Free Bus Service Between Bradenton and Sarasota Launches July 1
Beginning July 1, passengers traveling between downtown Bradenton and downtown Sarasota via Route 99 will ride for free, thanks to a full-service operations grant from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
The fare-free initiative applies to Route 99, a regional bus line jointly operated by Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) and Sarasota County’s Breeze system. The route travels along U.S. 41, connecting key points such as the Bradenton Downtown Station, State College of Florida, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, New College of Florida, and downtown Sarasota.
The route runs Monday through Saturday from approximately 5:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., providing consistent service for commuters, students, and airport travelers. With funding in place, riders on this high-demand corridor will no longer need to pay fares or use transit cards.
FDOT’s grant covers 100% of operating expenses for the service, part of a regional effort to reduce traffic congestion, improve access to public transportation, and increase ridership across the Sarasota-Manatee region. County transit officials say the fare-free model could also serve as a test case for future expansions and service enhancements.
Route 99 is one of the most utilized public transportation options in the region. Officials expect the fare-free change to attract more passengers and improve overall transportation equity across both counties.
Riders are encouraged to visit their county transit websites for updated route maps and schedules.