Back when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority was forced to cut service with so many riders no longer commuting to their offices. But for some of those considered essential workers who counted on a bus to get them to work, it was their only form of transportation.
PSTA stepped up with its Essential Worker program offering discounted rides to those who needed them and will continue this successful program until its schedule gets back to pre-pandemic capacity.
“We developed this program to help those people who are essential workers get to their jobs and provide food, money, etc. to not only their family, but to the community,” said Stephanie Rank, Public Relations Coordinator for PSTA.
PSTA continues to work with that population, but has seen fewer requests for it since increasing service on three of its busiest routes, according to Rank.
“I cannot speak for the entire board, but we at PSTA feel this is a successful program,” said Rank. “Back when the pandemic first hit, we took safety precautions as an agency and reduced service. Pinellas County, as you know, is a service county where a lot of people rely on us to bring them to work. We are a lifeline for them, and we take that as a responsibility.”
