(REBOARD) Bus
(Local) Bus
This is the transit type we are most familiar with in Pinellas County. Buses will still be the main component of the alternative transportation network.
What will the tax do for Bus?
If we VOTE YES on the proposed tax we can expect faster, more frequent more reliable buses. There will be a variety of bus transportation for both long distance and local transportation. The buses will go through a major overhaul and riders should experience a higher quality of service.
Better. Faster. More Frequent.
PSTA will be able to increase local route frequency to make riding the bus easier if Transportation Tax is passed!
PSTA will be able to extend hours so that working people and people partying downtown will have reliable safe rides home!
PSTA will be able to increase local route frequency to make riding the bus easier if Transportation Tax is passed!
These buses carry passengers long distances and have very few stops to make travel faster.
PSTA currently operates 2 Express Bus Lines to downtown Tampa; the 300x and the 100x.
Express bus accommodates choice riders by offering convenient park and ride locations so that riders can drive to this location and take bus to their destination.
These buses carry passengers long distances and have very few stops to make travel faster.
(Rapid) Bus
Rapid Bus is an exciting new type of bus system not currently in operation in Pinellas County.
Rapid bus provides faster service for riders because riders pay in advance at a ticket kiosk and enter bus through several doors at once.
Rapid Bus will provide Pinellas County riders with travel times closer to driving with less frequent stops. This type of bus transit also has enhanced stations which will have shaded seating, ticket kiosks, and raised platforms so that riders walk right onto the bus, this is especially important for disabled riders and riders with strollers as they can roll directly from the platform onto the bus.
This type of bus is very successful around the world and finally many cities in the United States are implementing this transit as well.
The first BRT to operate in Pinellas is planned to run along 1st Ave N and 1st Ave S in St. Petersburg connecting downtown to the beaches.
Reference map to left. Other possible routes are designated as "Premium Routes" on MPO's Long Range Plan. Some Possible routes would run along:
- (Alt US-19) including: Missouri Blvd-Seminole Blvd- Bay Pines Blvd- Tyrone Blvd- 5th Ave N: Tarpon to St. Petersburg
- Main St. (Dunedin) to Oldsmar SR 580
- Park Blvd
- Ulmerton Rd
- US-19 Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg
(Express) Bus
PSTA already operates 2 Express Bus routes. The 300x runs along Ulmerton Road taking the Howard Franklin Bridge to downtown Tampa.The 200x runs from Gateway to downtown Tampa along the Gandy Bridge.
Express buses typically are scheduled for commuter service over long distances because they do not stop as frequently as local bus.
In Pinellas County the current Express bus connects to its customers with "Park and Ride" lots where commuters can park their car and continue the trip by bus for less stress and less hassle than driving.
If we VOTE YES we can expect more frequent Express bus service as well as new routes including McMullen Booth Road & US-19 one of the most traveled PSTA bus routes (19). We can also expect dedicated High Occupancy Vehicle lanes (HOV) which will allow the bus to maintain its time schedule and speed regardless of general traffic congestion.
The new Howard Franklin Bridge is planned to accommodate dedicated lanes for these buses. Will there be connections within Pinellas? VOTE YES!
BRT has enhanced stations with raised platforms for easier loading. Stations are covered with seating and in Pinellas will have digital readouts with estimated time to next bus arrival.
This BRT system shown operates in exclusive lanes from the automobile traffic enhancing travel time.
The BRT has the flexibility to operate in exclusive lanes or share lanes with automobile traffic. BRT stations like the ones shown require substantial investment and may spur more private development close to stations.
BRT has enhanced stations with raised platforms for easier loading. Stations are covered with seating and in Pinellas will have digital readouts with estimated time to next bus arrival.
This HART (Hillsborough) Flex bus operates in suburbs of Tampa providing reliable transportation in less densely populated areas.
This type of smaller bus vehicle will offer service in less densely populated areas of the county. Users pay the regular PSTA 2$ fare.
This HART (Hillsborough) Flex bus operates in suburbs of Tampa providing reliable transportation in less densely populated areas.
(Flex) Bus
Flex bus is a new type of bus that PSTA is currently studying (Summer 2012) to provide more service in less densely populated areas.
The new PSTA Flex service uses smaller buses and follows a general schedule. The buses can accommodate riders who live or work up to 1 mile off of the general route picking them up or dropping them off at the doorstep!
The first service to open will operate in East Lake, Oldsmar and Palm Harbor. Riders will be able to call ahead for reservations.
If you want to see more options like this VOTE YES!
Do you live in North Pinellas? Take PSTA's Flex Route (Connector Route) Survey to influence how this system will be built!
http://www.psta.net/survey.php
The new Central Avenue Trolley operates in St. Petersburg and has been a great success
The Suncoast Beach Trolley provides service along all Pinellas County beaches in one direct route. It is very popular amoung tourists.
More in town service means getting around your destination town or your own neighborhood is easier.
The new Central Avenue Trolley operates in St. Petersburg and has been a great success
(Trolley/ Circulator) Bus
PSTA currently operates 2 main trolley systems the Suncoast Beach Trolley and the Central Avenue Trolley.
Trolley buses provide direct "1 seat rides" to our many destinations. The Beach Trolley currently runs all the way from St. Pete Beach to Clearwater Beach. The Central Ave Trolley serves Downtown St. Petersburg to St. Pete Beach.
Other trolley system enhance "in town service" like the St. Petersburg Trolley, the
Jolley Trolley and the Gulfport Trolley. -Note these systems listed are non-for profit organizations (separate entities from PSTA) But PSTA could investigate more service like this with proper funding. VOTE YES!
Circulators are buses which operate in town. These provide service once you reach a major PSTA terminal and provide easy access around the many destinations of one area like downtown St. Petersburg or Clearwater Beach.