MANATEE COUNTY, FL (May 17, 2021) – Summer conneXion, a popular MCAT promotion that gives local teens an inexpensive, reliable transportation option during the summer, resumes service June 1.
Manatee County Commissioners first approved the Summer ConneXion bus pass program in 2018, providing passengers ages 19 and younger with unlimited travel on local bus routes for $25. This June, July and August the bus pass is good on Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) buses and Route 99 connecting Manatee and Sarasota counties.
The summer youth bus pass program helps improve access to training and summer jobs for area youth, during the summer break months. The Summer ConneXion bus pass program also benefits local organizations that assist youth in vocational training and job placement programs. Using the free 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.
Using the mobile ticketing option on a smartphone, the Summer ConneXion mobile ticket displays the specific fare purchased (i.e., Summer ConneXion) including the current time and expiration date. Bus operators are aware of mobile ticketing screen shot characteristics and validate mobile tickets when passengers board the bus. The passenger’s smartphone becomes their ticket to ride. Sponsoring agencies can also purchase Summer ConneXion card stock bus passes, which are swiped at the fare box, rather than paying cash fare.
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 ID when boarding MCAT buses using the Summer ConneXion bus pass.