ECAT To Announce Free Rides For Students Under 18, Roll Out Three New Buses

December 11, 2022

Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) will announce a new program this week that will provide free rides for students.

The Student Transit Empowerment Pass (STEP) Program will provide the free ride for those under age 18

STEP pass applications will be available online or in person at ECAT customer service offices beginning Wednesday, December 14. Applications must be completed by a parent or legal guardian and are valid until the end of the school year.

ECAT will also roll out thee new buses this week, the first to be added to the fleet since 2014. Equipped with seated capacity for 23 riders and additional hand straps for riders to safely stand, each bus is Wi-Fi ready, contains automatic passenger counters, and can accommodate two wheelchairs and two bicycles.

Comments

8 Responses to “ECAT To Announce Free Rides For Students Under 18, Roll Out Three New Buses”

  1. Citizen on December 12th, 2022 10:08 am

    This is a great benefit to the community. Many young people who don’t have cars yet will be able to have transportation to their jobs. Great job moving forward for Pensacola.

  2. Mr Bear on December 12th, 2022 10:01 am

    If this system is not self supporting I say it should be or not exist at all. Its not fair to most of us who can not use it. I for one would have to drive to a bus stop, wait, ride. get off and call a uber just to do my daily errands. Then the return trip, same thing.

  3. derek on December 12th, 2022 8:17 am

    Of course! We are paying for it in higher gas taxes! More income redistribution!

  4. Tax Payer on December 11th, 2022 11:10 am

    Question….

    Who is paying for the “free ride”?

  5. JJ on December 11th, 2022 9:02 am

    Can I get on the bus at point ‘A’ And ride all day and use Wi-Fi for one fare?

  6. DW on December 11th, 2022 6:49 am

    GET RID OF ECAT A WASTE OF OUR TAX MONEY

  7. MR REALITY on December 11th, 2022 5:20 am

    More free riders, just what ECAT needs. Even this can’t put behinds in those seats.

  8. Master Mechanic on December 11th, 2022 4:11 am

    Electric ??????