Vacationing..or living...in Sarasota is getting easier for those who flew in or drove in one vehicle with multiple passengers thanks to three new public transportation options: On Demand, a Book It and Ride Service; Bay Runner, an open air trolley transversing Lido to Main Street on half hour circuits, and Scooters, here, there and most everywhere in many population dense zones.
Have you seen those white vans? On Demand will pick you up at the designated time and take you where you want to go within the OnDemand zones. Currently there are four operational zones: Lido-Longboat (Sarasota county) -Downtown, Siesta Key, Venice-Englewood and North Port. To experience this quasi limo service: call 941-300-1553 or download the app by searcing OnDemand by Sarasota County on your favorite App Store. When setting up your profile, tap the accessibility icon to request a wheelchair accessible vehicle. Up to 6 passengers may be booked at one time for one ride. The fee is $2 for each rider, paid via the pre-registered credit or debit card. Drivers do not accept tips.
The service operates Monday -Saturday from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. Payment is by credit or debit card only.
Wheelchair accessibility is available by prior arrangement. Once you have an account, open the app, enter pick up and drop off addresses and book the ride. check the app for the exact pick up location...you may have to walk to the corner, but that speeds overall service.
Not app comfortable? Call 941-300-1553 and a human will book your ride. Note hours for this app avoiding service are more limited and require more advance booking lead time.
All vehicles are branded with OnDemand by Sarasota logos and are easy to spot.
Staying in a hotel zone? The Bay Runner may be a great option for you! A free trolley, the open air vehicles connect Lido Key and dowtown on a half-hour or one hour circuit. Operating from Ken Sperling park on Lido ( a parking option!) through St Armands, Along Ringling to Downtown and Main Street to the turn around at Kane Plaza.
The Bay Runner Operates 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to Midnight. Catch the next ride by checking the app sarasotabayrunner.com. The ride is free and you can hop on and off as frequently as you would like.
Are you a little more agile? A little more adventurous? Try Rent A Scooter: available 24/7 and you set the route and time. You will find many "parking lots" with VEO scooters throughout the area. Just download the VEO app and get ready to ride!
Welcome to Sarasota!
