Manatee County resumes evening MCAT service Saturday, Aug. 29

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (Aug. 24, 2020) – Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) will resume its standard evening schedule Saturday, Aug. 29 when evening routes resume this weekend. Bus routes were scaled back to end at 6 p.m. with the onset of the coronavirus in March.

MCAT fares will remain free. MCAT will issue a 30-day notice before fares resume.

“With the current economic impacts of the coronavirus, free fare service benefits passengers who may still have a significant income reduction," said Jim Egbert, MCAT’s Operations Chief. "However, as the economy begins to rebound and ridership demand increases, it is important to accommodate MCAT commuters and shift workers. The resumption of evening fixed route transit services is very important for our customers.”

MCAT passengers are asked to board and de-board using the rear door of the Transit/Trolley system. Rear door boarding and de-boarding creates more social distancing by eliminating the need for passengers to board at the front door to access the fare box, adjacent to the transit operator.

MCAT will continue its regular safety precautions that are already underway including:

• Comprehensive fleet and facility sanitizing procedures
• Daily sanitizing bus wipe-downs during layovers at Transit Stations and transfer points
• Hand sanitizers available onboard the MCAT fleet
• Face masks are available onboard MCAT buses
• Face masks are enclosed in zip lock bags to further protect passengers

For more information on public transportation services, please contact Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) at (941) 747-8621 or visit www.mymanatee.org/mcat.