The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority is rolling out a new program to help riders affected by service level changes.
PSTA has partnered with Uber and taxi companies for the Essential Workers Program. To qualify, you must be an essential employee who rides, or used to ride, the bus to get to work and are now having difficulty because of service changes.
For the safety of employees and riders, PSTA is currently operating on a Saturday schedule during the week and on a Sunday service level during the weekend.
The program can be paid for by the employee or business. It costs $20 for up to 25 trips to or from work per calendar month.
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“We have a job to do, to provide service to our community, and this program thinks outside the box,” said Stephanie Rank, PSTA Public Relations Coordinator. “It shows that we are a relevant part of the community, doing our part to go above and beyond to help the people.”
Rank says PSTA is working with four businesses so far and that there are currently 12 riders taking advantage of the program, with more in the queue. Rank says they will accept as many people as possible.
For more information on how to apply, click here.
The program will end once PSTA resumes regularly scheduled service.
