Sarasota’s Free Bay Runner Trolley Reaches 250,000 Passengers

SARASOTA, FL — Sarasota’s free, award-winning Bay Runner trolley has reached another milestone: carrying 250,000 passengers since its launch in March 2022, the city said in a news release.

“Transporting a quarter of a million passengers in just 18 months is impressive,” Parking General Manager Broxton Harvey said. “Sarasota residents and visitors want convenient, affordable transportation options for the first or last mile of their trip. With the Bay Runner, riders are leaving the car behind and getting to their destination in a safe, fun way, while doing their part to help reduce traffic.”

Fran Seminerio, a Lido Key resident, was celebrated at the John Ringling Boulevard/St. Armands Circle trolley stop as the 250,000th rider and presented with a city of Sarasota backpack filled with goodies for a Bay Runner passenger on the move, including reusable water bottles and an umbrella.

Seminerio told the city that she enjoys the convenience of the Bay Runner and rides it weekly.
The Bay Runner provides free service on a fixed route along Main Street through downtown, over the John Ringling Causeway Bridge, around St. Armands Circle, to Lido Beach and Ted Sperling Park.

The trolley was identified through citizen input during the creation of the city’s first master transportation plan, Sarasota in Motion, which was adopted by city commissioners in 2020.

The plan also identified micro-mobility options that work in conjunction with the trolley for first-mile and last-mile trips, including the Veo e-scooter/bicycle rental program, the city said.

The International Parking & Mobility Institute recognized the combined use of the Bay Runner and micro-mobility options with an Award of Excellence for innovation in 2022.

The Bay Runner operates Sunday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.