Deborah Figgs-Sanders

The committee meeting covered a report on the PSTA Board of Directors' approval of the Tampa Bay Ferry takeover and the purchase of a used vessel. Discussions included a search for a new representative for the Forward Pinellas Citizens Advisory Committee and the re-election of the committee Chair and Vice-Chair. Additionally, the committee received a presentation on upcoming February service changes related to the Connected Community Bus Plan and established 2026 initiatives, including reviving the TRAC Stars awards and continuing the board ride-along program.

The committee meeting included a Chair's report regarding information from the recent Board of Directors meeting. Key agenda items featured a presentation on Florida State Sunshine Laws and the committee's bylaws, a progress update on the Transit Development Plan, and a status report on the Clearwater Station project. Additionally, the committee discussed arrangements for taking official headshots at an upcoming meeting.

The committee meeting included a report on recent board activities, specifically the recognition of incoming and outgoing board members and a vehicle donation initiative. The meeting also featured presentations on property tax reduction scenarios and the organization's strategic plan with goals through 2030. Additionally, committee members provided feedback regarding their personal experiences with the customer helpline and discussed the potential for installing more benches and shelters at transit locations.

The public hearing focused on proposed transit service changes, specifically the potential implementation of the 727 route and the possible elimination or modification of Route 100. Community members expressed concerns regarding commute times, connectivity to transit hubs, service frequency, and the impact on daily commuters, students, and employees who rely on existing routes. Participants suggested improvements to current infrastructure rather than complete service replacement and emphasized the need for maintaining access to specific corridors.

The committee discussed updates on state and federal legislative matters, including the recent approval of new congressional district maps and their impact on local representation. Updates were provided regarding an upcoming budget-focused special session, the approval of matching funds for a ferryboat grant, and ongoing developments with federal redistricting and gerrymandering rulings. Additionally, the committee reviewed the status of highway bill reauthorization, efforts to update FDA drug testing regulations for Transportation Network Company services, and the progress of federal appropriations bill markups.