|
A new proposal to overhaul Sarasota County's public transit system is turning heads, mostly because of the steep price tag.
Officials say the new bus system would be more efficient, but the cost is a tough pill to swallow.
County officials are discussing a new, rapid bus system that would use the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport as one of its hubs. While that may sound like a great way to improve public transportation, the hang up is over the project's $100,000,000 price tag.
The project is raising some eyebrows. The idea is a Bus Rapid Transit System, also known as a BRT, operated by SCAT.
The plan calls for eight specialized buses using paved corridors exclusively for them, on a line connecting the airport to the Southgate area, but the 100 million-dollar price tag is making some wonder whether it's worth it.
According to the plan, the federal government would pay for three quarters of the project, with the state and county splitting the last quarter, leaving Sarasota County to foot a bill of 12.5 million dollars, plus yearly operating costs slated around 1.5 million dollars.
"It could become the link to a very efficient rapid transit system ultimately for the community," says County Commissioner Nora Patterson.
For the full article, visit WWSB-TV.
|