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Public transit employees participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the name change.<\/p>\n
PHOTO BY NICOLE DROEGER<\/p>\n
PORT CHARLOTTE \u2014 Charlotte Rides, formerly known as Charlotte County Transit, celebrated its new name and vehicle design with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.<\/p>\n
Rides is a free transportation option for county residents that operates from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. A transit vehicle will pick up residents at their reserved location.<\/p>\n
Heidi Brown, transit operations manager, said the name change will not affect operations.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was to bring more awareness of public transit to the community,\u201d Brown said. \u201cWe really needed to bring a more uniform look to our buses.\u201d<\/p>\n
The ceremony included coffee, cake and free mugs provided by public transit employees. The ribbon cutting took place in front of a newly designed vehicle.<\/p>\n
To make a reservation with Charlotte Rides, residents can enroll on the mobile app or call 941-575-4000.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a free, public transportation service,\u201d Brown said. \u201cWe always run safe, local and free.\u201d<\/p>\n
Charlotte Rides does not operate on Sundays or holidays.<\/p>\n