North County Connector Buses Will Pick You Up at Home

Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority is launching an new bus system designed especially for north county suburbs, including Dunedin.

Local leaders and PSTA officials celebrated the upcoming launch of PSTA's new North County Connector routes during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday. 

PSTA considered input from local residents when designing the three new bus routes which will serve Dunedin, East Lake, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Countryside, Oldsmar, and Westchase.

"It was basically designed by the public," Brad Miller, PSTA C.E.O, said.

The North County Connector routes will feature mini buses that can accommodate up to 14 seated passengers and up to two wheelchairs or scooters. Because the buses are smaller, they offer a quieter ride and they're easy to maneuver through suburban neighborhoods.

To catch a ride:

• Board at a bus stop along the route
• Call 727-540-1900 two hours in advance to have a bus pick you up at a location of your choice, within three-quarters of a mile of a North County Connector bus route. 

The new bus system also offers Real Time Bus Information technology which allows people to use a computer or smartphone to find out exactly when a Connector bus will arrive at their stop.

PSTA encourages the public to try the new bus service and will offer free rides through Dec. 31. Beginning Jan. 1, the cost to ride will be the same as other PSTA fares: $2 for a one-way trip ($1 for seniors and special citizens) and $4.50 for an all-day pass ($2.25 for seniors and special citizens). 

Hours of operation:

• Weekdays: hourly from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturdays: hourly from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• No service on Sundays and holidays.

Editor's Note: You can see each route by clicking on the .pdfs included in the photo section of this article.

Related Coverage:

• Month of Free Rides on New Bus Service Begin Dec. 10
• More Bus Service Options Coming to Dunedin