DRAFT

SECTION 4EXISTING PSTA SERVICE LEVELSThis section provides a review of existing PSTA service levels and is divided into four subsections includingexisting service, operating statistics, performance evaluation and trends, and a peer review. The review ofexisting service includes a general description of the structure of PSTA and its system characteristics. Theoperating statistics and performance evaluation and trends render a detailed examination of route-by-routeoperating performance. Peer review provides an opportunity for PSTA to compare its system-wideeffectiveness and efficiency indicators with other peer transit systems to determine how well PSTA isperforming compared to similar transit agencies. The results of the peer review serve as a starting point forPSTA to adjust its operations and/or policies to achieve better system cost efficiency and operatingperformance.EXISTING SERVICEThe Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority provides service to Pinellas County. The county is the smallest,yet most densely populated county in Florida with a population of over 900,000. Presently, PSTA has over550 employees and 200 buses, and serves 21 of the 24 communities in Pinellas County plusunincorporated areas. PSTA's route network can be generally categorized as a hub and spoke system withthree major hubs: downtown St. Petersburg, Grand Central Station, and downtown Clearwater. Maps 4-1and 4-2 illustrate the transit service population within a quarter-mile and three-quarter mile distance of thefixed-route network, respectively. A table presenting detailed population characteristics within each servicearea is included for each map.PSTA currently operates buses on 36 local routes (30 base routes, 2 circulators, and 4 commuter routes)and 1 trolley service, providing transit service coverage to 21 of the 24 incorporated communities plus theunincorporated area of Pinellas County. Service is not provided to Kenneth City, Belleair Beach, andBelleair Shores. In addition, routes 100X and 300X provide express service to Tampa. The PSTAweekday peak fleet requirement was 157 in FY 2009. The Saturday vehicle requirement was 94 buses;while the Sunday/Holiday service requirement was 59 buses. PSTA provides service to St. Pete Beachand Treasure Island via a service contract, although these areas are not part of the transit authority. Inaddition, PSTA provides demand response service to persons with disabilities in accordance with the ADAimplementing regulations. Map 4-3 shows the PSTA’s fixed-route system as of October 2009.Tindale-Oliver & Associates, Inc.Pinellas Suncoast Transit AuthoritySeptember 2010 4-1 Transit Development Plan