Manatee County launches new Beach ConneXion Shuttle service Dec. 7
MANATEE COUNTY, FL (Nov. 12, 2019) – In an effort to help drivers avoid heavy beach crowds Manatee County Area Transit will offer free rides onto and off of Anna Maria Island via Manatee Avenue beginning Dec. 7. The new Beach ConneXion Shuttle will operate weekends and holidays from December through April from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Anyone traveling to Manatee Public Beach via Manatee Avenue can pick up the Beach ConneXion Shuttle free of fare at the sheltered bus stop on the northwest corner of Manatee Avenue and 75th Street West, adjacent to the commercial center there. On their return trip, passengers can get off at the same bus stop as the Shuttle will loop around the commercial area and serve the same stop which ensures the safety and convenience of Shuttle passengers.
There are also several bus stops between Manatee Avenue/75th Street West and Manatee County Public Beach, and passengers can get on or off the Shuttle at any of these bus stops as well.
Mainland transit connections to the new Beach ConneXion Shuttle are available via MCAT Route 3 which serves the Manatee Avenue corridor and operates Monday through Saturday, and the Beach Express operating along the same corridor on Sundays and holidays. Coquina Beach goers can board the Beach ConneXion Shuttle, travel to AMI, and make a connection to the southbound AMI Trolley at Manatee County Public Beach. The AMI Trolley operates with 20-minute frequency, so the wait times are minimal.
"There's a greater need to provide a travel alternative to access the Island in the peak tourist season, especially as AMI parking reaches capacity," said Ryan Suarez, MCAT's planning manager. "In effect, the Beach ConneXion Shuttle, combined with MCAT Route 3 and the Beach Express transit services, increase the overall travel capacity for the congested Manatee Avenue corridor, and serve as a viable travel and parking option for beachgoers during the peak season."
For more information on Manatee County Government, visit www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on Twitter, @ManateeGov.