Sarasota County commemorates the two millionth passenger milestone on its Siesta Key trolley. To mark the special occasion, the trolley is being rebranded as the Route 77 Siesta Islander. This rebrand includes a new name, updated appearance and improved app features.
Sarasota County’s free trolley service launched on Siesta Key in 2017 under the name “Siesta Key Breeze.” Since then, the county's open-air trolleys have provided rides to residents and visitors traveling between Siesta Key Village, Siesta Beach and Turtle Beach.
In summer of 2022, Sarasota County commissioners approved transitioning the county’s entire transit system to the “Breeze” brand, and the Transit Department rolled out the Breeze Rider app for standard bus routes.
The Transit Department has been installing technology on the trolleys that allows them to work with the Breeze Rider app. Passengers are now able to use the app to view the 77 Siesta Islander's arrival times and track the trolleys.
The trolleys' new design with Breeze branding will complement Breeze buses, Breeze OnDemand minivans and future Breeze Plus paratransit vehicles.
Transit team members estimate the two millionth passenger stepped aboard the trolley during the first week of May.
“We’re delighted to introduce the refreshed 77 Siesta Islander trolleys in coordination with the two millionth rider milestone,” said Transit Director Jane Grogg. “We know how important mobile app technology is to public transit users, and we want to present our services in a way that visually resonates with Sarasota County’s coastal community.”
Traveling on the 77 Siesta Islander continues to be free for all passengers, operating daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
For more information on the 77 Siesta Islander, visit scgov.net/breeze/touring or call 311.