PSTA Awarded $20 Million in Federal Funds for a New Clearwater Transit Center 

This is the first RAISE grant awarded in Pinellas County history 

For Immediate Release: 

August 10th, 2022 

St. Petersburg, Fla – The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) was awarded $20 million in federal grants today for the construction of a new Clearwater Transit Center. (click here for renderings/video) 

The funds, which were confirmed this morning by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) as part of the Rebuilding America Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program, will cover some of the costs to link downtown riders to area beaches and beyond. The new transit center will be built on a city-owned vacant lot at the corner of Court Street and Myrtle Avenue. The plan includes 16 bus bays, bicycle and scooter storage, ride-sharing connections, ADA boarding requirements, and a “green” design including solar panels and electric bus charging stations.   

“I couldn’t be more thrilled that a new Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority transit hub is coming to downtown Clearwater,” said Rep. Charlie Crist. “Throughout my years as Representative of the people of Pinellas, I’ve proudly supported the modernization and expansion of PSTA. With the new SunRunner project launching this fall in St. Pete, and electric busses hitting the road in Clearwater, this transit center will serve as a nexus for a truly interconnected Pinellas. From the Gulf to the Bay, PSTA isn’t hitting the brakes any time soon!” 

“This couldn’t be a more exciting day for not only Pinellas County and PSTA, but throughout the entire region, on receiving this federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation,” said Brad Miller, Chief Executive Officer of PSTA. “These funds will help replace a 40-year-old over-capacity existing structure with a new state-of-the-art sustainable transit center that will benefit the community, economy and our environment.” 

It’s a much-needed replacement for PSTA’s 40-year-old station at Park Street, which is functionally obsolete and in need of upgrades for more than a decade. The center serves 14 routes and 2,300 riders each weekday: it is unable to accommodate all the current routes, forcing some bus operators to pick up and drop off passengers on side streets. In addition, newer hybrid and all-electric buses cannot fit under the old, leaky roof.   

“After years of trying to get the funds to replace the old Park Street terminal, this new transportation hub will be an absolute game-changer,” said Pat Gerard, Chair of the PSTA Board of Directors. “This will make it easier for people to reach Clearwater, and our beautiful beaches. It’s a big win for our community, local business and future redevelopment plans.” 

The remainder of the project will be funded by contributions from the City of Clearwater, FDOT, Forward Pinellas, and PSTA. Construction is set to begin in 2023. 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Stephanie Weaver

PSTA Communications & Public Relations Manager

O: (727) 540-1853 | C: (727) 249-6542

E: Sweaver@psta.net