Rider Tips

Rider Code of Conduct

For the safety and comfort of all persons, PSTA has established the following Code of Conduct for all customers on
PSTA property using buses or facilities of PSTA.

Rules of the Road

THE FOLLOWING BEHAVIORS ARE PROHIBITED:

• Stay behind the yellow line at the front of the bus when the vehicle is in motion and do not distract the Bus Operator while he/she is driving.
• Open food and/or drink containers are not allowed.
• Drinking alcoholic beverages or possessing open containers of alcoholic beverages is not allowed.
• Smoking of any kind, including electronic cigarettes, is not allowed.
• Pets (non-service animals) may only be brought on the bus in a secured pet carrier.
• Carts and strollers must be folded and stored out of the aisle. Do not block walk ways.
• Shirts, pants (bottoms), and shoes must be worn on the bus.
• Headphones must be used when playing electronic devices to limit sound to the hearing of the individual user.
• Flammable liquid, or combustible or hazardous materials are not allowed.
• Panhandling, soliciting, littering, and vandalism are not allowed.
• Do not engage in disruptive, disturbing, or aggressive behavior.
• Do not engage in discourteous behavior to PSTA employees or other customers.
• Do not cross in front of the bus after exiting, or stand in front of the bus in any travel lane or parking area (except when loading/unloading bikes).
• Roller skating, roller, blading, and skate boarding are not allowed.
• Be prepared to show proper ID every time you board to pay a reduced fare.

Failure to comply with the code of conduct can lead to expulsion or trespass from all PSTA property and vehicles and/or arrest by local law enforcement.

The Code also introduces a procedure to appeal an expulsion or trespass order.

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Riders requesting to appeal an expulsion or trespass order, resulting from a rules violation, are invited to send comments to ride@psta.net.

Video Series

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has created a series of videos, produced using in-house resources, to demonstrate the Rules of the Road.

#RULESOFTHEROAD

#RULESOFTHEROAD

#RULESOFTHEROAD

HOW TO RIDE: 

• Check the bus schedule to find the hour and time-point closest to your arrival and departure times. Be sure to check the correct time for the day you are traveling since schedules differ throughout the day and on weekends and holidays.
• Wait for the bus at a designated bus stop sign located every few blocks along the route. PSTA Bus and Trolley Operators will only stop for you if you are at a marked PSTA bus stop.
• When the bus approaches, check the number located above the windshield and at the top left of the entry door. Once you've determined this is the bus you want, motion so the bus operator will be sure to see you.
• Board the bus through the front door with your exact fare or Flamingo card ready.
• All buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and most have kneeling devices; tell the Bus Operator if you need to use either feature.
• Seats closest to the front of the bus are reserved for seniors and disabled persons; please give up your seat in this area if requested.
• Please fold strollers and carts and stow out of aisle.
• Destinations will be announced upon request for our passengers with disabilities.
• Passengers are required to wear shirt and shoes.
• When approaching your destination, signal the Bus Operator by pulling the cord or pushing the strip near the window. A bell will alert the Bus Operator to stop at the next PSTA bus stop. A bus requires more braking time than a car, so be sure to signal well in advance of your stop.
• Please exit through the rear door whenever possible, and never cross the street in front of the bus
  
  

Bus Schedules and Routes

Route and schedule maps show where routes begin and end, and departure and arrival times for specific locations along the route called timepoints. The times shown on schedules may vary due to traffic conditions, weather, or unforeseen events. PSTA buses operate a holiday (same as Sunday) schedule on New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Paying Your Fare

For faster boarding, our fareboxes DO NOT accept pennies, foreign coins, or slugs. Before you board the bus or trolley, please have your Flamingo card or exact fare ready. Bus Operators cannot make change. Deposit cash in the slots on the right front of the farebox. The first time you use a Flamingo card, insert it into the slot on the left rear of the farebox to activate and ride. To use an activated Flamingo card, swipe it through the slot on the right rear of the farebox with the stripe toward you.

PSTA allows up to three children who are eight years old or younger to ride free (except on the 100X and 300X) with an accompanying adult. If you are riding for a reduced fare, present proper identification to the Bus Operator before paying your fare. If you wish to purchase a Flamingo card on board the bus, please request your Flamingo card BEFORE inserting money into the farebox.

Enjoy Onboard Wi-Fi

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is pleased to offer free public wireless access to its passengers.

Click here to learn how!

Going Beyond the End of the Line?

When the bus reaches the end of the route and turns around to start the route in the opposite direction, it has reached the end of the line - and of your fare. Passengers who remain on board past the turnaround point will be required to pay an additional fare or reinsert their Flamingo card to ride back in the opposite direction.

Be Alert

Riding the bus is a safe, convenient way to get around town. You can help keep our system safe simply by being observant and reporting any suspicious packages or people to your Bus Operator.

Wheelchair Accessibility

PSTA vehicles can accommodate wheelchairs and/or wheeled mobility aids and requires that all wheelchairs and/or wheeled mobility aids be secured by the securement system of the vehicle during transport.

Trip Planning? Give Us a Call.

Finding the right PSTA bus is easy. Just call the PSTA InfoLine at 727-540-1900 and tell the Customer Service Representative the address you're traveling from and where you want to go. The Customer Service Representative will tell you what bus you should take. You can also use our online Google Transit Trip Planner. It's easy, convenient, and available 24/7. For your convenience the InfoLine is answered seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays; and 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday and most holidays (excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day).

Emergency Ride Home

The Emergency Ride Home Program (ERH) is designed to take the anxiety out of leaving your car at home, allowing you to take advantage of other commute options that are right for you. The ERH program provides you with up to four (4) taxi rides home each year in case of personal illness, family emergency or unexpected overtime (certain restrictions apply).

When you choose an option other than traveling alone in your car, you help relieve traffic congestion and improve the quality of life in our area. And, if you do so two or more days every week, you automatically qualify for the ERH program. Call TBARTA Commuter Services at 1-800-998-RIDE (7433), or access their website at https://tbarta.com/en/commuter-services/emergency-ride-home/ for a program application.

By providing incentives like the ERH program, we are encouraging commuters like you to keep commuting the smart way!