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Transit Coordination

Transit services in the MPO planning area are provided by Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) and Sarasota County Breeze Transit (Breeze). The County Commissions, as the designated transportation authorities, appoint representatives to the MPO Governing Board. MCAT and Breeze participate in the MPO planning process through the MPO's Advisory Committees and involvement in MPO planning studies, such as the Active Transportation Plan and the Regional Transit Feasibility Study. This coordination supports ongoing regional transit planning efforts.

Explore MCAT and Breeze Transit

Select the logos below to visit MCAT and Breeze Transit websites.

  • Transit Development Plans:

    Florida Statute 14-73.001. Public Transportation mandates that the MPO and transit agencies coordinate on the development of their Transit Development Plans (TDPs). TDPs are required for public transit providers to receive state grant funds and serve as a 10-year planning, development, and operational guidance document. 

  • Transportation Improvement Plan:

    The MPO and transit agencies coordinate annually on the Transportation Improvement Program, integrating both transit safety and asset (TAM) performance targets, as well as the use of FTA funds for transit projects. 

  • Community Transportation Disadvantaged:

    The MPO serves as the Designated Official Planning Agency to both the Manatee and Sarasota Local Coordinating Boards (LCBs). The purpose of the LCBs is to identify local service needs and to provide information, advice, and direction to their respective Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC). 

MPO Transit Studies

Regional Transit Feasibility Study

To support existing and future transit service in the region, the MPO will complete a feasibility analysis of regional transit opportunities, including the development and expansion of bus rapid transit and water taxi services.

Study Page
US 41 Transit Signal Priority ConOps

October 2023. The US 41 Transit Choices Study identified Transit Signal Priority (TSP) technology as a short-term, low-cost improvement. The MPO developed a Concept of Operations for a pilot study, and FDOT is currently implementing it. The results will get us one step closer to implementing TSP along the Route 99 corridor!

Download the Report
US 41 Transit Choices Study

November 2021. The purpose of the US 41 Transit Choices Study was to identify technology and capital projects that will improve the speed, efficiency, and reliability of fixed-route public transportation services operating within the US 41 corridor between Downtown Sarasota and Downtown Bradenton. 

Visit the Study Page

FDOT Transit Planning

FDOT Public Transit Website
State Transit Strategy

April 2023. The State Transit Strategy presents a forward‑looking vision to modernize public transportation across Florida by strengthening core services, supporting high‑capacity premium transit, fostering regional collaboration, leveraging new technologies, and broadening funding flexibility.

Download the Report
District 1 Bus Rapid Transit Feasibility Study

February 2025. The study evaluated twelve potential BRT corridors in FDOT District 1, including three in Sarasota-Manatee. None were recommended for further study; however, US 41 shows future potential dependent on land-use and redevelopment, while Fruitville Rd and Manatee Ave remain limited by right-of-way and low density.

Download the Report

Shared Mobility Solutions

Commute Connector is an FDOT Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program serving District One with services available to residents or employees of Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Manatee, Okeechobee, Polk, and Sarasota counties.

Visit Commute Connector's Website