Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/185868
STUDYING JOINT TRANSIT A Sarasota County Area Transit bus moves through traffic. Photo courtesy of Sarasota County THE SARASOTA COUNTY AND MANATEE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WILL REVIVE DISCUSSION OF A POSSIBLE BUS TRANSIT MERGER AND PRIVATIZATION WHEN THEY MEET AGAIN ON OCT. 15 By Roger Drouin County Editor Instead of a SCAT bus, Sarasota residents and vis- The merger is only a possibility at this point, itors could be riding a SMART bus in the future. but it is one the Sarasota County commissioners have been discussing over the past few SMART is just one possible acronym residents might become accustomed to if months. The topic will be on the agenda for Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) and a joint meeting of the Sarasota and Manatee county commissions Manatee County Area on Oct. 15. Transit (MCAT) merge into one organization. We need to take a look at the In seeking efficiencies The acronym stands for Sarasota Manatee comprehensive picture of everything; that and lower operating includes the drivers and safety. There is costs, Sarasota and Regional Transit. Manatee officials are a lot to consider. "It would be a regional considering the postransit agency," said Christine Robinson sible merger of the Commissioner Glama Carter, director two transportation Sarasota County organizations. of SCAT.