Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/161733
'NOT READY FOR BRT' THE COUNTY COMMISSION AGREES TO WITHDRAW AN APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL SUPPORT FOR A BUS RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM BUT ASKS STAFF TO CONTINUE TO LOOK AT OTHER OPTIONS By Rachel Brown Hackney Editor Once again, it came down to the money. withdraw its application for federal support for a bus rapid transit (BRT) system to serve After about nine months of more intensive the community. staff time and discusThe board was facing sions among the SaraRedevelopment follows transit, a September deadline sota County Commission, the Sarasota City and we're never going to get the North to decide on proceedCommission and the Trail redeveloped if we don't proceed with ing with its 2010 appliManatee County Com- the BRT proposal, albeit as costly as it is. cation for federal supmission, the Sarasoport for a BRT system Joe Barbetta Commissioner ta County board this along the CSX railroad Sarasota County week voted 4-1 to corridor or choosing (Above) The bus rapid transit system in Portland, OR, is considered one of the best in the nation, according to Sarasota County staff. Image courtesy of Sarasota County