PSTA

PSTA Bus Operator Tests Positive for COVID-19 (12/15)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 15, 2020

PSTA Bus Operator Test Positive for COVID-19

St. Petersburg, Fla – The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) received notification from a bus operator, that the operator had tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). This is the sixteenth public-facing employee testing positive for PSTA.

The first bus operator last reported to work on Wednesday, December 9th, 2020. The 14 days prior to that time the operator drove the following routes:

Route 7 – December 7th, 8th & 9th
CAT – November 30th, December 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th

PSTA does not believe any passengers came in contact with the driver, who remained socially distant from all passengers. However, anyone who feels like they experience symptoms should seek medical advice.

The operator is currently under treatment.

PSTA requires riders to wear protective face coverings while riding and to use transit for essential travel only. Essential travel means taking trips to work, hospitals, health care providers, pharmacies, grocery stores, banks, food distribution centers, schools, to provide care for family members, and other similar destinations.

In the middle of March, PSTA announced it is enforcing rear-door boarding only, except for those with mobility devices. Rear-door boarding and temporarily going fare-free reduces crowding at the farebox and limits exposure between passengers and bus operators. In addition, bus operators have the discretion to limit the number of riders on their bus to no more than 15 people at a given time. Lastly, PSTA is supplying bus operators with gloves, masks, hand sanitizer and disinfectant.

In total, including non-public facing employees and service providers like Jolley Trolley and CareRide, PSTA has 41 employees who have tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Follow PSTA’s website, social media and local news outlets for additional updates.

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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 12.1 million rides per year. PSTA operates 40 bus and trolley routes with a fleet of 210 vehicles.

PSTA Joins Public Transit Systems Around the Country in Urging Congress to #SavePublicTransit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 14, 2020

PSTA Joins Public Transit Systems Around the Country in Urging Congress to #SavePublicTransit
APTA-organized day of action and engagement will take place on Tuesday, December 15

St. Petersburg, FL– Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is joining fellow APTA members and industry partners on Tuesday, December 15th to collectively fight to #SavePublicTransit with a day of mobilization and engagement.

Organized by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), #SavePublicTransit Day will shine the light on the dire financial crisis facing the public transportation industry and urge elected officials to take immediate action.

It is critical that Congress move forward and provide emergency funding for public transit in the lame duck session before Congress recesses for the holiday. The industry is calling on Congress and the Administration to provide at least $32 billion in emergency funding to ensure that public transit agencies can survive and help our communities and nation recover from the economic fallout of the pandemic.

Without at least $32 billion in emergency funding for the industry PSTA will be at risk to reduce service to important routes throughout Pinellas County.

“Immediate action needs to be taken to address the public transportation industry’s dire financial situation so that we can continue to serve essential employees every day and can help with the nation’s economic recovery,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “The industry’s very survival is at stake.”

“Public transportation is a lifeline for many, especially for those in Pinellas County,” said Brad Miller, Chief Executive Officer of PSTA. “People rely on us to get them to their places of employment, medical appointments and grocery stores and it’s critical Congress act now to support transit agencies across the country.”

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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 Launches First of its Kind Autonomous Vehicle Pilot in Tampa Bay Region

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 23, 2020

PSTA Launches First of its Kind Autonomous Vehicle Pilot in Tampa Bay Region
AVA will begin serving the public on November 25th on Bayshore Drive

St. Petersburg, Fla – Today, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), in partnership with Beep and funded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), launched the first of its kind Autonomous Vehicle Pilot in downtown St. Petersburg (click here for media kit). The fare free all-electric shuttle, named AVA, short for Autonomous Vehicle Advantage, is the state’s first autonomous vehicle fleet launched by a transit agency in mixed traffic.

AVA will operate along Bayshore Drive Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. beginning on Wednesday, November 25th until February 2021. The shuttle uses eight sensors on the outside of the vehicle providing a 360-degree view of the environment. An on-board shuttle attendant, or copilot, serves as an ambassador for the riders to learn more about the technology and oversee the high-quality passenger experience. Riders will be able to enjoy the Waterfront District of the Sunshine City, including attractions like the St. Pete Pier, the Vinoy, Mahaffey Theater and Dali Museum.

“The world is getting more automated, shared, and electric. PSTA launching this partnership with Beep shows our community’s continued focus on being at the forefront of the deployment of these new technologies that will fundamentally reshape our cities,” said Senator Brandes (R-St. Petersburg).

“We are beyond excited for the community to try this all new experience with AVA,” said Brad Miller, Chief Executive Officer of PSTA. “Like an attraction at Disney World, we hope all who come to enjoy AVA leave with a better understanding of how technology can help enhance safety all while providing clean-energy solutions that could transform transportation.”

“We appreciate PSTA’s forward thinking and perseverance in bringing the AVA to fruition. This project exemplifies FDOT’s ongoing effort to enhance mobility through innovation and partnership,” said FDOT District Seven Secretary David Gwynn.

The functionality of the shuttle is enabled by a safe, pre-determined planned route. AVA is equipped with multiple onboard LiDAR sensors and GPS tracking to ensure the path is maintained during operation. The vehicle performance is monitored by an onboard shuttle specialist as well as Beep’s Global Command Center located in Orlando, Florida. The vehicles are 100-percent electric, cost less than $30 per month to charge, and react 10 times faster than a human can, while never getting distracted from the roadway.

“AVA is another example of PSTA leading the way in innovation in transportation by bringing in unique and futuristic technology that can benefit our community,” said Joe Barkley, Chair of the PSTA Board.

“Launching AVA along Bayshore Drive is the first step into the future of safer and transformative transportation along the tourist corridor. Public and private partnerships such as the project with PSTA will only continue to position the state as innovators and integrators of autonomous technology in the transit industry,” said Joe Moye, CEO of Beep. “We are committed to the safe testing of these vehicles in communities and with agencies who share the same vision of implementing the transportation of the future on the roads of today.”

The autonomous shuttle will operate at a maximum speed of 15 mph as part of a 3-month pilot. Riders will be required to wear a seatbelt and use a face covering while on the shuttle. Passengers can expect processes and procedures onboard that align with best practices for ridesharing and transit according to federal guidelines such as frequent cleaning procedures and a modified seating capacity. (see Beep’s COVID response page here). Passengers are limited to one round trip. Shuttle service and routes will be operating until February 2021.

About Beep
Beep is an autonomous mobility solution company delivering the next generation of services for passenger mobility to fleet operators in planned communities and low speed environments across the public and private sector, including transportation hubs, medical and university campuses, town centers and more. From route planning to interactive managed services, Beep’s offerings are designed to drive differentiation and innovation, and delight the passengers of our customers.

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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

Two PSTA Bus Operators Test Positive for COVID-19 (11/17)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 17, 2020

Two PSTA Bus Operators Test Positive for COVID-19

St. Petersburg, Fla – The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) received notification from two bus operators, that they had tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). This is the fourteenth and fifteenth public-facing employee testing positive for PSTA.

The first bus operator last reported to work on Wednesday, November 11th, 2020. The 14 days prior to that time the operator only drove the following routes:

Route 23

The second bus operator last reported to work on Monday, November 16th, 2020. The 14 days prior to that time the operator drove the following routes:

Route 66 & 19 – November 6th
Route 58 – November 11th
Route 52 – November 15th
Route 4 – November 16th

PSTA does not believe any passengers came in contact with the drivers, who remained socially distant from all passengers. However, anyone who feels like they experience symptoms should seek medical advice.

The operators are currently under treatment.

In total, including non-public facing employees and service providers like Jolley Trolley and CareRide, PSTA has 40 employees who have tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Follow PSTA’s website, social media and local news outlets for additional updates.

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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 Will Resume Service Today at Noon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 12, 2020

PSTA WILL RESUME SERVICE TODAY AT NOON

St. Petersburg, Fla – The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) will resume service today starting at noon, 12 p.m. on Thursday, November 12th. This includes all routes and paratransit.

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.

A reminder that passengers are required to wear a face-covering, and enter the bus through the rear-door, if they are able. PSTA has suspended the collection of fares due to social distancing. There is a passenger limit of 15 on each bus.

To stay up to date, please follow PSTA on all social media channels and local media outlets.

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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 Tropical Storm Eta

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 11, 2020

PSTA PREPARES FOR TROPICAL STORM ETA
BUS SERVICE REMAINS IN EFFECT, UNLESS WINDS REACH 40 MILES PER HOUR

St. Petersburg, Fla – The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority is preparing for Tropical Storm Eta. 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,” said Brad Miller, Chief Executive Officer of PSTA. “As we keep a close watch on Tropical Storm Eta’s path, we will continue to send updates right away to keep our community informed.”

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.

To stay up to date, please follow PSTA on all social media channels and local media outlets.

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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 Will Begin Suspending Service Today Starting at 12 P.M.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 11, 2020

PSTA WILL BEGIN SUSPENDING SERVICE TODAY STARTING AT 12 P.M.

St. Petersburg, Fla – In response to Hurricane Eta, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority will begin suspending service starting today, November 11^th, at 12 p.m. PSTA will resume service as soon as it is deemed safe after the storm passes.

All PSTA terminals, including Park Street, Grand Central Station, and Pinellas Park will be closed as well. PSTA urges all passengers who rely on bus service to get to their destinations do so before the suspension of service.

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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 Announces Return of Limited Service for 300x Route

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 2020

PSTA Announces Return of Limited Service for 300x Route

St. Petersburg, Fla – The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is announcing the return of limited service of the 300x beginning Monday, October 12th, 2020. The service was temporarily suspended on March 29th, 2020 out of the abundance of caution for employees and riders caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The 300x transports passengers from the Ulmerton Park N Ride to the Marion Transit Center in Downtown Tampa. It will operate on a limited schedule, Monday through Friday.

Trips will depart the Ulmerton Park & Ride:
6:10 a.m., 7:10 a.m., 3:17 p.m. and 4:17 p.m.

Trips will depart the Marion Transit Center in Tampa:
7:42 a.m., 8:42 a.m., 4:42 p.m. and 5:42 p.m.

PSTA has taken the necessary steps to not only ensure the safety of its employees, but also the community by requiring all who are able to board and exit the rear door and limiting passengers. These steps, along with not charging fares has reduced overcrowding at the farebox. PSTA is also requiring that all passengers must wear protective face coverings while riding the bus.

For updates, please follow PSTA’s website, social media or local media outlets.

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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 Announces Participation in Nationwide Public Transportation Industry “Health and Safety Commitments” Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2020

PSTA Announces Participation in Nationwide Public Transportation Industry “Health and Safety Commitments” Program
PSTA joins over 100 public transit agencies across the country in signing on to the program

St. Petersburg, Fla –The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) announced today that it has joined the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) “Health and Safety Commitments Program,” the public transportation industry’s overarching pledge to passengers that public transit systems are taking all the necessary measures to operate safely as the nation recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. PSTA takes great pride in that many of the efforts below have been ongoing since the pandemic began. This pledge reaffirms our commitment to our community.

The health and safety of passengers and operators is the most important priority for PSTA. Since the beginning of the pandemic, PSTA has worked tirelessly to keep riders safe from infection from the coronavirus. By signing on to the APTA Health and Safety Commitments Program with more than 100 public transit systems, PSTA and the public transit industry are actively working to instill confidence in riders that it’s committed to protecting their health and safety.

The Program was developed after asking transit users from across the country what measures would make them feel more confident riding public transportation amid concerns about COVID-19. From this research, the industry identified four key areas that transit systems need to address to earn riders’ confidence:

Following public health guidelines from official sources
Cleaning and disinfecting transit vehicles frequently and requiring face coverings and other protections
Keeping passengers informed and empowered to choose the safest times and routes to ride
Putting health first by requiring riders and employees to avoid public transit if they have been exposed to COVID-19 or feel ill

PSTA has pledged to meet these commitments by creating specific policies that are effective for our system, our riders, and our community. A key component of the Health and Safety Commitments Program is the shared responsibility of our system and our riders to follow the guidelines. Riders rely on us to follow these commitments, and PSTA relies on riders to protect themselves and other customers.

“We know, and take it very seriously, that we are a lifeline for many to get to their jobs, medical appointments, and even the grocery store,” said Brad Miller, Chief Executive Officer of PSTA. “Our commitment to this program will ensure our riders, as well as our employees, that we will do all that we can to make certain that they are safe will using our service.”

PSTA has been committed to continually addressing and implementing pillars of the Program. Current and ongoing actions include:

Requiring all passengers to wear masks while using PSTA services
Enforcing all who are able to use rear-door boarding
Limiting passengers on buses
Not charging fares to reduce congestion at farebox
Implementing social distancing while on buses

“This program is a commitment that this industry is making to all those we serve now and to those who we look forward to serving,” said Nuria I. Fernandez, APTA Chair, and General Manager and CEO of Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. “Public transportation is and will be vital to the social and economic recovery of our nation. But getting there requires us to win back our ridership and encourage new riders to view public transit as a preferred mobility choice. We believe this commitment program will help do this.”

“The program being launched today is the public transportation industry’s pledge to promote sensible policies and practices designed to keep transit users and transit employees safe during the COVID-19 crisis,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “It is a logical extension of the innovation and commitment we have been demonstrating for the past several months – and it makes the need for at least $32 billion in additional emergency funding that much more urgent and critical.”

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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 Receives Grant from FTA to Integrate Direct Connect into Transit app

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2020

PSTA Receives Grant from FTA to Integrate Direct Connect into Transit app

St. Petersburg, Fla – The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) received a $120,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) through the Accelerating Innovative Mobility (AIM) initiative to support mobility and innovation in the transit industry.

The funds will help integrate PSTA’s Direct Connect program, which connects riders in areas with low-frequency transit service to subsidized on-demand trips, into the Transit app. This project will offer riders a simple way to plan and book trips.

Since July 2019, Transit has displayed PSTA Direct Connect locations in the app and linked to more info about the program. With the AIM grant, PSTA will build on that work to make the innovative PSTA Direct Connect program fully accessible from within Transit, PSTA’s official app. PSTA Direct Connect multimodal trips will appear as an option in Transit’s trip planner alongside fixed route bus service and other shared mobility options, and riders will be able to hail their Direct Connect ride from within Transit and make a seamless connection to fixed-route service.

“Being the first transit agency to create the first mile – last mile program, we are excited to be able to further improve Direct Connect.” said Brad Miller, Chief Executive Officer of PSTA. “Like why my favorite Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich is better than a Turkey sandwich-this new initiative will completely integrate/“squish” your Uber ride together with your transit ride rather than the current, more complex layering of the bus ride on top but separately from your Uber Ride.”

“During the pandemic, if we can make it easier for our community to get to work, medical appointments or grocery stores, it creates less of a burden for them. With this new grant we are able to achieve a seamless way for our riders to get from point A to point B,” said Joe Barkley, Chairman of PSTA’s Board of Directors.
“We love making delicious concoctions with PSTA. Direct Connect is a delectable blend of sweet on-demand trips combined with savory fixed-route service,” said David Block-Schachter, Transit’s Chief Business Officer. “The key is having a trusty blender to bring it all together, and that’s what Transit does, making getting around Pinellas County as refreshing as a perfectly blended multimodal smoothie.”

PSTA was one of 25 other projects that received federal funding through this grant. To see the official press release from the FTA, click here.

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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