LeeTran continues to serve Pine Island
Due largely to the efforts of the Pine Island Lions Club, LeeTran continues to provided bus service to island residents. For more than 15 years, each Thursday, those seeking a ride into “town” have availed themselves to this low-cost service. Servicing Pine Island and Matlacha, the Pine Island/Cape Coral bus 160 will provide riders a lift to the Publix on Santa Barbara Boulevard, Cape Coral Hospital and Coralwood Mall on Del Prado Boulevard for a minimal fee. Passes to ride bus 160 are available in a variety of options and are as follows:
– All day pass – $3
– Adult monthly pass – $30
– Student monthly pass – $25
– Senior/Disabled monthly pass – $18
– Adult 12 trip – $10
– Student 12 trip – $7.50
– Senior 12 trip – $5
– Pre-school children under 42 inches ride free of charge
From the Santa Barbara Publix, Cape Coral Hospital or Coralwood Mall, with a valid bus pass of any kind, riders can transfer to buses that will take them to other destinations in Lee County as well as bus passes are not limited to just bus 160. For those just wanting a ride to the Santa Barbara Publix, Cape Coral Hospital or Coralwood Mall the cost of a one trip ticket is only $2. Bus 160 arrives on Pine Island each Thursday at 8 a.m. to pick up passengers and returns at approximately 4 p.m. The bus will even pick up and return passengers at their front door. When riding LeeTran buses, passengers are asked to be at the designated stop at least five minutes before the scheduled pick-up time and have the exact fare ready as drivers do not carry change. Also, cellphone conversations should not disturb other passengers and speakerphones are strictly prohibited. Out of courtesy for other passengers, smoking, drinking, eating, gambling, littering and music without headphones will not be allowed on any LeeTran bus. When riding with LeeTran, shirts and shoes also are required and all passengers are asked to remain seated at all times when the bus is moving. Exits and aisles also must be kept clear from obstruction and riders are asked to inform the driver of departures one block before the passenger’s desired destination is reached. Buses are also wheelchair accessible and those riding bicycles also can be accommodated when riding the bus.
Service of bus 160 is continued year-round with the exceptions of New Year’s Day, Labor Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving Day, July 4 and Christmas Day.
“This service is much needed it’s just too bad that more don’t know about it. Many people, including myself, don’t like to drive into town and it is a great way to get off the island without any stress,” said Vi Barret, president of the Lions Club. “Not only is it inexpensive and can save people a fortune on gas for their cars, it is also a great way to share some companionship along the way.”
To secure a ride on Bus 160 riders are asked to place their reservation by phone at least 24 hours in advance of the next trip out to Pine Island. To make a reservation, call LeeTran at 533- Lee-Tran (8726) and for more information about bus route 160 or other services provided by LeeTran, visit rideleetran.com.