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    1. Technology
    2. Fare Collection

    PSTA cuts transit fares in half to help with rising gas prices

    March 14, 2022
    Riders can save nearly $300 per month when choosing the Clearwater/St. Petersburg transit agency.
    Related To: Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA)

    The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is reducing its fares by half from March 21 through May 31, as gas prices continue to rise.

    The national average hit Pinellas County residents at nearly $4.40 per gallon for gas (AAA).

    “As Pinellas County drivers are beginning to evaluate their situation that best fits their needs, we want public transportation to be the obvious and number one alternative to being held hostage by high gas prices,” said Brad Miller, CEO, PSTA. “Providing current riders additional savings and inviting new riders the option to dump the pump offers local families a significant way to improve their bottom line.”

    PSTA will further discount fares paid through the Flamingo Fares card or app. Flamingo fares offers the best fare value on a daily and monthly basis.

    During the promotion, fares will change to:

    • Regular Fares: Single Rides $1.10, daily cap $2.50, monthly cap $35
    • Reduced Fares: $0.55, daily cap $1.25, monthly cap $17.50
    • Additionally: For new Flamingo Card users, the $3 card fee will be waived if the user loads more than $20 onto their new card. New app accounts will continue to be free.
    • Qualified Transportation Disadvantaged program users will still receive their best value fare at $11 per month.

    PSTA says customers can take the bus and save nearly $300 using PSTA’s Flamingo Fares monthly pass.

    “As gas prices continue to soar, the need for Pinellas County residents to get to work, the grocery store or an appointment has not changed; so PSTA will take them there for 90 percent less than the price at the pump when they use Flamingo Fares,” added Miller. “As the costs of driving alone and damage to our environment go up, we thought this was a good time to have the cost of a more sustainable transportation option go down.”

    To use Flamingo Fares, a smart card & app system that allows riders to manage their funds seamlessly and always take advantage of the best fare value, riders can purchase and reload a card at any PSTA customer service center or download the app on their smartphone.