Siesta Key trolley serves 2 millionth rider

Sarasota County’s Siesta Key trolley has now served 2 million passengers, hitting the milestone the first week of May.

To mark the milestone, the trolley is being rebranded as the Route 77 Siesta Islander. In addition to the new name, the trolley will receive cosmetic updates and improved app features, according to a media release.

The trolley service launched in 2017 as the Siesta Key Breeze. The county's open-air trolleys have provided rides to residents and visitors traveling between Siesta Key Village, Siesta Beach and Turtle Beach.

Sarasota County commissioners in 2022 approved moving the county’s entire transit system under the “Breeze” brand. The Transit Department rolled out the Breeze Rider app for standard bus routes.  

This technology is now available on the 77 Siesta Islander. Passengers can use the Breeze Rider app to view the 77 Siesta Islander's arrival times and track the trolleys. 

“We’re delighted to introduce the refreshed 77 Siesta Islander trolleys in coordination with the two millionth rider milestone,” said Transit Director Jane Grogg in the release. “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.”

Travel 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.