SCAT Express Bus To Offer WiFi

While your're along for the hour-plus ride from Sarasota to North Port, you can surf the Web on SCAT Express buses beginning March 4. 

Sarasota County Area Transit announced the new WiFi service for Express routes 100X North Port-Sarasota and 90X North Port-Venice-Sarasota will be up and running in just a few days.

The 40-foot Express buses seats 40 people and are designed for long-distance commuters.

The Express routes have limited stops on long routes taking about 70 minutes for 100X and 85 minutes for the 90X, giving riders enough time to catch up on work, check email and post on Facebook. Each bus will have a unique wireless network name.

SCAT has several disclaimers for use of the WiFi, according to the county:

• The SCAT wireless network is an open, unsecured network. Riders are advised to use at their own risk.
• Users are required to accept the county's terms of service.
• Sarasota County does not provide technical support for the riders' device or possible connectivity problems.
• The county does not guarantee Internet connectivity or 4G performance. Performance may vary, based on the number of active users and the wireless provider's network availability. 

The Express fares are $2.50 one way or $5 round trip. A 30-day pass is $85 and a discounted half-fare pass costs $42.50 for persons 65 years or older and eligible persons with disabilities.