Commissioners debate route cuts, staffing and on-demand options as Manatee transit faces operator shortage

Manatee County transit staff told commissioners the system faces a persistent operator shortage and presented a service-optimization plan that would shrink or eliminate several lower‑productivity routes and reduce frequency on others. Commissioners asked staff to return with detailed cost-per-route figures, recruitment and retention proposals, and alternative service models that focus on high‑ridership corridors and on-demand last‑mile options.