MCAT launches Ranch route this weekend

East County residents: public transportation is expanding its reach into your neighborhood this weekend.

Beginning Jan. 3, Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) will launch its extension of Route 6 to service Lakewood Ranch.

The route, which served the Cortez Road corridor from Bradenton Beach to Desoto Station in west Bradenton, will soon stretch east along State Road 70. The route will now span from Desoto Station to Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.

Manatee County Commissioners approved the extension in hopes of connecting beach goers with more options for shopping, residential and educational options, a press release said.

The decision came after a range of public outreach programs, such as workshops, public hearings and social media input.

To promote the new route, MCAT will offer free bus rides in January for riders busing anywhere east of Desoto Station.

Beginning Feb. 1, regular fare will cost $1.50.

For more information, visit mymanatee.org/mcat or call 747-8621.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].