METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Fla.’s PSTA launches 3 new bus routes

The North County Connectors will offer bus service to many communities that have never had transit service before. Since the routes feature smaller buses that can divert up to three-fourths of a mile off of the regular route, a greater portion of the residents in those communities will be able to take advantage of the service.

December 6, 2012
Fla.’s PSTA launches 3 new bus routes

 

2 min to read


Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) launched three new bus routes in northern Pinellas County.

The new routes, called the North County Connectors, will offer bus service to many communities that have never received transit service before. Additionally, since the routes feature smaller buses that can divert up to three-fouths of a mile off of the regular route, a greater portion of the residents in those communities will be able to take advantage of PSTA’s service.

The buses will accommodate up to two wheelchairs or scooters each, along with 14 seated passengers. Their smaller size makes it easy for bus operators to navigate tighter turns often found inside neighborhoods while the smaller engines offer a quiet ride.

The new buses will also be equipped with PSTA’s new real-time bus information technology that allows people to use a computer or smartphone to know exactly when a Connector bus will arrive at their stop, says PSTA CEO Brad Miller.

The new hourly services, which start December 10, will run along three different routes throughout the northern part of the county.

In addition to getting on and off the buses at regular stops, riders can call up to two hours in advance to schedule a pick up or drop off within ¾ mile of the regular route. That means that riders traveling to a destination within three-quarters of a mile of a Connector route can call ahead and have the Connector pick them up at their curb and drop them off at their destination.

PSTA leaders say that these new services will connect riders to numerous commercial, medical and recreational destinations throughout the county including other PSTA, Hillsborough Area Regional Transit and Pasco County Public Transit services.

To encourage residents to take advantage of the new services, PSTA will offer free rides on the Connectors through the end of December.

More Paratransit

A maintenance person with a tablet.
ManagementJune 5, 2026

Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI

Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.

Read More →
SamTrans planning for ballot measure
Managementby StaffJune 4, 2026

SamTrans Sets Priorities for Potential Connect Bay Area Revenue

The board-approved framework allocates future funding to maintaining service, rider improvements, equity initiatives, and infrastructure repairs.

Read More →
Managementby StaffJune 1, 2026

Chicago's NITA Act Moves Into Next Phase as Service Improvements Begin

Rider-focused improvements will begin rolling out across the system immediately as CTA, Metra, and Pace increase service this summer in the six-county region.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
frontrunner bus image
SponsoredJune 1, 2026

A True Low-Floor Minibus Design Delivers Better Accessibility and Efficiency for Everyone

As transit demands evolve, so should your fleet. Download the whitepaper to see how the Low-Floor Frontrunner Minibus compares to traditional options.

Read More →
thumbnail for 2026 METRO Buyer’s Guide & Directory
SponsoredMay 27, 2026

2026 METRO Buyer’s Guide & Directory

Searching for the right vehicles, technology, equipment, or services for your public transit or motorcoach operation? This industry guide brings together manufacturers and suppliers from across the transportation market — all in one place. Download it to connect with the companies that help agencies and operators improve mobility, enhance operations, and move their organizations forward.

Read More →
Emily DeVito and her children
Managementby Alex RomanMay 26, 2026

Rays the Mark Foundation to Honor CDTA’s Emily DeVito at October Fundraiser

Event at Chicago-area Ravisloe Country Club will support DeVito, a transit employee and mother of twins battling kidney failure and awaiting a transplant.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A Heliox charger on KC Metro property

King County Test Heliox Chargers, Keolis Lands California Contract Top Biz Briefs

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
Spare logo for Fixed Route Platform
Technologyby StaffMay 19, 2026

Spare Expands AI-Native Operations Platform With Fixed-Route Capabilities

The launch marks a major milestone in Spare’s vision for unified transit operations.

Read More →
Trinity Metro On Demand Vehicle
Technologyby StaffMay 19, 2026

Via Announces Scheduling and Supply Studio

The Scheduling and Supply Studio provides the world’s first fully integrated platform for optimizing vehicle and driver availability to rider demand, said company officials.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
MBTA Green Line Construction
Railby StaffMay 18, 2026

Boston's MBTA Completes Latest Green Line Work

The work took place during 12 consecutive days of shuttle bus service replacement between Kenmore and Cleveland Circle. 

Read More →