Changes to Liberty Pass program start Sept. 1
SARASOTA COUNTY – The Liberty Pass, which provides unlimited monthly rides on Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT), will only be available through participating social service providers, effective Monday, Sept. 1.
Passes will no longer be available directly from SCAT through the mail or to walk-in customers. To receive a Liberty Pass, riders must visit a listed provider, which will verify eligibility. Participating agencies will only issue one pass per patron every 30 days, available five days before expiration.
Riders currently receiving the Liberty Pass will be required to re-qualify for continued service. The price will remain at $8 for 30 days, with unlimited rides on any fixed route (excluding express routes) during that time.
Riders qualify for the Liberty Pass if residency status is homeless, residing in a shelter or total household income is no more than 150 percent of the federal poverty level (example: $17,235 for a single person; $35,325 for a family of four).
The following social service agencies in Sarasota County are Liberty Pass distributors:
* Catholic Charities (Bethesda House), 1670 4th St., Sarasota
* The Center of Hope, 110 Colonia Lane, Nokomis
* Harvest House, 2228 22nd St., Sarasota
* Jewish Family & Children Services, 2688 Fruitville Road, Sarasota
* Laurel Civic Association, 509 Collins Road, Nokomis
* North Port Social Services, 6919 Outreach Way, North Port
* The Salvation Army, 1400 10th St., Sarasota
* Sarasota Housing Authority, 269 S. Osprey Ave, Suite 100, Sarasota
* Trinity Presbyterian Church, 4365 S.R. 776, Venice
Those currently receiving services from the listed agencies should inquire there about receiving a Liberty Pass.
