Additional Funding Allocated for Residents Participating in PSTA Transportation Disadvantaged Program

ST. PETERSBURG, FL (April 9, 2026) - Recently, the City of St. Petersburg allocated an additional $75,000 for the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) Program subsidy to further reduce the financial burden for more St. Pete residents relying on public transit. The PSTA TD program provides reduced-cost transportation to eligible Pinellas County residents, and the City provides additional assistance by covering the full cost of bus fare for St. Pete residents who qualify for this program.

"The City of St. Petersburg is proud to continue our commitment and support for the PSTA Transportation Disadvantaged Program," said Mayor Kenneth T. Welch. "Accessible public transit is a top priority for our community and this increased funding ensures all eligible residents have the opportunity to participate in the program. Especially with gas and other transportation-related costs continuing to rise, this program is more important now than ever. I want to thank PSTA for their ongoing partnership and service to our city's residents."

"We are so excited to expand this successful partnership, which over the last year has seen increases in both enrollment and overall ridership," said Brad Miller, Chief Executive Officer of PSTA. "With these additional funds, we will be able to provide transportation to St. Petersburg's citizens who need it most, without any direct impact on those citizens' wallets."

PSTA's TD Bus Fare Program provides reduced-cost transportation to Pinellas County residents whose gross household income is at or below 200% of the poverty level and lack access to alternative forms of transportation. While TD bus passes cost significantly less than regular passes, the price is still a barrier to some residents. In 2023, the City of St. Petersburg entered into an agreement with PSTA to subsidize bus fares for the TD program to eligible St. Pete residents.

Due to the growing utilization of this program, City administration recommended a supplemental appropriation of $75,000 for Fiscal Year 2026. This supplemental appropriation ensures that all qualified St. Pete residents are able to participate in this program. St. Pete City Council approved this supplemental appropriation at the March 26, 2026 meeting.

A recording of the meeting and accompanying presentation is available here: https://www.stpete.org/government/meetings___agendas/recorded_city_meetings.php

More information and a copy of the presentation can be found in the March 26, 2026 City Council agenda, beginning on page 132: https://cms5.revize.com/revize/stpete/2026-03-26%20Agenda%20Packet%20w_AddsDeletes.pdf?t=202603201059400&t=202603201059400

Information on how St. Pete residents can apply for the PSTA TD program is available on PSTA's website here: https://psta.net/rider-info/fares/