Regional Transit Feasibility Study
The Sarasota/Manatee MPO is leading a Regional Transit Feasibility Study that aims to better understand the unmet needs of existing transit services, evaluate transit options, and collaboratively create a plan that addresses the transit needs of the region. A vital study that informs the Long Range Transportation Plan, it will ensure the region's transit infrastructure evolves alongside shifting travel patterns, economic growth, and community needs.
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Study Overview & Timeline
This study builds on the insights from previous studies, such as LECOM Field/Village of the Arts Mobility Study and the SUN Trail Alignment Study, while focusing specifically on evaluating regional transit needs, identifying service gaps, and informing future transit investments.
The study is generally broken into the following phases:
- Analysis of Existing Transit Conditions & Network | January 2026 - April 2026
- This phase consists of data collection and review of existing transit infrastructure and services offered in the region to include fixed route, on-demand, paratransit, special shuttles, and other services. It will also identify challenges and barriers to transit use and success, while reviewing existing transit plans and studies to inform the analysis.
- This phase consists of data collection and review of existing transit infrastructure and services offered in the region to include fixed route, on-demand, paratransit, special shuttles, and other services. It will also identify challenges and barriers to transit use and success, while reviewing existing transit plans and studies to inform the analysis.
- Define Regional Transit Needs | February 2026 - June 2026
- This phase focuses on researching national best practices and case studies to identify effective strategies for addressing transit needs. It also includes coordination with local jurisdictions to gather insights from existing and ongoing studies. Using these inputs, the phase defines regional transit needs, identifies historic gaps and constraints, and establishes the regional transit boundary and areas of demand for improved connectivity.
- This phase focuses on researching national best practices and case studies to identify effective strategies for addressing transit needs. It also includes coordination with local jurisdictions to gather insights from existing and ongoing studies. Using these inputs, the phase defines regional transit needs, identifies historic gaps and constraints, and establishes the regional transit boundary and areas of demand for improved connectivity.
- Regional Transit Scenario Planning | March 2026 - July 2026
- This phase leverages the 2050 socioeconomic (SE) data projections and Transit Development Plans to desktop model and assess projected transit needs, ridership, and congestion hotspots. This analysis incorporates key input data such as population and employment forecasts, land use, and transit propensity factors, along with scenario assumptions. It also develops and evaluates multiple future scenarios to understand potential impacts on regional transit demand and system performance.
- This phase leverages the 2050 socioeconomic (SE) data projections and Transit Development Plans to desktop model and assess projected transit needs, ridership, and congestion hotspots. This analysis incorporates key input data such as population and employment forecasts, land use, and transit propensity factors, along with scenario assumptions. It also develops and evaluates multiple future scenarios to understand potential impacts on regional transit demand and system performance.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Public Outreach | January 2026 - December 2026
- This phase establishes an engagement plan for public, community organizations, transit stakeholders, land-use/transit planners, and large business to provide feedback and inform the study.
- Multimodal Connectivity to Transfer Stations, Mobility Hubs, and other Transit Services | May 2026 - September 2026
- This phase evaluates land use development patterns, opportunities for transit-supportive development, and coordination between land use and transportation planning. There is also an analysis of connectivity to existing and future transit hubs with a focus on first/last mile connectivity.
- Best Practices for Regional Transit | June 2026 - October 2026
- This phase creates a toolkit of best practices for regional transit based on a review of existing literature and case studies that are relevant to long-term transit goals in the region.
- Recommendations, Implementation Plan & Monitoring Strategies, Cost Estimates | June 2026 - October 2026
- This phase will compile findings, analyses, and stakeholder feedback into comprehensive recommendations to guide the MPO as well as local, state, and transit partners on practical next steps by outlining near-term, mid-term, and long-term actions and strategies to support regional transit.
- Final Report and Executive Summary | October 2026 - December 2026
- This phase will compile all previously outlined tasks into a final report and executive summary.