August 2018 - Neighborhood Connections

less than $8/month, to make the fare affordable for area youth and
their families. Staff then prepared a write-up to add this pass option
to the current fare structure. This new summer bus pass is
branded as the new Summer ConneXion bus pass and provides
unlimited travel on local bus routes for area youth that are 19
years old or younger; and the Manatee County Board of County
Commissioners approved the new Summer ConneXion bus pass
program at their regularly scheduled meeting on May 22, 2018.
Ryan Suarez, the MCAT Planning Manager, and Jim VanPelt met
Mrs. Harvey and about 100 students to further explain the transit
fixed route bus system, and Summer ConneXion bus pass
program. This meeting occurred at the end of May at the
Palmetto High School auditorium as part of the work-study
orientation program. Those students who were interested in the
bus pass program were directed to Ryan Suarez and Jim VanPelt.
Ryan assisted with those interested in the use of mobile ticketing
and Jim issued regular magnetic stripe bus passes; and together a
total of 33 bus pass sales occurred on that day.
As the work -study program kicked-in this summer, Jim continues
to provide travel training and fixed route system navigation
assistance; and after more than a month, only five students are
having any problems with transportation. Jim follows-up as needed
with Brenda Freeman, and provides route and multi-modal
alternatives for students. As staff continues to assist students in
their transportation for the summer work-study program, students
use the summer months to improve their scholastic, employment,
and self-development life-skills.
“The Summer Connexion bus pass program is designed to
improve access to training and summer employment opportunities
for area youth during the summer break months,” said Manatee
County Transit Division Manager William Steele. “The program will
benefit local organizations that assist youth in vocational
training and job placement programs. It is truly a winning
proposition for Manatee County Government, the Manatee County
School District, and youth seeking to improve and develop their
work and scholastic skills.”
Over time, this new partnership between Manatee County
Government and the Manatee County School District will help
support ongoing work-study efforts, and in so doing, the Summer
ConneXion bus pass program can expand, and everyone involved
is invested in a much brighter future.
Commissioner Charles Smith earns Advanced
County Commissioner designation
The Florida Counties Foundation (FCF) recently presented
Manatee County Commissioner Charles Smith with the Advanced
County Commissioner (ACC) designation following completion of a
comprehensive study program developed by the Foundation.
Commissioner Smith was one of 10 county commissioners to
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