Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/268408
"If we decide it isn't working, we don't have to go out and buy all new equipment and start from scratch," Patterson pointed out. "There are pros and cons to every system," Glama Carter, the SCAT director, told the board, referring to options for determining how many aspects of the transit system would be operated by a contractor. RELOCATION CONSIDERED In a unanimous vote Friday, the commis- sioners also decided to take a closer look at moving the downtown transfer station, located at Lemon Avenue and First Street. Staff will work on a plan showing how buses would maneuver in a new site across from the Health Department and how much it would cost to reorganize the routes to accommo- date the change of place. Some downtown advocates say the station is not the best use of the prime property across from the Whole Foods market and City Hall. Space is also limited at that station; the facil- ity cannot accommodate the county's longer Express buses. "It does work, but it is a very tight site," Carter told the commissioners. A person sleeps at the county's downtown Sarasota bus transfer station. The propensity of homeless people to gather at the station is another reason city residents and business people would like to see the facility relocated. Photo by Stan Zimmerman Sarasota News Leader February 28, 2014 Page 19