Manatee County Area Transit
 | |
| Slogan | Cat On The Go |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | 1108 26th Avenue East |
| Locale | Bradenton, Florida |
| Service area | Manatee County |
| Service type | bus service, paratransit, tourist trolley |
| Routes | 10 |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Website | MCAT |
Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) provides public transportation for Manatee County, Florida and is operated by the county. MCAT maintains 13 fixed-line bus routes plus a dial-a-ride paratransit service (HandyBus). Bus service is offered throughout Manatee County from 5:30 am until 7:00 pm, 6 days a week. There is no service on most major holidays, with the exception of the Longboat Trolley (which does not run on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day).
Mission
MCAT is the major public transportation provider in Manatee County. MCAT will continue to improve the quality of life for county residents and visitors by providing a reliable, cost-efficient mobility solution.
Fares
Fixed Route
| Local Fixed Route | $ |
|---|---|
| Bus Fare | 1.50 |
| Seniors (60 - 79 years of age) | .75 |
| Seniors (80 years and older) | Free |
| Disabled (must present Mobility Card) | .75 |
| Medicare Card Holders | .75 |
| Active Duty and all Military Veterans | .75 |
| Children (5 years old and younger) | Free |
Unlimited Ride Passes
| Pass Types | $ |
|---|---|
| M Card 1 Day Regular | 4.00 |
| M Card 1 Day Discount (see Fare Eligibility below) | 2.00 |
| M Card 7 Day Regular | 12.00 |
| M Card 7 Day Discount (see Fare Eligibility below) | 6.00 |
| M Card 31 Day Regular | 40.00 |
| M Card 31 Day Discount (see Fare Eligibility below) | 20.00 |
| R Card 30 Day Regular | 60.00 |
| R Card 30 Day Discount (see Fare Eligibility below) | 30.00 |
Trolley
| Local Trolley | $ |
|---|---|
| Anna Maria Island Trolley | Free |
| Longboat Key Trolley | 1.25 |
| Beach Express — Sundays and Holidays | Free |
Discount Fare Eligibility
To be eligible for a discount cash fare or M Card, one of the following criteria must apply: 60 years or older; disabled (with Mobility Card); Medicare card holder; or currently enrolled student at an educational facility within 3/4 mile of a MCAT fixed route. At present, 7 and 31 Day Discount M Cards are only available at MCAT Ticket Booth or by mail. Photo I.D. and proof of age/disability/student status must be provided at point of purchase (photocopies by mail are acceptable), as well as presented to driver upon request. Please Note: The 1 Day Discount M Card may only be purchased on the bus, issued from the fare box. You MUST show proof of eligibility to the driver at the time of purchase. Drivers are not authorized to sell discount M Cards without seeing proof of eligibility — no exceptions. Additionally, ANY student who is not currently enrolled in school, including summer break, is not eligible to purchase a Discount M Card. There is no discounted cash fare for currently enrolled students.
Transfers
MCAT will offer MCAT transfers ONLY on Route 99 for those boarding at or north of the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. Transfer fare is subject to the MCAT fare schedule. Transfers are available for 25 cents each per transfer.
Handy Bus Paratransit Service
Single ride $2.00
Routes
- Skyway ConneXion
- 1: Palmetto/Ellenton
- 2: East Bradenton
- 3: Manatee Ave.
- 4: Wal-Mart at US 301
- 6: Cortez Road/SR 70/Lakewood Ranch
- 8: Oneco/Bayshore
- 9: 26th Street West
- 13: Palmetto
- 16: 15th Street East/Tallevast/Airport
- 99: Palmetto-Sarasota
- North County ConneXion
Fleet
MCAT's bus fleet includes 30 and 35 foot Gillig Phantom buses, as well as a fleet of 40 foot Gillig Low Floor BRT-style Hybrid drive buses.