PSTA proposes increase in bus fares, schedules hearings
By SUZETTE PORTER
Article published on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2006  |
PINELLAS COUNTY More people are riding Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority buses than ever before, partially due to the rising cost of gasoline prices. Now, increased prices in diesel fuel and insurance has PSTA proposing a fare hike.
PSTA scheduled three public hearings on its plan to raise bus fares. If approved, the increases would take effect on Oct. 1.
The first hearing will be Tuesday, Aug. 15, 3 p.m., at Countryside Library, 2741 State Road 580, Clearwater.
The second hearing will be on Thursday, Aug. 17, 5:05 p.m., at Pinellas Technical Education Center, 901 34th St. S., St. Petersburg.
The final hearing will be Wednesday, Aug. 23, 9 a.m., at 3201 Scherer Drive, St. Petersburg.
A final decision will be made on Aug. 23, at the board of directors meeting following the public hearing.
People unable to attend a public hearing can send written comments to PSTA Fare Hearings, 3201 Scherer Drive, St. Petersburg, FL 33716, or they can submit comments online at www.psta.net/publichearing.htm. All comments should include name and address.
According to information on the PSTA Web site, the last fare increase occurred in August of 2001.
Since that time, the price of diesel fuel has increased from 80 cents a gallon to the current cost of $2.34 a gallon, and insurance costs have climbed dramatically,” PSTA officials said.
Other reasons given for a needed rate hike include an increase in service and passenger amenities.
Proposed fares continue to offer free rides for children under the age of 5. The price for full cash fare would increase from $1.25 to $1.50 and the special citizen reduced cash fare would go up from 60 cents to 75 cents. Student fare would increase from 75 cents to $1.
A daily full fare unlimited GO card would increase in cost from $3 to $4, and the daily reduced fare GO card would go up from $1.50 to $2. A seven-day unlimited ride GO card would go up from $12 to $15; a seven-day youth unlimited GO card from $7 to $10. A 31-day unlimited ride GO card would increase in price from $40 to $50; and a 31-day reduced fare unlimited GO card would go up from $25 to $35.
Other increases include: youth haul pass for unlimited rides during the summer up from $25 to $30; premium cash fare from $1.50 to $2.50; special citizen reduced premium cash fare from 75 cents to $1.25; 20-ride premium fare GO card from $27 to $40; demand response cash fare from $2.50 to $3; demand response one-ride ticket from $2.50 to $3; and demand response 10-ride punch ticket from $25 to $30.
The price for a Passport, which is good for unlimited rides during a specified month on all buses, trolleys and streetcars, would remain $85. Five percent discounts still would be available for people who buy between 100 and 299 tokens, and a 10 percent discount would still be available for people who buy bulk tokens in quantities of 300 or more.
PSTA points to improvements in services and facilities since its last fare hike and future needs as further justification for rate increases, including:
Introduction of www.psta.net so customers could have access to information 24/7.
Opened Central Plaza Intermodal Terminal in St. Petersburg. The new station has room for 12 buses and features public restrooms and a customer service center.
Rehabilitated Park Street Station with a new roof, new larger customer service center, restrooms and fresh paint.
Installed strobe lights on the back of the entire fleet to heighten awareness for those following the bus and increase passenger safety.
Opened the Ulmerton Road Park n Ride for riders on the 300X and route 59.
Developed a transfer station on 34th Street in St. Petersburg, which is served by routes 11, 52, 59, 96, 97 and 98.
Developed a transfer station at the Shoppes at Park Place, in Pinellas Park.
Purchased 132 passenger shelters.
Other improvements included adding 10 MCI commuter buses, 20 trolley and 99 low-floor buses; adding new routes; increasing weekday service to every 30 minutes on some routes; adding weekend service and later night service on some routes.
PSTA is the public transit provider in Pinellas County, operating 180 buses and trolleys that serve 43 routes. In addition, two express buses travel between Pinellas County and Tampa, and the Suncoast Beach Trolley connects the gulf beaches from Clearwater Beach to Pass-A-Grille. During fiscal year 2004-2005 PSTA transported 10,481,997 passengers.
The PSTA InfoLine is 540-1900.
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Article published on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2006
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