Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/341318
Siesta Seen SKVA members had several concerns, how- ever, including the lack of promotion about the new service at this point. Secretary Helene Hyland told Keiderling, "We barely know about it, to be honest with you," adding, "We've seen people evaluate and make judg- ments too quickly sometimes on routes that should have been given more time." Past SKVA President Russell Matthes also pointed out that because summer is not nearly as busy a tourist time for the key, county staff needs to understand that the use of the route "is initially going to be pretty soft." Hyland suggested Keiderling arrange to have one of the island buses on display in Siesta Village one day with a SCAT representative selling passes. Perhaps the county could offer free passes that day, too, Hyland added. "I think more will have to be done to educate the residents." "It's off-season," Lourdes Ramirez said, "so you may have people trying it out." Keiderling replied that she would try to arrange a display of a bus in Siesta Village one day toward the end of July. "That would be great." Kendra Keiderling, marketing and public outreach coordinator for Sarasota County Area Transit, explains features of the system's new 'island buses' to members of the Siesta Key Village Association. Photo by Rachel Hackney Sarasota News Leader July 4, 2014 Page 82