Collier starts free bus rides to the beach Friday

There’s no doubt during season the beaches are packed.

“When we came here, it was so packed we had to come all the way back here,” said resident Jennifer Jarnagin.

Starting Friday, Collier County is starting a free bus ride service to Vanderbilt Beach and Delnor-Wiggins State Park.

“I think that’s great reducing traffic in the area using any means possible,” said resident Jill Martino said. “Buses are not common for Naples, and I think this will be great for the tourism because there’s not enough parking down here.”

The goal of the bus is to make it less hectic for people during the busiest time of the year.

The buses will run Fridays through Mondays, from 8 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 7:10 p.m.

 

The buses loop around two routes in North Naples along main roads like Immokalee Road and U.S. 41, and Vanderbilt Beach Road.

Passengers can flag the bus down at any time, and ask to get off anywhere on the routes.

“If a bus can pick them up and drop them off, there’s going to be more value to them as tourists,” said resident Timothy Jarnagin.

This bus service goes until April 29, and is free to all riders.