PSTA

PSTA Offering Free Extended Service on New Year’s Eve

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 30th, 2019

St. Petersburg, FL – The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is offering free late-night transportation options on New Year’s Eve.

PSTA will offer free service on all routes after 8:00 p.m. Select major routes (4, 52, 60, Central Ave Trolley, Suncoast Beach Trolley and Looper) will have extended service hours until about 1:00 a.m. The Jolley Trolley serving along Clearwater Beach will extend regular service until 1:00 a.m.

“We are proud to offer this safe, reliable and affordable holiday service to our citizens and visitors,” said PSTA CEO Brad Miller. “Have a great time on New Year’s wherever you are in Pinellas County and save money by avoiding ride hailing surcharges as well!”

The PSTA Administration building and all PSTA terminals will be closed on New Year’s Day. Buses will run on a Holiday/Sunday schedule and our Infoline remains open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PSTA offices and terminals will return to regular business hours on Thursday, January 2, 2020.

Riders interested in taking PSTA on New Year’s Eve can plan a trip any time using PSTA’s officially endorsed trip-planning app called Transit. For more information visit PSTA.net/NYE

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Stephanie Weaver

PSTA Communications & Public Relations Manager

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

E: Sweaver@psta.net

PSTA: The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority is the public transit provider for Pinellas County, providing more than 14.9 million rides per year. PSTA operates 38 bus and trolley routes with a fleet of 210 vehicles. More information is available at www.psta.net.

PSTA Announces New Executive Committee and Board Member

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2019

PSTA Announces New Executive Committee and Board Member

St. Petersburg, FL – Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) announced the appointment of one new member of its Board of Directors, as well as the full slate of the executive committee for 2020.

Serving on the executive committee will be:

Chair – Commissioner Joe Barkley, Belleair Bluffs
Vice Chair – Commissioner Pat Gerard, Pinellas County
Secretary/Treasurer – Gina Driscoll, St. Petersburg
At Large Executive Committee Member – Dan Saracki, Oldsmar
Past Chair – Commissioner Janet Long, Pinellas County

The purpose of this committee generally is to deliberate and provide direction to staff on operational matters, including but not limited to significant operational issues and major service changes. The Board’s intent is that the Executive Committee will provide direction to staff on emergency items and items that eventually will come before the entire Board.

Chair Joe Barkley has more than 40 years of experience in the insurance industry as an agent, corporate executive, and agency owner, retiring in 2018. He has served on the City of Belleair Bluffs Commission since 2009 and the PSTA Board of Directors since 2013.

“This committee will continue the excellent commitment to customer outreach and service, schedule reliability, and fare affordability which has enabled PSTA to effectively serve Pinellas County public transit riders,” said Chair Barkley.

Joining PSTA’s Board of Directors is Commissioner Ken Welch of Pinellas County, who previously was on the Board from 2006 to 2016 and chair for two years.

Commissioner Welch served as Chair of the County Commission in 2006, 2013 and 2018. He also served at the state level as the 1st and 2nd Vice President of the Florida Association of Counties, Urban Caucus Co-Chair, and Chair of the Finance, Transportation and Administration committee. Commissioner Welch focuses his efforts on diverse community issues, including community and economic development, housing, transportation, poverty reduction, and public safety.

“Commissioner Welch embodies the spirt of community and brings talent, expertise and energy to the table. We are very fortunate to have Commissioner Welch on the Board as we continue to strengthen our community through public transportation, “said Brad Miller, CEO of PSTA.

Commissioner Welch steps in for Commissioner David Eggers. PSTA would like to thank Commissioner Eggers for 5 years of service on the Board.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Stephanie Weaver

PSTA Communications & Public Relations Manager

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

E: Sweaver@psta.net

PSTA Marks 10,000 Lyft Rides for People with Disabilities and Veterans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 11, 2019

PSTA Marks 10,000 Lyft Rides for People with Disabilities and Veterans

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – More than 10,000 Lyft rides have been taken by seniors, disabled residents and veterans in Pinellas County, thanks to an innovative partnership between PSTA and Lyft.

The Lyft rides are part of the Mobility on Demand program, which helps people with disabilities, including veterans, get rides to doctors’ appointments, work, school, and other critical destinations. The service is tailored for those who because of their disability, are unable to independently use the regular, accessible PSTA buses.

“We are helping to improve the lives of countless veterans and people with disabilities in Pinellas County by giving them access to reliable, safe transportation. Reaching 10,000 Lyft rides is an exciting milestone that shows public transportation can work for all members of our community, and PSTA is proud to be a national leader in using this innovative technology,” PSTA CEO Brad Miller said.

“At Lyft, we are committed to working with PSTA to improve access to transit and fill critical transportation needs,” said Yun Ling, General Manager at Lyft. “We’re proud to partner with PSTA on this innovative paratransit program, helping improve access to healthcare, jobs and local services for Pinellas County residents.”

In 2016, PSTA won a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) ‘Mobility On Demand Sandbox’ grant to launch the new program with Lyft. Since then, the service has been incredibly successful, with more than 10,000 Lyft rides.

Eugene Batke is one of those riders. After serving 22 years in the U.S. Navy, the 71-year-old Veteran lost his vision from macular degeneration. “Since I’m not able to drive and I live alone, the Mobility on Demand program provides me with the necessary transportation to go to medical appointments. It is so easy to use and the drivers are so friendly and helpful,” Batke said.

For 87-year-old Pete Caffentzis, a U.S. Army Veteran, he’s grateful for the help as well. “As a disabled veteran without personal transportation, Mobility on Demand is available as my appointments at the VA change, with an immediate and caring response,” Caffentzis said.

Before PSTA’s Mobility on Demand program was implemented, riders were required to schedule their rides a day in advance. Under the new program, riders are able to receive critical transportation services in minutes.

In addition to the Mobility on Demand program, PSTA has become internationally known for its innovative partnerships. It was the first public transit agency in the U.S. to offer low-cost Uber or taxi rides to bus stops to boost access. In 2016, the agency also launched an award winning partnership called “TD LateShift” with Uber and taxi rides for late-night, third-shift workers to get home from jobs after hours.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Stephanie Weaver

PSTA Communications & Public Relations Manager

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

E: Sweaver@psta.net

About PSTA: The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority is the public transit provider for Pinellas County, providing more than 13 million rides per year. PSTA operates nearly 50 bus and trolley routes with a fleet of 210 vehicles. More information is available at www.psta.net or follow @RidePSTA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Lyft: Lyft was founded in 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer to improve people’s lives with the world’s best transportation, and is available to approximately 95 percent of the United States population as well as select cities in Canada. Lyft is committed to effecting positive change for our cities by offsetting carbon emissions from all rides, and by promoting transportation equity through shared rides, bikeshare systems, electric scooters, and public transit partnerships.

Greyhound Finds Permanent Home in Pinellas County Thanks to PSTA Partnership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2019

Greyhound Finds Permanent Home in Pinellas County Thanks to PSTA Partnership

St. Petersburg, FL – After closing their downtown St. Petersburg location, Greyhound has found a new home in Pinellas Park thanks to PSTA. For the first time, riders will have weekend service from St. Petersburg to Tampa.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD 40 SEC. VIDEO/VO FROM TODAY’S RIBBON CUTTING

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD SOUNDBITE FROM PSTA CEO BRAD MILLER

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ENTIRE VIDEO OF RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY

The combined Greyhound PSTA terminal, located at 3801 70th Avenue North in Pinellas Park, opened to riders today with an official ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m.

“PSTA is proud to partner with Greyhound to give riders an improved opportunity to travel to popular destinations across Florida and the country. By relocating Greyhound’s station to PSTA’s Pinellas Park center, passengers can also connect with multiple local bus routes at the very same stop. This will improve connectivity, giving residents and tourists alike more efficient ways to explore our region and beyond,” PSTA CEO Brad Miller said.

“Traveling on a bus, whether it’s Greyhound or PSTA, is the smallest carbon footprint of any mode of transportation. If you took a bus instead of a car, you’d reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by around 85 percent. This new partnership is yet another step in the right direction toward sustainability and preserving our beautiful county for generations to come,” U.S. Congressman Charlie Crist said.

Greyhound transported nearly 20,000 passengers last year at its St. Petersburg location on 9th Street North. But the pick up spot was not centrally located or well-marked. The new PSTA Greyhound terminal at the Shoppes at Park Place will be easier for passengers to spot. The new partnership will also generate new revenue for PSTA, as Greyhound leases the terminal.

“With this partnership, St. Petersburg will join our growing list of over 150 intermodal locations nationwide,” said Evan Burak, Regional Vice President at Greyhound. “We find partnerships like this to be very beneficial to the local community and we are eager to continue playing a role in improving access to transportation for the city of St. Petersburg.”

“We are always looking for ways to improve transit options and provide better service in Pinellas County. The previous Greyhound station in downtown St. Petersburg was harder to access and further from the interstate. The new location at Pinellas Park, right off I-275 near lots of shops and restaurants, will be a lot more convenient for riders, and with better lighting and security, it will also be safer,” PSTA Board Chair Janet Long said.

Greyhound will operate seven days a week, departing from PSTA’s Pinellas Park center at 8:20 a.m., 3:15 p.m., 4:40 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.

Greyhound serves nearly sixty cities and towns in Florida, including notable areas like Daytona Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Myers, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Key West, Miami, Naples, Orlando, Panama City, Pensacola, Sarasota, St. Augustine, St. Petersburg, Tallahassee, Tampa and West Palm Beach. In addition, Greyhound makes connections through its service to every state in the U.S. with exceptions to Hawaii and Alaska.

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About Greyhound: Greyhound is the largest North American provider of intercity bus transportation, serving more than 2,400 destinations across the continent. The company also provides Greyhound Package Express and charter services. For fare and schedule information and to buy tickets call 1-800-661-8747 or visit the website at www.greyhound.com.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Stephanie Weaver

PSTA Communications & Public Relations Manager

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

E: Sweaver@psta.net

To Combat Climate Change, PSTA Wins National Recognition for Sustainability

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, September 6, 2019

To Combat Climate Change, PSTA Wins National Recognition for Sustainability

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla – As the threat of climate change looms, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is receiving national recognition for its sustainability efforts. The American Public Transportation Association is upgrading PSTA to Silver-Level Sustainability status.

“We know that rising seas are already having an impact on our hometown and daily lives, from flooding to more severe storms. While we still have a long way to go, we are committed to serving as a leader in the transportation industry, showing that the future of mass transit can and should help protect our environment and economic vitality,” PSTA CEO Brad Miller said.

Download Video/Pictures/Interviews via Dropbox by clicking here
Interviews with PSTA CEO Brad Miller, PSTA Chair Janet Long and PSTA Board Member Darden Rice

“From our pristine beaches to our thriving downtown, Pinellas County is a great place to call home. It is our responsibility to do everything we can to help reduce the devastating effects of climate change, so future generations can continue to enjoy this incredible quality of life,” Pinellas County Commissioner and PSTA Chairwoman Janet Long said.

PSTA operates Florida’s largest fleet of hybrid-electric vehicles, with over 80 buses in the fleet. In addition, two all-electric buses are currently in operation, with four more planned for 2020. All future bus purchases will continue to primarily be hybrid-electric vehicles.

Going a step further, PSTA has reduced electricity consumption by 15 percent over five years by investing in facility upgrades, including a new HVAC system. An employee recycling program has diverted more than 35 tons of waste from landfills over the past two years. PSTA also operates an after-hours service that provides Uber and taxi rides to low-income riders going to or from work when buses are not running.

Public transit agencies and businesses voluntarily choose to join the APTA Sustainability Commitment program and pledge to implement sustainability projects. Based on specific measurable achievements, organizations are given Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Level recognition. First started in 2009, 152 public transit agencies and businesses have signed on to the APTA Sustainability Commitment. PSTA is one of only 49 signatories that have received higher level recognition.

St. Petersburg and Tampa are within the top 25 cities susceptible to coastal flooding due in part to sea level rise in the next 30 years. By 2050, about 91,000 people in St. Petersburg and 57,000 in Tampa will live in locations vulnerable to flooding, which will be exacerbated by climate change and rising seas, according to a survey from the nonprofit group Climate Central.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Stephanie Weaver

PSTA Communications & Public Relations Manager

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

E: Sweaver@psta.net

PSTA prepares for Hurricane Dorian

For Immediate Release
August 30, 2019

PSTA prepares for Hurricane Dorian

Bus service remains in effect, unless winds reach 40 miles per hour

ST PETERSBURG, Fla—The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority is preparing for Hurricane Dorian. Bus service is scheduled to remain open, but PSTA will halt service if the storm has sustained Tropical Storm Force Winds of 40 miles per hour.

“The safety of our drivers and passengers is always our top priority at PSTA. We are committed to providing service, as long as it’s safe to do so. As we keep a close watch on Hurricane Dorian’s path, we will continue to send updates right away to keep our community informed,” PSTA CEO Brad Miller said.

PSTA will update the local media about the status of service, so tune into your TV and radio stations for the most up-to-date information. Riders can also find the latest information on PSTA bus service by calling the InfoLine at 727-540-1900 or by visiting our Facebook and Twitter feeds at Ride PSTA. PSTA will resume service as soon as possible after the storm passes.

If a hurricane evacuation were to occur, PSTA will work with Pinellas County Emergency Management to provide free bus transportation to designated shelters. Residents can view a list of shelters and routes on the Pinellas County website: www.pinellascounty.org/emergency/shelters.htm

There are also several locations where passengers can transfer and ride to a shelter with available space. The transfer locations are: Park Street Terminal, Grand Central Station, Westfield Countryside Mall, Tyrone Square Mall and Pinellas Park Transit Center. Pets will be permitted on evacuation buses as long as they are in a pet carrier. Passengers who plan to evacuate to a shelter that accepts pets must pre-register with Pinellas County Animal Services by calling 727-582-2600.

Citizens who need transportation to a “special needs” shelter must pre-register with Pinellas County Emergency Management by calling 727-464-3800. Call your nearest fire department or home healthcare provider or submit a form online. No fares will be charged for evacuation services.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Stephanie Weaver

PSTA Communications & Public Relations Manager

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

E: Sweaver@psta.net

PSTA in the Driver’s Seat Addressing Hunger in Pinellas County with Feeding Tampa Bay

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2019

PSTA in the Driver’s Seat Addressing Hunger in Pinellas County with Feeding Tampa Bay

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Feeding Tampa Bay and Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) announced a new partnership in the fight against hunger. More than 135,000 Pinellas County residents struggle with food insecurity. To address this challenge, these two organizations are teaming up to organize a series of creative events to reach families in need.

On Tuesday, July 30 at 9 a.m., PSTA hosted a Feeding Tampa Bay mobile food pantry in its staff parking lot, distributing food to more than 300 people in just two hours. The 2019 Leadership PSTA class lead the event with the support of the Feeding Tampa Bay team.

(photos here & video here)

What is a Feeding Tampa Bay mobile pantry? A refrigerated truck that delivers shelf stable foods, dairy, meats, prepared meals and fresh produce at no charge to our Tampa Bay neighbors in need. There is no charge, no qualifications or requests made with each attendee encouraged to “shop” for what is best served in their home. The goal is to provide nutritious foods for our neighbors in need with dignity and respect.

“At PSTA we are driven to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve. As a transportation agency, we interact with our community on a daily basis as we take riders to where they need to be. We often hear and see their struggles firsthand, and are excited to have this opportunity to connect our passengers with resources to live healthier, happier lives,” PSTA CEO Brad Miller said.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled about having PSTA as a partner in our mission to create a hunger-free Tampa Bay. We know that much of our success depends on support from strong and thoughtful organizations in our community. The first step is giving those in need convenient access to healthy food options, that begins today. Together, we have the opportunity to reach thousands of children, seniors, and families in Pinellas County and place a nutritious meal on their table,” Kelley Sims, Chief Development Officer said.

PSTA promoted this opportunity heavily throughout bus routes and sent riders a text message to let them know about the mobile food pantry event. The first 20 guests received a free, portable shopping cart to take on buses (one per household). Pantry shoppers also received branded tote bags to carry home food (two per person).

Post the launch event at PSTA, plans are in the works to schedule three additional Feeding Tampa Bay mobile food pantries at bus stop locations in 2019.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Stephanie Weaver

PSTA Communications & Public Relations Manager

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

E: Sweaver@psta.net

Shannon Hannon-Oliviero

Feeding Tampa Bay External Affairs Officer

C: (727) 243-9825

soliviero@feedingtampabay.org

About Feeding Tampa Bay: As the backbone of hunger relief, Feeding Tampa Bay is the largest food rescue and distribution organization in our community, serving a food-insecure population of more than 600,000 people in a 10-county region. Feeding Tampa Bay recovers surplus food from local growers, manufacturers, supermarkets, and organized community food drives and distributes it to those in need through direct programs and a partnership network of 500 community partners. Last year, Feeding Tampa Bay supplied 55 million meals to our neighbors, 4.5 million meals every month to those who would otherwise go hungry. With the support of our partners, team and community we IMAGINE a hunger-free Tampa Bay – providing 115 million meals with dignity every year by 2025. www.FeedingTampaBay.org/IMAGINE

Florida AG Commissioner to Discuss Sustainability and Public Transportation at PSTA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 17, 2019

Florida AG Commissioner to Discuss Sustainability and Public Transportation at PSTA

WHAT:
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Nikki Fried, will visit the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) on Thursday to ride one of the agency’s zero-emission, all-electric buses and discuss sustainability and public transportation.

PSTA was one of the first agencies in Florida to begin using electric buses last year. The buses underscore PSTA’s commitment to providing sustainable transportation options that are greener and cleaner.

The media is encouraged to attend Thursday’s event.

WHEN:
Thursday, July 18, 2019 at 3:30 p.m.

WHO:

Florida AG Commissioner Nikki Fried
Brad Miller, PSTA CEO
PSTA Chair & County Commissioner Janet Long

WHERE:
PSTA Headquarters – Outside Lobby Entrance
3201 Scherer Dr.
St. Petersburg, FL 33716

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Stephanie Weaver

PSTA Communications & Public Relations Manager

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

E: Sweaver@psta.net

PSTA Among First in Nation to Install Safety Barriers on All Buses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2019

PSTA Among First in Nation to Install Safety Barriers on All Buses

St. Petersburg, FL – The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is among the first agencies in Florida and the nation to outfit its entire fleet of 210 buses with new safety barriers to prevent drivers from attacks. Today, the PSTA board unanimously voted to approve $1.2 million in funding for the project.

“We are standing up as leaders in the transportation industry for doing the right thing and making the priceless investment to keep both drivers and passengers in our care safe. As attacks on bus drivers continue to rise nationally, we are taking action immediately. There is no time to waste, when it comes to protecting our people from harm’s way,” PSTA CEO Brad Miller said.

“Our bus drivers deserve the right to feel safe at work. These are parents, spouses, grandparents. They want to come in to do their jobs and make it home to their loved ones. Assaults will not be tolerated. We must do all that we can to put a stop to them,” PSTA Board Chair Janet Long said.

The safety upgrades come after HART bus driver Thomas Dunn was murdered on the job, stabbed by a passenger on May 18 in Tampa. Dunn’s bus did not have a safety partition between himself and the passenger to protect him from the deadly attack.

Dunn’s murder prompted local bus drivers to call for more protection.

“We took a stand and voiced our concerns, and would like to thank our PSTA leadership for listening to us and taking immediate action to ensure that our drivers are safe and no longer have to live in fear,” said April Murphy, a retired bus driver and representative for the Service Employee International Union.

Adding safety barriers to protect drivers is a national trend as assaults on drivers become more common. Congressional leaders introduced The Transit Worker and Pedestrian Protection Act this year. The bill would require transit agencies to add safety improvements to help reduce the number of assaults.

PSTA is one of the first agencies nationwide to install safety barriers on every single bus, according to Amalgamated Transit Union representative David Roscow. The barriers are being paid for from PSTA’s capital reserve fund, and will have extended tempered glass to shield drivers from danger. It will take four to six weeks to manufacture the barriers, and crews are expected to begin installation in August, with all PSTA buses upgraded by the end of October.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Stephanie Weaver

PSTA Communications & Public Relations Manager

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

E: Sweaver@psta.net

PSTA Team Wins First Place in International Bus Roadeo Maintenance Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 10, 2019

PSTA Team Wins First Place in International Bus Roadeo Maintenance Competition

St. Petersburg, FL – If you ride a PSTA bus, you can rest assured that your bus is maintained by some of the best crews in the industry. PSTA’s maintenance team recently won a first place award at the International Bus Roadeo Maintenance Competition hosted by the American Public Transportation Association.

No, it wasn’t their first “roadeo”. The team of three, Bobby Farris, Tyler Johnson, and Paul Levesque, competed at the local and state maintenance bus roadeos before making the trip this spring to Louisville, Kentucky to compete among the best crews in the nation and Canada.

With 38 teams in the running, the pressure was on. When it came to the competition for maintaining bus engines and transmissions, the PSTA crew had just ten minutes to fix seven defects – from loose clamps, fasteners, and bolts, to missing items.

“These are issues that can cause low power, smoking, and no acceleration. It would take the bus out of service completely,” Tyler Johnson, PSTA maintenance team member said.

Before the clock ran out, the team had uncovered and repaired all the issues, but they were tied for first place with another crew. There was one factor that set PSTA apart for the first place win.

“We won the event because we were able to get the engine to start in less than one minute. That’s the hardest defect to correct, and no one could beat our time,” Johnson explained.

PSTA Deputy Director of Fleet Operations Joseph Cheney takes a lot of pride in seeing his team succeed. After spending more than 30 years in the industry (24 of which were at the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority) and competing in bus roadeos himself, he wanted to pass on his knowledge and experience to the next generation.

“We spend a lot of time working with our maintenance team and coaching them to make them the best at what they do. It should give citizens a level of comfort to know that the people who maintain their buses are one of the best in the business, performing at a very high level in their trade,” Cheney said.

Johnson says he’s grateful for the opportunity to grow professionally. He’s been with PSTA for nine years after graduating from Pinellas Technical College. While Johnson and his team are used to being behind the scenes, they’re proud to spotlight the sense of purpose behind their jobs.

“For me, the most rewarding part is that we provide a safe and reliable service to so many people. You don’t get to see us, but we’re doing our best.”

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Stephanie Weaver

PSTA Communications & Public Relations Manager

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

E: Sweaver@psta.net