UPDATE AS OF 2/28/22

The Bay Runner Trolley is now running! Visit Sarasotabayrunner.com for more information and to download the official App!

One of the greatest things about living in Sarasota is the diversity of neighborhoods and regions our eclectic city provides. From the brightly colored streets of the Rosemary District to the healing quartz sand of Siesta Key, few cities in the country have as many unique pockets of life as Sarasota.

And while our city has never been exceedingly difficult to navigate, new infrastructure and transportation projects promise to make Sarasota even more connected than ever before.

One such transportation project is a new, free trolley service that will connect Downtown Sarasota to the tranquil shores of Lido Key.

Coming August 2021: Free Trolley Service, Downtown Sarasota to Lido Key

The new trolley will be open-air, allowing riders to enjoy Sarasota’s tropical breeze and sunshine. Operation is anticipated to begin this summer, August 2021. Trolleys are expected to run every 20 to 25 minutes, shuttling passengers from the East side of Downtown Sarasota to Lido Beach. Once up and running, the trolley service will be available Thursday through Sunday, from 10am to 10pm.

The Florida Department of Transportation partially funded the project via $1.5 million grant. The remaining funds—estimated to be between $200-500,000—will be subsidized by Sarasota taxpayer dollars.

Legacy Trail Connection

Some residents hope the new trolley system will pick up traffic from the Legacy Trail, helping pedestrians, runners, and cyclists venture safely from inland to the Gulf shores. The Herald Tribune reports, “Crossing U.S. 301 on Main Street could potentially pick up bicyclists from the northern extension of the Legacy Trail. Such a route could also take people working in east downtown toward the water.”

Sarasota Mayor, Hagen Brody, believes access to beaches can be improved, and projects like the new trolley will be a big step in the right direction.

“I think getting people out to the beach is a huge problem for us,” Brody told the Herald Tribune, “and I think this [trolley] could really be a fun and just popular concept.”

Get to Know the Neighborhood

Visit our guide to learn more about Sarasota neighborhoods!