ECAT plans to end bus service to beach
BY LISA NEWELL Gulf Breeze News lisa@gulfbreezenews.com

Public transportation may be eliminated from Pensacola to Pensacola Beach, based on a new proposal by ECAT, Escambia County's transit authority.

Sandy Johnston, Executive Director of the Pensacola Beach Chamber, said she worked with Workforce Escambia to establish the route years ago.

"We desperately needed workers out here at the hotels and condos, and the workforce needed jobs," Johnston said. Workforce got a grant and the route was successful, Johnston said, with most of the workers being housekeepers and day workers. The route has three daytime stops and has never accommodated night shift workers.

However, ridership has been dwindling, and Nancy Lohr, director of marketing and customer service for ECAT, said only 533 riders were recorded on the route in May, compared with 14,000 on one of the more popular routes in the same time period.

Barbara Mayall, a bus rider and advocate, said the cuts will affect low income people and the disabled.

"The biggest problem is not having the needs of the public met," Mayall said. She said a route from the airport to the beach would increase tourism and alleviate traffic and parking problems, if it were properly promoted.

A public hearing will be held regarding the proposed route changes on Thursday, Aug. 16 at 5:33 p.m. in the Escambia County Commissioner's Board Room.

Mayall said beach business owners should pack the meeting.

Additionally, comments can be made to Richard Deibler, ECAT project manager, by calling 595-3228, ext. 223.