A new park-and-ride shuttle service is coming to Bradenton Beach to reduce heavy traffic and parking issues in the area's business district.
Ride AMI will provide visitors with rides from designated parking spots on the island to businesses along Bridge Street and back.
"Part of the hope is that it helps alleviate some of the congestion and some of the parking restraints," said Walter Loos, owner of Adventure Away of Bradenton and the Gulf Islands, which is launching Ride AMI. "Our local destinations will be at our local restaurants, here on the street and off along the business district along with parking areas."
Visitors aren't the only ones who currently have trouble getting around and parking in Bradenton Beach. Local business owners and employees struggle with the issue, as well.
"The first thing I hear from customers from out of town is, 'Where do we park?' " said John Horne, owner of the nearby Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier, who supports Loos' planned service. "It's going to be fabulous and everyone is keen to get behind it."
AMI Ride will begin service on Monday, February 15. It will run seven days a week, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will cost riders $2.
For more information about Adventure Away of Bradenton and the Gulf Islands and Ride AMI, visit www.adventureaway.com or call 1-844-522-6654.