News Summary
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority’s Board has approved a balanced budget for the upcoming fiscal year, with a total operating budget of $124 million. The budget includes funding for various projects aimed at improving public transportation, such as a new Clearwater station and the Connected Community Bus Network. Notably, the property tax rate has been reduced to its lowest in 15 years. PSTA is committed to financial sustainability while enhancing transit services for the community.
Clearwater, FL – The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) Board of Directors has approved a balanced budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year during its meeting on Wednesday. The new fiscal year will commence on October 1, 2025, with a total operating budget of $124,011,565 and a surplus of $162,520.
Additionally, the capital budget allocated for upcoming projects amounts to $68.6 million. Funds from this budget will support the construction of a new Clearwater station, which is part of broader plans to enhance public transport in the region. Furthermore, the PSTA has decided to decrease the property tax rate to 0.7300 mills, marking the lowest rate seen in the past 15 years. In comparison, the property tax rates for previous fiscal years were 0.7342 mills in 2024-2025 and 0.7500 mills in 2023-2024. A mill represents $1 of tax paid for every $1,000 of taxable value on a property, according to PSTA.
Funding for New Projects
The approved budget includes funding for several important projects, notably the Connected Community Bus Network, which is scheduled to launch on October 26, 2025. This initiative aims to create a more consistent and connected bus system, achieved through a reorganization of routes and schedules. Concurrently, the PSTA plans to introduce the Spark service on the same day, designed to provide transportation links from Eckerd College and the Skyway Marina District to downtown St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach.
Moreover, PSTA is currently working on establishing a new Tampa Bay Ferry service, with Hubbard’s Marina selected as the operator. This service aims to enhance the transportation options available to residents and visitors in the area.
Focus on Financial Sustainability
PSTA’s Chief Financial Officer has highlighted the Board’s commitment to cost-cutting and exploring new revenue sources to ensure the long-term sustainability of the transit system. Board member Max McCann has voiced support for the budget, emphasizing the importance of viewing public transportation as an investment rather than merely a cost. He referenced his personal experiences in an area well-served by public transit, which provided financial benefits through reduced car ownership costs.
Background on PSTA’s Role
The PSTA serves as the primary provider of public transportation in Pinellas County, Florida, facilitating the movement of residents and visitors throughout the region. With the introduction of new services and enhancements to existing offerings, the authority aims to meet the growing demand for efficient and reliable public transit options.
In recent years, PSTA has made several significant upgrades and expansions to its services, which have garnered positive feedback from the community. The latest budget reflects a continued commitment to improving and modernizing transportation infrastructure, making it more user-friendly for all residents.
Overall, the budget approval marks an important step forward for the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority as it strives to enhance public transportation options while maintaining a focus on fiscal responsibility and community engagement.
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst: Woman Dies After Being Run Over By PSTA Bus
- TBN Weekly: Woman Killed by PSTA Bus
- Patch: Woman Run Over and Killed by PSTA Bus in Clearwater Mall
- FOX 13 News: Investigation Underway Involving PSTA Bus Death
- IONTB: Clearwater Police Investigating Fatal Crash Involving PSTA Bus
- Wikipedia: Public Transportation
- Google Search: Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority
- Google Scholar: Public Transit Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Transportation
- Google News: PSTA Bus Accident
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
