Sarasota News Leader

05/02/2014

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However, "If we go ahead and say explore this, that doesn't mean we are going to do this," she added, speaking of privatization. The county has been studying two big poten- tial changes: privatization as well as merging SCAT with Manatee County's transit system. The latter option hit a snag after the Manatee County commissioners backed away from discussions earlier this year. Nonetheless, the ICE will analyze the possibility of a merger. During previous meetings, Sarasota com- missioners have discussed leasing the SCAT buses to a private operator while retaining ownership of the fleet and oversight of operations. On Tuesday, Chairman Charles Hines said he, too, was "in favor of proceeding with this evaluation." After the cost-estimate results are completed, public meetings can be held to share the infor- mation with residents, he added. The study will be conducted in-house, led by Sarasota County Interim Transportation Planning Director Jonathan Paul. The vote approving the review was unanimous. A graphic shown to the County Commission this week outlines some of the goals for a bus system study the board approved. Image courtesy Sarasota County Sarasota News Leader May 2, 2014 Page 40

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