Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/190797
TRANSIT TALKS A regular SCAT bus and a bus designed for disabled passengers make a stop at Southgate Mall. Photo by Rachel Hackney THE SARASOTA AND MANATEE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HAVE TO WORK OUT SEVERAL ISSUES REGARDING THE PROPOSED MERGER OF THEIR BUS SYSTEMS — STARTING WITH THE TIME FRAME By Roger Drouin County Editor The Sarasota and Manatee county commis- But the two boards have to reach an agreement sions will meet Oct. 15 to talk about a possible on several issues and wrangle complexities merger of the two county's transit systems before either option moves ahead. into one regional agency. Sarasota county commissioners and staff In addition to a possible combination of want to hire an independent firm to conSarasota County duct a cost analysis Area Transit (SCAT) before continuing the and Manatee County I think it is an opportunity for us merger/privatization Area Transit (MCAT), to work out an agreement on this and air discussions. the two boards will some of this stuff out. Manatee County offidiscuss whether priChristine Robinson cials, however, are vatizing such a new Commissioner Sarasota County proposing a fastentity is a viable option. er-track approach. It