Big Changes Coming Soon for Escambia County Mass Transit System

There are some big changes in store for ECAT and the Escambia County mass transit system. County officials say the new system will soon be available for all mass transit users in the county.

"It is for everyone who rides or takes advantage of mass transit," says County Administrator Wes Moreno. "We have an app, you can download it...install it... set up your account and you can schedule your rides.... We'll pick you up at whatever address you're at and take whatever address you want to go to."

Moreno says they'll be moving towards this new "micro transit" system -- which uses 9-passenger vans instead of buses. Each ride will cost $2.50.

"I think it's going to totally change how we do mass transit in Escambia County" Moreno told Newsradio 92.3. He says this system could eventually replace the larger route-based bus system, although buses will remain on their routes for now. He says the change is about efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Moreno says the vans are cheaper to run and maintain, and he says it will be easier to find drivers.

Moreno says the county will begin a big push to get the word out about the new system in coming weeks. The app is available on both iPhone and Android devices.

You can listen to the full interview from Pensacola's Morning News about this, and other county issues on the Newsradio 92.3 Podcasts page.