New Longboat Key Trolley Service Schedule Begins Saturday

MANATEE--Beginning Saturday, March 12 the Longboat Key Trolley service will operate from 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at one hour intervals, Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) has announced.

The service has operated on half-hour intervals until now, thanks to a Florida Department of Transportation grant. But that grant expired and three local governments worked together to find funding for the service last fall.

”Through a series of meetings and negotiations between Manatee, Sarasota and Longboat Key officials, the service will be funded this year,“ said MCAT Manager Ralf Heseler. ”Manatee and Sarasota counties and the Town of Longboat Key are putting up their respective portions of the funding.“

Trolley Stops are roughly two to four blocks apart along the route. The service costs 75 cents, 35 cents for seniors, ages 60 and older. The Longboat Key Trolley will not operate on major holidays including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas day.

For more information about Manatee County Area Transit call (941) 747-8621 or visit online, www.mymanatee.org/mcat . For information about Sarasota County Area Transit, call (941)861-1000 or visit www.scgov.net/SCAT