PSTA Board Postpones Elimination of St. Pete Beach Bus Route 90 After Community Pushback
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) board has voted to continue operating bus Route 90, which serves St. Pete Beach, until at least the end of the calendar year. This decision comes after significant pushback from riders and local businesses, particularly hotels in St. Pete Beach, who rely on the service for their employees. PSTA staff had initially recommended eliminating Route 90, citing lower ridership numbers and an estimated annual saving of $314,000. However, the board, in a 13-0 vote, opted to give the route an extension to allow staff to re-evaluate ridership data, engage with hotel employers, and explore ways to improve the route's viability. Concurrently, the board approved the elimination of the Safety Harbor Snapper, an on-demand service that has consistently struggled with low ridership, saving approximately $135,000 annually. Other routes, including Route 16, Route 58, the Clearwater Snapper, and the Grouper airport service, were retained. 
