Track Manatee County Buses In Real Time With MyStop App

BRADENTON, FL — Manatee County commuters can now get real time bus and trolley arrival times on their cellphones. County officials announced Friday that MCAT is now on the MyStop app.

Transit officials said the app can help commuters avoid long waits caused by weather, traffic and construction detours.

"The most exciting feature is the system’s ability to calculate the real-time arrival for each MCAT bus and trolley, at every bus stop in the transit system," explained MCAT manager William Steele. "The new information system allows MCAT passengers to make informed decisions on when to arrive at their bus stop, and that will help minimize wait time."

Passengers can download the free MyStop app for their smartphone or tablet and then find the MCAT route or bus stop/station they're interested in.

"You can choose to receive alerts for bus arrivals at your stop before the bus arrives," county officials said. "QR codes at each bus stop will also give passengers the time before the bus arrives."

Buses are also equipped with on-board video monitors that alert passengers to the next three stops along the route.

"The new on-board feature allows MCAT to provide public service announcements and information about points of interest along the bus route, including libraries, shopping locations and business complexes," officials said.

Passengers can also check on the bus's whereabouts from their computer desktop online.

MCAT officials plan to give a demonstration of the new MyStop app at Tuesday's county commission meeting.

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit www.mymanatee.org or call 941-748-4501.