As gas prices skyrocket across the country, Fla.’s Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is offering half–priced fares from March 21 through May 31. The national average hit Pinellas County residents nearly $4.40 per gallon.

“As Pinellas County drivers are beginning to evaluate their situation that best fits their needs, we want public transportation to be the obvious and number one alternative to being held hostage by high gas prices,” said Brad Miller, CEO of PSTA. “Providing current riders additional savings and inviting new riders the option to dump the pump offers local families a significant way to improve their bottom line.”

Although PSTA is already a cost-effective transportation option, PSTA will further discount fare paid through the Flamingo Fares card or app. Flamingo fares offers the best fare value on a daily and monthly basis.

During the promotion, fares will change to: 

• Regular Fares: Single Rides $1.10, Daily cap $2.50, monthly cap $35.

• Reduced Fares: $0.55, Daily cap $1.25, monthly cap $17.50.

• Additionally: For new Flamingo Card Users, the $3 card fee will be waived if the user loads more than $20 onto their new card. New app accounts will continue to be free.

• Qualified Transportation Disadvantaged program users will still receive their best value fare at $11 per month. 

“As gas prices continue to soar, the need for Pinellas County residents to get to work, the grocery store or an appointment has not changed; so PSTA will take them there for 90% less than the price at the pump when they use Flamingo Fares,” added Miller. “As the costs of driving alone and damage to our environment go up, we thought this was a good time to have the cost of a more sustainable transportation option go down.”