The bus system in Sarasota is great for easy, convenient trips to work, shopping, seeing friends or going to the beach. Sarasota County took over the bus system from a private business in 1979 when there were only seven buses serving the county on 9 routes. The system has now grown to 44 routes covering all of Sarasota County and parts of Manatee County, with over 2,500 stops. In 2007 SCAT introduced the first diesel-electric hybrid bus, the fleet now has 18 hybrid buses and is still growing.
Additional services include transit for those with disabilities as well as veterans. Buses also have bike racks available for passengers with bikes on a first come first served basis.