Florida Counties Urged to Adopt Innovative Strategies for Transit Services

Customer RelationsHigh Tech / High Touch
Written By Jennifer Joslyn

🐊 Florida Counties Urged to Adopt Innovative Strategies for Transit Services.

Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) and Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) are grappling with declining ridership and financial challenges, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite plans to increase transit use, their current strategies are ineffective. To address these issues, the counties can take five actions: 1) Fully fund bus service for transit-dependent riders to provide more reliable and frequent service; 2) Adjust fare structures to cover costs for choice riders and provide appealing, reliable service; 3) Replace low ridership bus routes with on-demand or paratransit options; 4) Consider contracting out bus services to improve flexibility and lower costs; and 5) Utilize intelligent transportation systems (ITS) to enhance the passenger experience and improve schedule adherence. By focusing on these actions and reorienting their strategies, SCAT and MCAT can improve ridership, reduce financial strain, and ensure long-term sustainability for their transit systems, ultimately providing better mobility options for the community.

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Jennifer Joslyn
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