MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Manatee County Area Transit made several changes to bus services as part of an effort to encourage more commuters to use the buses as their form of transportation. 

What You Need To Know

  •  MCAT has several bus route changes that began this month

  •  The busiest route is 99 between downtown Sarasota and Bradenton 

  •  The changes are part of an effort to enhance transportation; buses with the 99 route will arrive at each stop every 20 minutes all day

The biggest change is for the busiest mainland route used by residents — Route 99, between downtown Sarasota and Brandenton.

The improvement is funded by the Florida Department of Transportation.

One Bradenton resident took notice of the changes and is thankful for how quickly the buses get to the stops.

If you drive past the Bradenton Bus Terminal, you can find Eugene, who wanted to be identified only by his middle name, in his regular spot he takes the 99 bus route up to five times a day.

It’s his only option for transportation and recently became homeless, he says he is grateful for the free fare.

“I love it the people are great,” he said.

According to Manatee County, the 99 bus is the busiest route. In an effort to enhance transportation, buses on the 99 route will arrive at each stop every 20 minutes all day.

Eugene says it’s a great addition not just for him but also families.

“People have appointments, and if the bus ain’t there they can’t get there," he said. "I haven’t figured that part out yet, but i need to see my doctors. I can’t get my medications without it."

For Eugene, this new change will help him get to his destinations quicker for him its picking up food at the grocery store.

“We are all set good for tonight and maybe in the morning,” he said.

Eugene said he is grateful for the quicker stops because he says sometimes it can be a long wait.

For a list of bus routes, visit the MCAT website.