MANATEE COUNTY, FL (May 24, 2018) – Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) will begin a new
Summer ConneXion bus pass pilot program this summer. The new bus pass provides unlimited travel on local bus routes for area youth that are 19 years old or younger.
The
Summer ConneXion bus pass costs $25 and allows area youth to ride on all MCAT buses during the months of June, July and August. The bus pass is also valid on Route 99 buses connecting Manatee and Sarasota County.
"This new summer youth bus pass program is designed to improve access to training and summer employment opportunities for area youth during the summer break months," said Manatee County Transit Division Manager William Steele. "The program will benefit local organizations that assist youth in vocational training and job placement programs."
Using the
Token Transit mobile ticketing software application, local agencies or family members can “send a pass” to youth clients, and serve as a transportation sponsor to facilitate work skills training and employment.
The
Summer ConneXion mobile ticket will provide a countdown to expiration, and the mobile device displays a unique picture and color that changes daily and includes the current time. Bus operators are aware of these unique “pictures and colors of the day,” and visually validate mobile tickets when passengers board the bus. In effect, the passenger’s Smartphone is their ticket to ride. There is no added cost when using the
Summer ConneXion mobile ticketing option. Sponsoring agencies can also purchase Summer ConneXion card stock bus passes, which are “swiped” at the farebox, rather than paying cash fare.
Summer ConneXion bus passes provide unlimited bus travel for area youth from June 1 through August 31. The passes are available for purchase starting May 30. Purchase locations include the Downtown Bradenton and DeSoto Transit Stations, via the
Token Transit mobile ticketing Smartphone application, and by mail order. Youth are required to show a valid form of identification when boarding MCAT buses using the
Summer ConneXion bus pass.
For more information on the new
Summer ConneXion bus pass, please contact Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) at (941) 747-8621.
For more information on Manatee County Government, visit online at 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.