FDOT promotes public transportation with free bus rides

Bus riders and residents of Manatee and Sarasota counties who have considered using public transportation will soon have a free chance to give it a try.

Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) and Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) will not charge fares for fixed route services, as part of "Try Transit Day," Friday, April 25.

The Florida Dept. of Transportation, District One, through its Commuter Services Program, hopes to promote the use of public transportation through the initiative. By having fewer cars on the road, FDOT officials believe traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions will decline.

MCAT representatives anticipate the cost-free day to cost about $2,382, based on its fixed route revenue reports from fiscal year 2012-2013.

For more information, visit mymanatee.org.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].