The Manatee County Area Transit is offering a new bus service for workers to get to and from their jobs at the port.
Starting June 14, MCAT is offering a call-ahead service, with stops outside the port’s main gates with several pickup spots in the local area. The services comes after the port continues to break past cargo records and an impressive number of job increase. Since 2015, jobs grew from 641 to 1,504. Not only should the new bus service offer a convenient method for current workers to get to and from the port, but should also help expand the pool of potential new employees for thriving businesses at the port.
The Mobility OnDemand service will deliver passengers to and from the Port Manatee area with transit connections in Palmetto served by MCAT Routes 1, 13, 201 and 203, the county said in a news release.
Manatee County commissioners approved the new Port Manatee ConneXion Shuttle on May 11.
The Port Manatee ConneXion Shuttle transfer points are:
- Palmetto Transfer Station (Routes 1, 13, 201 and 203)
- Palmetto Walmart (Routes 1, 13, and 201)
- Rubonia (Route 201)
The Port Manatee ConneXion Shuttle services are available Monday through Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., with a cash fare of $1.50 for each ride. All valid MCAT and SCAT bus passes will be accepted on the Port Manatee ConneXion Shuttle, and mobile ticketing will be available for convenient fare payment. Port Manatee ConneXion Shuttle services include accommodations for bikes and are accessible for people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
MCAT will require passengers to make a trip reservation to ride the Port Manatee ConneXion Shuttle which they can do by calling (941) 748-2317 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Next-day service reservations must be made before 5 p.m. the day before the trip. However, those passengers who regularly use the Port Manatee ConneXion Shuttle can sign-up for a subscription to avoid daily scheduling.
For questions or more information, visit www.mymanatee.org/MCAT or call MCAT at (941) 747-8621.
