Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority

The board meeting involved several key discussions, including an update on agency efforts to support a passenger in need and public comments regarding ridership data and the vanpool program. The Board approved a contract for legal services related to a ferry accident and authorized a new contract for Microsoft licenses. Additionally, the Board approved a one-year extension for the vanpool program. Informational items presented included a new strategic plan focused on financial responsibility, operational excellence, and community impact, as well as a review of a recently completed study for South St. Pete.

The committee meeting covered updates on the millage rate and service levels for the agency. A report from the Forward Pinellas Citizens Advisory Committee provided information on federal funding for the transit authority and details regarding the State Road 60 Memorial Causeway Bridge study. Additionally, the committee received a presentation on the upcoming launch of the Connected Community Bus Network, including live demonstrations of the transit application and new on-demand route features.

The key discussions for the Planning Committee meeting included a presentation regarding a proposed bus donation to Pinellas Technical College, requiring Board approval to proceed under the PSTA Vehicle Donation Policy. Additionally, an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with the City of Dunedin for the installation and cost-sharing of two new bus shelters was reviewed, noting that Dunedin will be responsible for ongoing maintenance. An information item covered a presentation on ridership trends and system performance following the implementation of the Connected Community Bus Network (CCBN).

The Legislative Committee meeting addressed several action items, including the election of a new Committee Chair and Vice-Chair. Key discussions involved an update on state legislative matters, noting the upcoming session start and the filing of PSTA's appropriation request for $800,000 for the Clearwater Marina ferry docks. Property tax reform was identified as an issue to monitor. Updates on federal legislative matters included progress on appropriations bills and potential reforms to Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster assistance programs. Under other business, the committee discussed concerns regarding a vessel purchase contingent upon unfreezing federal grant funding, with assurances given that alternative plans would be pursued if the sale did not proceed.

Key discussions during the meeting included recognizing an outgoing board member and welcoming two incoming members. A significant action item involved the approval of a one-time waiver of the Vehicle Donation Policy to donate a bus to Pinellas Technical College to support their training program. Public comments raised concerns regarding bus stop removals, route timing, payment systems, and the use of Flamingo cards. The Board unanimously approved an amendment to the CEO contract modification (Item 5B). Following a request for more information regarding the Vanpool Program (Item 5D), the Board voted to defer that item to the next month. The remainder of the Consent Agenda was approved, including the approval of December 2025 minutes, a Landscaping Contract, an FDOT sidewalk easement, committee appointments, and system upgrades. An action item approved a cost-sharing agreement with the City of Dunedin for new ADA-compliant bus shelters, funded by the FTA. Information items covered the certification of general administrative expenses, noting a 3.61% cost growth for FY 2026, and a review of February service changes following a temporary ridership drop in November which subsequently increased in December.