Article courtesy of the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) will receive $1 million from the Florida Commission for Transportation Disadvantaged for a re-launch of a regional transportation disadvantaged service in the Tampa Bay area that had been discontinued a year ago due to a lack of funding.
In partnership with agencies in Hillsborough and Pasco counties, the funding will re-launch same-day, door-to-door regional trips within Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco Counties like the popular TD-Tampa Bay service that was discontinued last June.
“This money is a game-changer for transportation connectivity throughout our region,” said Brad Miller, Chief Executive Officer of PSTA. “When the state funding was canceled last year, I know a lot of residents who relied on the service to get from Pinellas to Tampa or Pasco to Clearwater were left stranded. So this time, all three counties worked collaboratively and I’m grateful to the Commission for approving of this new regional approach.”
The new regional service will be provided by Uber, Lyft, taxis, and wheelchair van services for all qualified residents of Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties. To qualify, call your local Transportation Disadvantaged Service provider in the County you live in (Pinellas: 727-540-1900, Hillsborough: (813) 272-7272 , Pasco: (727) 834-3322. The funding, approved by the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged last Friday, was awarded through their Innovation Service Development grant program.
This service is anticipated to begin in August. Stay up to date by following PSTA on social media, and with local news outlets.