David Bell.