Fares Resume For All Sarasota County Area Transit Services July 6

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) will resume the collection of fares for all services starting July 6.

The fares, which were previously suspended as part of Sarasota County's response to COVID-19, will apply to fixed route service and SCAT Plus. The Siesta Key Breeze fare remains fee like it always has been, SCAT Director Jane Grogg said.

“This is a return to normal operations after our suspension of fare collection due to the COVID response,” she said.

The fares reflect the same prices prior to their suspension in 2020. In addition, front-door boarding will also resume.

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SCAT fixed-route bus service will collect the following fares:

• Regular one-way service is $1.25.
• Two children five and younger are free per passenger, and each additional child is 60 cents each.
• Adults who are 65 and older, are Medicare patients, and those with disabilities costs 60 cents for one-way service.
• Adults 80 years of age and older are free.

Pre-purchased passes are available beginning June 28 at the SCAT downtown transfer station.

SCAT Plus will collect the following fares:

• $2.50 for each one-way trip for eligible persons with disabilities, those certified as transportation-disadvantaged due to age, income or disability.

Advanced reservations are required to use this curb-to-curb service. For questions about your eligibility call the SCAT mobility coordinator and 941-861-1042.

The new OnDemand service was launched by SCAT June 5 as part of their efforts to improve efficiency and provide new options for riders. The service has received a “great response,” Grogg said.

An OnDemand vehicle picks customers up within 30 minutes of their ride request and takes them to their destinations within four specified zones. The vehicles are similar to minivans, and accessible for those using mobility devices or needing a ramp to board.

Grogg said it’s a complement to SCAT services already in place.

“It offers flexibility and additional options for people to get around in our community,” she said.

Curb-to-curb rides for this new service are available 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Each ride costs $1.25, and rides can be paid for using an online registration service, an app or paying cash to the driver.

Reservations are required to use this service, and can be made through the OnDemand at Sarasota County app, online or by calling 941-300-1553.