Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/190797
Sarasota News Leader October 11, 2013 Page 62 skips over the independent cost analysis and calls for an evaluation committee to select bids from prospective operators interested in running the combined Sarasota-Manatee bus system, according to a Sept. 27 memo from Manatee County Commission Chairman Larry Bustle. Sarasota commissioners voiced some concern this week that Manatee County's approach was a matter of rushing into the transit changes and grouping together the option for a merger and privatization. "I always [thought] ongoing discussions on a possible merger were one thing. The other thing is potential privatization," Commissioner Signs mark a Sarasota County Area Transit stop on Joe Barbetta said during the Oct. 9 County Gulfstream Avenue. Photo by Norman Schimmel Commission meeting. "I thought it was two to the Sarasota County Commission, then 60 different tracks. It appears Manatee wants to more days to gather public input. The county lump it all together." would then seek bids from prospective venBarbetta has a "more deliberative" approach dors interested in operating the bus systems. in mind than Manatee County's plan, noted Barbetta has cited potential benefits to a County Administrator Randall Reid. merged transit system, ranging from possible During that Oct. 9 meeting, SCAT Director Glama Carter said Sarasota officials believe the independent cost analysis is required by the Federal Transit Administration before a transit authority can go through any major changes, such as merging with another organization. "We are adhering to federal requirements," Carter pointed out. decreases in passenger waits for buses to a joint effort to maintain equipment. However, on Oct. 9, he pointed to concerns about how fast Manatee County wanted to move the process along. In an interview last week with The Sarasota News Leader, Commissioner Nora Patterson said a merger would lead to a stronger transThe analysis will give local officials an "idea portation link between the two counties. "There are thousands who live in Sarasota of what other transits have done," Carter said. and work in Manatee, or live in Manatee and It could take nearly six months before the work in Sarasota," Patterson pointed out. County Commission determines whether it But Patterson said privatization remained "an wants to move forward with a merger and/or open question." privatization. That time frame includes 30 to 60 days for a consultant to complete the anal- She repeated that seniment at Wednesday's ysis, another 30 days to present the results meeting: "I think the privatization is less of