For Immediate Release
December 3rd, 2025
PSTA Board Unanimously Selects Hubbard’s Marina to Operate Tampa Bay Ferry Service
Board Also votes to approve a contingent purchase of a ferry vessel
St. Petersburg, FL – The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) Board of Directors voted unanimously today to select Hubbard’s Marina as the official operator for the Tampa Bay Ferry, a major step forward in creating a reliable, sustainable, and convenient water-based transportation option for Tampa Bay residents and visitors.
The approval authorizes PSTA to enter into a five-year operating contract with Hubbard’s Marina, with an option to extend the agreement for an additional five years. This milestone follows extensive evaluation of proposals, community conversations, and strong regional support for expanding mobility options across the bay.
“Today’s vote reflects our shared commitment to developing a reliable, enjoyable, and forward-thinking ferry service for the Tampa Bay region,” said Deborah Figgs-Sanders, PSTA Board Chair and St. Petersburg City Councilwoman. “Hubbard’s Marina brings decades of maritime expertise and a deep understanding of our local waterways. Their partnership is essential to creating a service that is built to last and one that the region can be proud of.”
Hubbard’s Marina, a family-owned local business established in 1928, brings nearly a century of experience operating passenger vessels in the Gulf Coast region. Under the new contract, Tampa Bay Sea Taxi, Inc.—the company established by Hubbard’s Marina to operate the ferry—will oversee vessel management, staffing, safety, and daily operations.
The Board of Directors also approved the purchase of a ferry vessel that has been identified in the San Franscisco area—contingent on a series of tests and approvals. This ferry has a capacity of 250 passengers, while the previous Cross-Bay Ferry had a maximum capacity of only 149. The vessel must first pass all sea trials, tests, and surveys, and it must have Federal Transit Administration (FTA) approval before the purchase is ratified.
“We are excited to work with Hubbard’s Marina, alongside the City of St. Petersburg, the City of Tampa, and FTA to expand regional mobility in Tampa Bay,” said Brad Miller, Chief Executive Officer of PSTA. “If this new vessel gets all the appropriate approvals, this will give us the opportunity to deliver a sustainable, convenient, and reliable transportation option on a quicker timeline.”
“We are honored to partner with PSTA to bring Tampa Bay the ferry service our cities deserve,” said Tara Hubbard, President and CEO of Tampa Bay Sea Taxi, Inc. “This service not only connects communities, it showcases Tampa Bay’s beauty, supports local businesses, and gives residents a new way to travel without sitting in traffic.”
The Tampa Bay Ferry is expected to offer scenic, efficient cross-bay transportation that supports commuters, tourists, and recreational riders alike, easing roadway congestion while providing a memorable travel experience on the water.
“To do this right, each step will take time. We’re designing a new service that’s sustainable, not restarting an old one that struggled to pay its bills,” PSTA Chair Figgs-Sanders said. PSTA has already identified significant savings over the previous Cross-Bay Ferry by using federal grant dollars to purchase one or more vessels and contracting with a local company to operate the service, instead of an out-of-state firm with crew members who traveled to Tampa Bay and stayed in hotels.”
“We’re excited about the next steps: right boat, right docks, right process. For the right boat, the best option for long-term success could be the slowest: ordering one or more new boats. For the right docks, long-term success hinges on the right locations, which may require permitting and construction. And, for the right process, we’ll create long-term repeat customers by hiring an exceptional crew and making trips seamless,” added Figgs-Sanders.
Stephanie Weaver
PSTA Communications & Public Relations Manager
C: (727) 249-6542
E: sweaver@psta.net
ABOUT PINELLAS SUNCOAST TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Since 1903, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has served as the premier public transit provider for Pinellas County, Florida’s most densely populated county. The SunRunner, Tampa Bay’s first-ever Bus Rapid Transit service, provides a reliable, car-free option from downtown St. Pete and St. Pete Beach. With 41 fixed-route bus routes, two express routes to downtown Tampa, the Suncoast Beach trolley, Jolley Trolley and Looper and their paratransit service Access, PSTA provides 10.7 million rides annually. For more information about PSTA, visit www.psta.net
For Immediate Release
December 1st, 2025
MEDIA ADVISORY: PSTA & Local Leaders Update Next Steps for Tampa Bay Ferry
St. Petersburg, FL—Hosted by a husband-and-wife-owned small business in Downtown St. Pete, regional leaders from the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), City of St. Petersburg, and City of Tampa will share the next steps to develop a new Tampa Bay ferry service that is built to last during a media availability on Tuesday, December 2 at 10 a.m.
ADDING VISUALS & A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE: Debbie and Mark Safko will be scooping gelato and offering their views as Downtown business owners. The couple went on their first date at Paciugo Gelato Caffe in 2011, then bought the ice cream shop years later after they got married.
This availability comes ahead of a vote by PSTA’s Board of Directors on Wednesday, December 3, to approve Hubbard’s Marina as the operator for the revitalized water transportation service. If approved, the contract will span five years, with an optional five-year extension, marking a major milestone toward restoring fast, scenic, regional mobility for residents and visitors.
WHEN:
Tuesday, December 2, at 10 a.m.
WHERE:
Paciugo Gelato Caffe
300 Beach Dr, Unit 120, in Downtown St. Petersburg
WHO:
Deborah Figgs-Sanders, PSTA Board Chair & St. Petersburg City Councilwoman
Alan Clendenin, Tampa City Council Chair
Darden Rice, Chief of Planning & Community Affairs for PSTA
Al Burns, Director of Procurement for PSTA
Brandon Campbell, City of Tampa Interim Mobility Director
Tara Hubbard, CEO of Hubbard’s Ferry
Debbie and Mark Safko, Owners of Paciguo Gelato Caffe
Stephanie Weaver
Communications & Public Relations Manager
C: (727) 249-6542
E: sweaver@psta.net
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ABOUT PINELLAS SUNCOAST TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Since 1903, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has served as the premier public transit provider for Pinellas County, Florida’s most densely populated county. The SunRunner, Tampa Bay’s first-ever Bus Rapid Transit service, provides a reliable, car-free option from downtown St. Pete and St. Pete Beach. With 41 fixed-route bus routes, two express routes to downtown Tampa, the Suncoast Beach trolley, Jolley Trolley and Looper and their paratransit service Access, PSTA provides 10.7 million rides annually. For more information about PSTA, visit www.psta.net
For Immediate Release
November 24th, 2025
PSTA and Sunken Gardens Launch Partnership for December 2025
St. Petersburg, FL—The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) and Sunken Gardens announced a new partnership designed to strengthen community engagement and encourage alternative transportation throughout St. Petersburg.
Throughout December 2025, both organizations will offer exclusive benefits to their riders, members, and visitors as part of a shared commitment to enhancing mobility and enriching the community through art, culture, and education.
Special December 2025 Benefits Include:
- Free Admission to Sunken Gardens for PSTA Riders Using Flamingo Fares
Riders with an active Flamingo Fares app account or physical Flamingo Fares card will receive complimentary entry to Sunken Gardens for the entire month of December. Just show your Flamingo Fares card or app at entry.
- Free Bus Transit for Sunken Gardens Members
Sunken Gardens members will enjoy free rides on PSTA buses throughout December 2025 by presenting their membership card to the driver upon boarding.
This partnership underscores the shared mission of both organizations: to make St. Petersburg more accessible, vibrant, and connected.
“PSTA is excited for this opportunity to partner with Sunken Gardens. Together, we’re not just moving people, we’re strengthening the community,” said Brad Miller, Chief Executive Officer of PSTA. “This partnership encourages more residents and visitors to experience all the amazing arts and environmental offerings in our city.”
“Sunken Gardens is excited to partner with PSTA on this creative cross-promotion,” said Sarah Carvalis, Enterprise Facilities and Events Manager of Sunken Gardens. “With a Route 4 bus stop right outside our doors, it is a great opportunity for Flamingo Fare passholders to hop off and explore our tropical paradise, complete with macaws, our toucan Buffet, and of course our resident flamingos! Also, our members can experience everything PSTA has to offer. We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate.”
For more information on PSTA routes and Flamingo Fares, visit www.psta.net.
To learn more about Sunken Gardens, visit sunkengardens.org.
Stephanie Weaver
PSTA Communications & Public Relations Manager
C: (727) 249-6542
E: sweaver@psta.net
Sarah Carvalis
Sunken Gardens Enterprise Facilities and Events Manager
P: (727) 892- 5715
E: sarah.carvalis@stpete.org
ABOUT PINELLAS SUNCOAST TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Since 1903, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has served as the premier public transit provider for Pinellas County, Florida’s most densely populated county. The SunRunner, Tampa Bay’s first-ever Bus Rapid Transit service, provides a reliable, car-free option from downtown St. Pete and St. Pete Beach. With 41 fixed-route bus routes, two express routes to downtown Tampa, the Suncoast Beach trolley, Jolley Trolley and Looper and their paratransit service Access, PSTA provides 10.7 million rides annually. For more information about PSTA, visit www.psta.net
New Pass Lowers Cost of Living for Healthcare Workers
FOR IMMEADIATE RELEASE
July 15th, 2025
New Pass Lowers Cost of Living for Healthcare Workers
More Than 5,000 Pinellas Healthcare Workers Will Now Have Free Transit Access
PINELLAS COUNTY, FL—In a move that lowers the cost of living for thousands of workers in the crucial healthcare industry, Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital and the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) are launching a UPASS agreement, offering unlimited free transit rides for Orlando Health employees across Pinellas County.
More than 2,000 Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital employees and contractors now join 3,500 additional healthcare workers in Pinellas County who already save money with free transit access through UPASS.
“This is a powerful way to push back against the affordability crisis, especially for our neighbors we count on to be there for us in the healthcare industry,” said Brad Miller, CEO of PSTA. “In total, more than 5,000 healthcare workers in Pinellas will now be covered by a UPASS agreement. That’s more than 5,000 people who can save money with every single trip to work or around town.”
Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital team members can now simply show their work IDs to ride PSTA’s fixed-route buses and trolleys, including the SunRunner, at no cost. Whether they’re shopping for groceries, going to appointments, attending classes, or commuting to work, the new benefit helps them save substantially on the expenses of gas and parking.
The agreement offers unlimited free transit rides to employees at all Orlando Health locations in Pinellas County including:
· Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital
· Orlando Health Emergency Room – Crossroads
· Orlando Health Emergency Room – Pinellas Park
What is UPASS?
UPASS (Universal Pass) is a partnership model in which businesses, schools, associations, and other organizations cover the cost of discounted transit passes for their members. The result is a growing network of riders who benefit from unlimited PSTA access with a simple flash of a work, school, or membership ID.
UPASS partnerships with PSTA include 153,690 eligible riders, covering:
· Employees of major businesses
· Guests at participating hotels
· Students and staff at participating educational institutions
· Members of business and neighborhood associations
Recent UPASS Milestones
· Hiatus Hotel (Clearwater Beach) – First UPASS to include Clearwater Ferry service (June 2025)
· The EDGE District (St. Petersburg) – Business member passes launched (January 2025)
· Historic Kenwood Neighborhood Association (St. Petersburg) – First Florida neighborhood association with UPASS access (June 2024)
Organizations interested in offering UPASS can learn more at psta.net.
Stephanie Weaver
PSTA Communications & Public Relations Manager
O: (727) 540-1853 | C: (727) 249-6542
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ABOUT PINELLAS SUNCOAST TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Since 1903, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has served as the premier public transit provider for Pinellas County, Florida’s most densely populated county. The SunRunner, Tampa Bay’s first-ever Bus Rapid Transit service, provides a reliable, car-free option from downtown St. Pete and St. Pete Beach. With 41 fixed-route bus routes, two express routes to downtown Tampa, the Suncoast Beach trolley, Jolley Trolley and Looper and their paratransit service Access, PSTA provides 10.7 million rides annually. For more information about PSTA, visit www.psta.net
PSTA to Advance Cross-Bay Ferry Plans Following HART Board Vote
For Immediate Release
June 2, 2025
PSTA to Advance Cross-Bay Ferry Plans Following HART Board Vote
With local approval secured, $4.86M in federal ferry funding now awaits final signoff from Washington
Pinellas County, FL—Today, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) Board approved the transfer of a $4.86 million federal grant to the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA). This pivotal move clears the way for a faster, more reliable passenger ferry service connecting St. Petersburg and Tampa, ushering in a new era of regional transportation on the waters of Tampa Bay.
The funding—originally awarded to HART through a competitive federal grant program—would allow PSTA to purchase one or more high-speed ferry vessels, a key component in developing a more robust, permanent cross-bay ferry connection between St. Petersburg and Tampa. The transfer still requires approval from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), which is the final step before the money can be put to use and ferry boats can be ordered.
“This is a big win for regional collaboration and for the future of transit in Tampa Bay,” said Brad Miller, Chief Executive Officer of PSTA. “Thanks to HART’s support, we’re closer than ever to bringing a faster, more convenient ferry service to our community by keeping this important federal funding right here, where it will be put to great use.”
With federal funds nearing their expiration, the approval from HART allows the money to stay in the region rather than being redistributed to another project elsewhere in the country. The grant is part of the FTA’s Passenger Ferry Program and can only be used to acquire passenger ferry vessels.
In its vision for a new cross-bay ferry service, PSTA plans to own the boats rather than lease them, as has been done in previous ferry operations. PSTA will contract with an experienced third-party organization to operate the vessels. Locally owning the vessels is expected to lower long-term operating costs and strengthen the reliability and flexibility of the service.
A Request for Proposals (RFP) for an operating partner is expected to be issued this summer. The enhanced cross-bay ferry service could begin operations as early as 2026. For more information about PSTA, click here.
Sabrina Hennessey
Catalyst Communications Vice President
C: 727-424-7237
E: sabrina@catalystcg.com
Amanda Baird
PSTA Director of Communications & Marketing
O:727.540.1984 C: (722) 922-5321
E: abaird@psta.net
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ABOUT PINELLAS SUNCOAST TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Since 1903, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has served as the premier public transit provider for Pinellas County, Florida’s most densely populated county. The SunRunner, Tampa Bay’s first-ever Bus Rapid Transit service, provides a reliable, car-free option from downtown St. Pete and St. Pete Beach. With 41 fixed-route bus routes, two express routes to downtown Tampa, the Suncoast Beach trolley, Jolley Trolley and Looper and their paratransit service Access, PSTA provides 10.7 million rides annually. For more information about PSTA, visit www.psta.net
PSTA Takes Major Step Toward Securing Federal Grant for New Cross-Bay Ferry Service
For Immediate Release
May 28, 2025
PSTA Takes Major Step Toward Securing Federal Grant for New Cross-Bay Ferry Service
Nearly $5M in federal funds could stay in Tampa Bay if HART approves transfer next week
Pinellas County, FL—The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) Board of Directors today unanimously approved a critical step toward launching an enhanced cross-bay ferry service between St. Petersburg and Tampa. The board’s action indicates support of the transfer to PSTA of a nearly $5 million federal grant currently held by Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART). The grant would fund the purchase of one, or possibly two, high-speed passenger ferry boats by PSTA.
One key step remains: HART must approve the transfer. Once HART’s Board of Directors votes to approve the transfer at an upcoming board meeting, the funds would stay in the Tampa Bay region and be used by PSTA to acquire vessels for the planned service. If HART’s board does not approve the transfer, the money will revert to the federal government and be redirected to another community. HART’s next board meeting is June 2.
“This vote puts us one step closer to delivering a faster, more reliable ferry service for our residents and visitors,” said Brad Miller, CEO of PSTA. “But there’s still an important decision ahead. We’re hopeful our partners at HART will help keep this funding here in Tampa Bay.”
The $4.86 million federal grant is nearing its expiration date and remains unused. As part of the FTA’s Section 5307 Passenger Ferry Grant program, the funds can only be used for the purchase of passenger ferry vessels. If PSTA or HART does not spend the funds, they will be awarded to another passenger ferry program elsewhere in the country for that purpose.
Unlike previous ferry service models that relied on leased vessels, PSTA and its municipal partners plan to purchase the boats outright and then lease them to a contracted operator. Owning the vessels locally is expected to reduce operating costs by up to hundreds of dollars per hour and provide more flexibility to expand service in the future.
PSTA plans to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a ferry operator this summer, with a goal of launching the new service in 2026—depending on funding and procurement. For more information about PSTA, click here.
Sabrina Hennessey
Catalyst Communications Vice President
C: 727-424-7237
E: sabrina@catalystcg.com
Amanda Baird
PSTA Director of Communications & Marketing
O:727.540.1984 C: (722) 922-5321
E: abaird@psta.net
###
ABOUT PINELLAS SUNCOAST TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Since 1903, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has served as the premier public transit provider for Pinellas County, Florida’s most densely populated county. The SunRunner, Tampa Bay’s first-ever Bus Rapid Transit service, provides a reliable, car-free option from downtown St. Pete and St. Pete Beach. With 41 fixed-route bus routes, two express routes to downtown Tampa, the Suncoast Beach trolley, Jolley Trolley and Looper and their paratransit service Access, PSTA provides 10.7 million rides annually. For more information about PSTA, visit www.psta.net
Clearwater Ferry to Resume Service May 8
For Immediate Release
May 6, 2025
Clearwater Ferry to Resume Service May 8
St. Petersburg, FL—The Clearwater Ferry will resume operation between Downtown Clearwater and Clearwater Beach on Thursday, May 8. The ferry’s operators have proactively reviewed their procedures and vessels, the U.S. Coast Guard has performed safety inspections of the vessels, and the service is ready to resume operation.
The Clearwater Ferry team and the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) continue to be heartbroken for the people involved in the collision on April 27, including Jose Castro, who lost his life, the people who were hurt, and their families. They reiterate their deep gratitude for the first responders, crew members, and other boaters who helped during the tragic event.
The investigation into the collision by authorities is ongoing, and the ferry and PSTA are fully cooperating. Safety is the top priority for the Clearwater Ferry and PSTA. In its ten years of operation, the Clearwater Ferry had never experienced an incident or injury before April 27.
Service Resumption Details
Starting May 8, service will be provided by the vessel Monica’s Crossing. This vessel was not involved in the April 27 collision and received safety inspections by the U.S. Coast Guard in the past week and was cleared for service.
The Clearwater Ferry will maintain the same destinations and similar hours, operating Thursday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. between the Clearwater Beach Marina and Downtown Clearwater. Detailed departure times and tickets are available at ClearwaterFerry.com.
As an important link in Clearwater’s transportation network, the Clearwater Ferry supports the vital tourism industry as it recovers from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, provides relief from traffic on the Clearwater Memorial Causeway, and provides a low-cost commuting option for workers at beachside businesses.
Sabrina Hennessey
Catalyst Communications Vice President
C: 727-424-7237
E: sabrina@catalystcg.com
Amanda Baird
PSTA Director of Communications & Marketing
O:727.540.1984 C: (722) 922-5321
E: abaird@psta.net
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ABOUT PINELLAS SUNCOAST TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Since 1903, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has served as the premier public transit provider for Pinellas County, Florida’s most densely populated county. The SunRunner, Tampa Bay’s first-ever Bus Rapid Transit service, provides a reliable, car-free option from downtown St. Pete and St. Pete Beach. With 41 fixed-route bus routes, two express routes to downtown Tampa, the Suncoast Beach trolley, Jolley Trolley and Looper and their paratransit service Access, PSTA provides 10.7 million rides annually. For more information about PSTA, visit www.psta.net
PSTA & Clearwater Ferry Statement
For Immediate Release
April 28th, 2025
PSTA & Clearwater Ferry Statement
Clearwater, FL— Due to the ongoing investigation by authorities, PSTA and the Clearwater Ferry are not available for interviews. Below is a joint statement you are free to use:
We are heartbroken for the person who lost their life, everyone who was hurt, and their families. We deeply appreciate the dedication of the first responders and others who rushed to help Sunday night. We are cooperating with the investigation. Safety is the top priority for PSTA and the Clearwater Ferry.
Sabrina Hennessey
Catalyst Communications Vice President
C: 727-424-7237
E: sabrina@catalystcg.com
Amanda Baird
PSTA Director of Communications & Marketing
O:727.540.1984 C: (722) 922-5321
E: abaird@psta.net
###
ABOUT PINELLAS SUNCOAST TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Since 1903, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has served as the premier public transit provider for Pinellas County, Florida’s most densely populated county. The SunRunner, Tampa Bay’s first-ever Bus Rapid Transit service, provides a reliable, car-free option from downtown St. Pete and St. Pete Beach. With 41 fixed-route bus routes, two express routes to downtown Tampa, the Suncoast Beach trolley, Jolley Trolley and Looper and their paratransit service Access, PSTA provides 10.7 million rides annually. For more information about PSTA, visit www.psta.net
New Officers Named for PSTA Board of Directors
For Immediate Release
April 25th, 2025
New Officers Named for PSTA Board of Directors
St. Petersburg, FL—The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) Board of Directors has approved its new officers, who will serve in their positions for the remainder of 2025. With a unanimous vote at their Board Meeting yesterday, members selected Deborah Figgs-Sanders as Chair, Tom Reid as Vice-Chair, and Patti Reed as Secretary/Treasurer.
St. Petersburg City Councilwoman Deborah Figgs-Sanders has served as a member of PSTA’s Planning, Executive, Legislative and Nominating Committees since 2021. Figgs-Sanders’ advocacy and leadership have been central to expanding and strengthening public transportation in the county. She has served as Vice-Chair of the PSTA Board of Directors since January 2025.
South Pasadena Commissioner Tom Reid has steered the organization as a member of the PSTA Finance, Planning and Executive Committees since 2024. Reid brings extensive financial expertise to the role and was honored in 2022 by the Florida League of Cities with is “Home Rule Hero” award. He has served as Secretary/Treasurer of the PSTA Board of Directors since January 2025.
Pinellas Park City Councilwoman Patti Reed brings to the position experience on PSTA’s Finance Committee from 2022 to 2024 and the Executive, Nominating, and Planning Committees since 2024. Reed and her family operate multiple small businesses, and she volunteers with several nonprofit organizations, giving her unique insights that she uses to encourage effective and accessible transit in Pinellas County.
PSTA CEO Brad Miller thanked outgoing Board Chair Dan Saracki for his service to PSTA since 2019 and as Board Chair since January 2025. Saracki’s term as Board Chair ended when he was succeeded as Mayor of Oldsmar by Katie Gannon, who joined PSTA’s Board of Directors last month.
Grayson Kamm
Catalyst Communications Senior Vice President
C: 727-430-2247
E: grayson@catalystcg.com
Amanda Baird
PSTA Director of Communications & Marketing
O:727.540.1984 C: (722) 922-5321
E: abaird@psta.net
PSTA Approves Historic “Clear, Consistent, and Connected” Bus Network
For Immediate Release
March 26th, 2025
PSTA Approves Historic “Clear, Consistent, and Connected” Bus Network
Pinellas-Suncoast Transit Authority’s Board Green Lights Connected Community Bus Network
ST. PETERSBURG, FL—Pinellas County will see a bus network that is more clear, more consistent, and more connected after the Board of the Pinellas-Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) approved the agency’s Connected Community Bus Network today.
One of the largest community engagement efforts in PSTA’s history gave planners thousands of community responses to guide them as they updated the county’s bus schedules and routes.
The Connected Community Bus Network is Clear, Consistent, & Connected:
- Clear—Route schedules are easier to understand
- Consistent—Nearly all routes will operate 7 days a week
- Connected—Functions as a network, with routes and timing that improve transfers
The updates are cost-neutral, meaning no additional costs are expected for taxpayers or the agency.
“For close to two years, we’ve been reaching out to our riders, our operators, and stakeholders across Pinellas County. How can we keep delivering great service, while improving what we do?” said PSTA CEO Brad Miller. “We heard that our bus network needs to be clearer, more consistent, and better connected. That’s what we presented today, thanks to a tremendous amount of feedback and work.”
Unprecedented Community Engagement
The listening and community engagement effort proved to be one of PSTA’s largest ever, including:
- More than 30 public presentations at community and government meetings
- More than 30 popups at community events
- More than 1,500 survey responses
- More than 1,500 in-person conversations at community events, on PSTA buses, and at PSTA bus terminals
- More than 11,000 views of Connected Community Bus Network messaging in Transit, PSTA’s official trip planning app
The final network approved Wednesday includes several revisions to the original proposal that planners made based on public feedback across the county.
“This was truly a cross-agency and community-driven effort. We’ve spoken to our union operators who drive the routes every day, our riders who use our services every day, and the community at large who are interested and invested in PSTA service,” said PSTA Planning Manager Jacob Labutka, who serves as project manager for the Connected Community Bus Network. “Now we’ll return to those groups as well as our Scheduling, Operations, Facilities, and Communications teams to begin the hard work ahead of implementation this fall.”
Service Improvements
Driven by public input, Connected Community Bus Network improvements include:
- More weekend service options, with more consistent scheduling seven days a week
- Increased access to jobs
- Decreased travel time with better-synchronized transfers between routes
- Capitalizing on premium core routes and creating variants on key routes to ensure that service reaches both new and existing riders
- Addressing tourist transportation demand
For details on specific adjustments to frequency, routes, and stops, see https://psta.net/connectcommunity
To continue to rank as one of America’s top transit systems, PSTA completes a community bus plan exercise every five years to assess service. As required by federal law, under the plan approved Wednesday, major service change recommendations do not create disproportionate adverse impact on Title VI communities.
Timeline
PSTA will dedicate the coming spring and summer to detailed planning and educating the public about changes. The agency will then implement the Connected Community Bus Network this fall.
Grayson Kamm
Catalyst Communications Senior Vice President
C: 727-430-2247
E: grayson@catalystcg.com
Amanda Baird
PSTA Director of Communications & Marketing
O:727.540.1984 C: (722) 922-5321
E: abaird@psta.net
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ABOUT PINELLAS SUNCOAST TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Since 1903, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has served as the premier public transit provider for Pinellas County, Florida’s most densely populated county. The SunRunner, Tampa Bay’s first-ever Bus Rapid Transit service, provides a reliable, car-free option from downtown St. Pete and St. Pete Beach. With 41 fixed-route bus routes, two express routes to downtown Tampa, the Suncoast Beach trolley, Jolley Trolley and Looper and their paratransit service Access, PSTA provides 10.7 million rides annually. For more information about PSTA, visit www.psta.net