Sarasota City Government officials have announced that the Bay Runner – a public trolley service introduced about a year ago running between the Sarasota keys and downtown – has announced the service has already broken multiple all-time records in terms of ridership in its relatively short existence, foretelling good things for its future.
The Bay Runner is a free daily trolley service that was introduced in March 2022 that city officials are touting as being the “ultimate outdoor Florida experience.” Connecting St. Armands Circle to Lido Beach and downtown Sarasota; the goal of the Bay Runner is to provide an enjoyable experience that reduces travel time, congestion, and makes getting around easier for visitors, residents, and city employees.
Sarasota officials boasted of the new milestone set by the Bay Runner in a February 3 Facebook post, touting the increase in numbers of riders and inviting others to try the exciting experience of riding the trolley.
“RECORD BREAKING The Bay Runner continues to grow in popularity. An impressive 16,006 people rode the trolley in January 2023!” the Facebook post said. “That’s 1,715 more passengers than the previous high set in April 2022 — one month after the trolley launched. Congratulations to all who are riding the Bay Runner and opting to live more, drive less — and doing their part to help reduce traffic congestion.”
“The Bay Runner offers complimentary service from 8 a.m. to midnight every day of the year with a fixed out-and-back route from downtown Sarasota around St. Armands Circle to Lido Beach,” the post continued. “Check out the route map and download the Bay Runner app: https://sarasotabayrunner.com/trolley-route.”
The Bay Runner has 12 stops situated about two to three blocks apart between the corner of Main Street and School Avenue and Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach. The open-air trolley operates daily from 8 a.m. to midnight – including holidays – can accommodate up to 28 passengers and is equipped with a wheelchair boarding lift.
Florida Gulf Residential specializes in the areas of Sarasota, Siesta Key, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Venice, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Anna Maria Island and other Gulf Coast communities. Feel free to give us a call at (941) 304-1975 so we can answer any questions you may have.
Christopher Boyle is an investigative journalist for SEARCHEN NETWORKS® and reports for independent news and media organizations in the United States. Christopher helps keep a keen-eye on what’s happening on the West Coast of Florida on behalf of FLORIDA GULF RESIDENTIAL – Your Real Estate Expert for Sarasota and Surrounding Areas.
