MCAT Fare Proposal to Come Before BOCC Tuesday

BRADENTON – Next Tuesday's Manatee County Commission meeting will be the last before the board's summer recess. Among the many issues the BOCC will address will be an MCAT fare change proposal and route modification.

The proposed plans include:

* Realigning Route 16 to connect to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, along with transfer opportunities with Sarasota County Area Transit

* Extending Route 6 along State Road 70 to provide a link between the Gulf beaches and Lakewood Ranch;

* Adding new service to connect Palmetto and Rubonia;

* Fare increases from $1.25 to $1.50; a day pass would increase from $3 to $4; and monthly passes would change from $30 to $40. Weekly passes would drop from $15 to $12. A 25-cent transfer fee would be discontinued. A new half-fare discount for active and retired military personnel is also being proposed.

The meeting will be held in the Manatee County Commission Chambers on the first floor of the County Administration building, which is located at 1112 Manatee Avenue West in downtown Bradenton. It is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.