ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority’s transportation disadvantaged program just got a big boost from the City of St. Petersburg.

What You Need To Know

With help from the state, PSTA provides reduced cost fares through the Transportation Disadvantaged program

In 2023, the City of St. Petersburg gave $175,000 to fully cover qualifying riders’ costs. Earlier this month, the council approved $75,000 in additional funding

Compared to last year, PSTA says it sees 300 more passengers per month taking advantage of the program

To qualify, your household income must be below 200% of the federal poverty line

Council members approved $75,000 in additional funding, allowing qualifying city residents to ride buses within the county completely free. But it’s not just St. Pete — the program is available across Pinellas.

When Roger Stubbins needs to go somewhere, PSTA is becoming his go-to.

Stubbins is just one of the thousands of bus riders taking advantage of PTSA’s transportation disadvantaged program.

“We need this. I need this. Everybody who is trying to get their life together needs this,” said Stubbins.

Qualifying Pinellas County residents whose income is less than 200% of the federal poverty line can apply for a reduced price unlimited bus pass. The average TD rider pays just $11 per month.

But qualifying riders who live within the City of St. Pete ride for free. The city and the state cover the $85 unlimited bus pass for neighbors who need it most.

“Being able to get around town for free, rather than worrying about where am I going to find that $11, or $85 if they were paying full retail out of pocket, truly does make a difference for people whose assets are really stretched right now,” said Amanda Baird of PSTA.

With gas and insurance prices remaining high, Baird says it’s no wonder the program is seeing 300 more riders per month this year, over last.

She says she’s thankful for the City of St. Pete, which began funding the program in 2023, and is willing to talk with any other Pinellas city who want to do something similar.

“That extra $75,000 a year is basically about 550 St. Petersburg residents who get a year of transportation. And if folks, in that year, are able to pull themselves up from their bootstraps, get higher paying jobs, those passes don’t just disappear, it’s on a monthly basis. So, every month we’re able to help more and more St. Petersburg residents get up on their feet,” said Baird.

Without his free unlimited bus pass, Stubbins would be forced to walk to appointments, job interviews, anywhere he needed to go. He says the TD program has given him and many others a new lease on life.

“Think about yourself sometimes, something might happen and you might need this system too. And so it’s here, I love it,” Stubbins said.

For details on how to apply, visit PSTA’s website.