ECAT Offers Free Summer Rides For Youth

June 2, 2016


Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) is now offering a free Summer Wheels Pass to area youth 18 years and under. The annual initiative, which started in 2013, historically cost $25 and was offered to students 17 and under. The decision to update the pass was sparked by the Escambia County Commission in order to give the riders increased accessibility to the system.

The Summer Wheels Pass is valid from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and pass holders can enjoy unlimited rides to any destination ECAT offers. This expanded eligibility will provide area youth with access to transportation and increased independence during the summer months. The ECAT team has worked closely with local community centers and summer camps to ensure that the pass is readily available to attendees of the programs.

The updated pass also opens the door for a new generation of ECAT riders who will find cutting-edge technological advancements while traveling to their summer destinations. Recent tech upgrades such as onboard Wi-Fi and a real-time bus locator app allow riders to streamline their commute and to stay connected while on-the-go.

The pass enhancements launch in conjunction with ECAT’s Seasonal Beach Trolley, which offers free service to the public from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Provided by The Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA), the free trolley services allow riders to travel to 35 stops along the beach.

Summer Wheels Passes are available at ECAT’s main office, located at 1515 West Fairfield Drive. Applicants must present photo ID

Comments

7 Responses to “ECAT Offers Free Summer Rides For Youth”

  1. Dick on June 4th, 2016 6:13 pm

    Grover Robinson as well as all other county commissioners never ride the bus so why should they care what the citizens of this county thinks about having to subsidize this useless albatross bus system that has never paid its own way and never will

  2. Freeda on June 3rd, 2016 5:05 pm

    This would be great if a bus even came and picked up in BEULAH…

  3. fisherman on June 3rd, 2016 6:59 am

    When ever you buy gas in Escambia County you are paying for ECAT. County Commissioners voted for this tax for the purpose of funding ECAT. Now they let ECAT put Wi Fi on buses to help ridership and this is a waste of money. Buy 13 passenger vans and get rid of the buses.

  4. DDD on June 2nd, 2016 9:08 pm

    My response from the only County Commissioner that would respond when this was publicized on the ECAT website:

    Grover C. Robinson

    May 31 at 10:11 PM

    Thank you for your email but we are looking at the connection between idle youth and crime. The cost of incarceration is so high that if we find a way to keep only a couple of youth involved in our programs and away from crime, we will easily pay for the program.

    We have to start thinking about the cost of incarceration, around $38 million per year. This is another way to find a way to reduce cost of taking care of that idle youth later. Thanks again.

    Grover

  5. fisherman on June 2nd, 2016 7:33 am

    Who is going to stop a 8 year old from getting on the bus alone going anywhere the bus goes. This is a disaster in the making. Wait until a child is harmed or goes missing and see parents suing .Why not let those working needing a ride get it free.

  6. dishearted on June 2nd, 2016 7:30 am

    next thing you know the ECAT will need more money from the tax payer to keep operating. and our county leaders will stick it to the people again..

  7. Steve on June 2nd, 2016 7:02 am

    A feigned attempt to increase rider numbers to make tax payers feel better about paying for a not-needed public transportation system.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News