MCAT launches new on-demand route to Port Manatee on June 14

MCAT launches new on-demand route to Port Manatee on June 14
Posted on 05/27/2021

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (May 27, 2021) – Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) next week will host an open house-style information meeting at the Palmetto City Hall to explain and promote its new Mobility OnDemand service beginning June 14 that will deliver passengers to and from the Port Manatee area with convenient transit connections in Palmetto, served by MCAT Routes 1, 13, 201, and 203.

Manatee County Commissioners approved the new Port Manatee ConneXion Shuttle on May 11. Those who go to the open house discussion will have a chance to interact with the MCAT team to learn more about the new Port Manatee/Mobility OnDemand service. There will be graphics and brochures there for members of the public to take home.

What: Port Manatee ConneXion Shuttle service open house

When: Wed., June 2 from 3 - 5 p.m.

Where: Palmetto City Hall, 516 8th Ave. West, Palmetto.

The Port Manatee ConneXion Shuttle transfer points are:

  • Palmetto Transfer Station (Routes 1, 13, 201, and 203)
  • Palmetto Walmart (Routes 1, 13, and 201)
  • Rubonia (Route 201)

The Port Manatee ConneXion Shuttle services are available Monday through Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., with a cash fare of $1.50 for each ride. All valid MCAT and SCAT bus passes will be accepted on the Port Manatee ConneXion Shuttle, and mobile ticketing will be available for convenient fare payment. Port Manatee ConneXion Shuttle services include accommodations for bikes and are accessible for people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

MCAT will require passengers to make a trip reservation to ride the Port Manatee ConneXion Shuttle which they can do by calling (941) 748-2317 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Next-day service reservations must be made before 5 p.m. the day before the trip. However, those passengers who regularly use the Port Manatee ConneXion Shuttle can sign-up for a subscription to avoid daily scheduling.

As a pilot program, the Port Manatee ConneXion Shuttle service is flexible, and stop locations will be determined over time based on passenger demand. Additionally, the Port Manatee ConneXion Shuttle services are shared ride, so passenger reservations are grouped for efficiency.

The Port Manatee ConneXion Shuttle is a critical service initiative that demonstrates the commitment of the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners, County Administration, and MCAT staff to develop transit solutions that address specific land use characteristics and travel needs in the community.

For questions or more information, visit www.mymanatee.org/MCAT or call MCAT at (941) 747-8621.