Transit Update from PSTA's CEO Brad Miller

After the monthly meeting of PSTA’s Board of Directors, CEO Brad Miller puts together a summary of important topics that were discussed. Here is that recap from the March 20th meeting:

Greenlight Pinellas

• At a special ACPT meeting on Monday, PSTA's Public Outreach consultant, Tucker Hall, Inc. presented Greenlight Pinellas as the brand and strategy of our public engagement process about transit in Pinellas County.
• Greenlight Pinellas demonstrates:
  • A consensus of Pinellas County leadership
  • Engagement of the business community, civic organizations, and the public.
  • It will form the educational foundation for the future transit referendum.
• The PSTA Board will be asked to approve the outreach strategy at their April 24, 2013 meeting. 

FDOT Funding Request

• The PSTA Board approved a grant application to seek continued funding from the Florida Department of Transportation for two important projects:
  1. Mobility Management - Allows PSTA to enhance mobility of seniors and individuals with disabilities.
  2. Connector Service - Funds will support the continued operation of the new, innovative, and very popular North County Connector services. 
     

Pinellas Park Transit Center

• Easement Agreements and a Partnership MOU with the City of Pinellas Park to share in the capital construction expenses were approved by the PSTA Board.
• Construction should begin soon on a new, badly needed Pinellas Park Transit Center behind the Shoppes at Park Place (Target/Movie Theatre) just off US 19.

Business Community/Transit Oriented Land Use Design Outreach

• PSTA is partnering with the Pinellas County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to reach out to key stakeholders, businesses, and communities along the proposed rail line through St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park, Pinellas County, Largo, and Clearwater.
• The outreach is intended to inform and further develop the land use and economic development potential of transit related projects, such as the bus plan and Pinellas Alternatives Analysis rail corridor. 

PSTA Safety & Longevity Awards

• Each year PSTA employees are recognized for their many years of service and Bus Operators' safety records are celebrated.
• Steve Desrosier, in our Finance Department, was acknowledged for 30 years of service.
• Bus Operator Dave Beck was recognized for 35 years of safe driving.
• All together 990 years of service, and 2234 years of safe driving were recognized at award ceremonies held in-house.

To learn more about PSTA, please visit the website or read the blog.