However, "If we go ahead and say explore
this, that doesn't mean we are going to do
this," she added, speaking of privatization.
The county has been studying two big poten-
tial changes: privatization as well as merging
SCAT with Manatee County's transit system.
The latter option hit a snag after the Manatee
County commissioners backed away from
discussions earlier this year. Nonetheless, the
ICE will analyze the possibility of a merger.
During previous meetings, Sarasota com-
missioners have discussed leasing the
SCAT buses to a private operator while
retaining ownership of the fleet and oversight
of operations.
On Tuesday, Chairman Charles Hines said
he, too, was "in favor of proceeding with this
evaluation."
After the cost-estimate results are completed,
public meetings can be held to share the infor-
mation with residents, he added.
The study will be conducted in-house, led
by Sarasota County Interim Transportation
Planning Director Jonathan Paul. The vote
approving the review was unanimous.
A graphic shown to the County Commission this week outlines some of the goals for a bus system
study the board approved. Image courtesy Sarasota County
Sarasota News Leader May 2, 2014 Page 40
