Politics & Government

Light Rail, Fast Buses? — 'Greenlight' Wants 'Penny' for Your Thoughts, Clearwater

Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority officials believe a one-cent sales tax increase would help create a faster, more efficient bus system for all residents.

Kerry Afflitto's 26-year-old son is visually impaired. He depends on public transportation to get around independently.

One of his most recent attempt to get from Publix in Palm Harbor to a friend's house in New Tampa using the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority bus system took him five hours and $25.

"It needs to be fixed," Afflitto said while perusing PSTA's voter-dependent plans for light rail and faster, more efficient bus service during an informal gathering at East Lake Library on Monday, Aug. 19, led by "Greenlight Pinellas," a public relations movement to inform, educate and converse about Pinellas County's transportation future.

Several PSTA officials, including CEO Brad Miller and Chris Cochran, were in attendance to answer questions from north county residents who wanted to know what's in it for them if they vote "yes" to a one-percent, countywide sales tax next year that would be used to fund faster bus service and light rail between downtown Clearwater and St. Petersburg.

The important thing for people to realize is the sales tax is needed for "the big improvements in bus frequency to happen," Cochran said Monday. 

"Money-wise, rail is the biggest investment," Cochran said. "But the core is an improved bus system." 

The extra taxpayer funding would allow for more buses on the road and a move away from the hub system, which lengthens some passenger wait times to 45 minutes, to a street transfer system, which shortens waits to 5 to 7 minutes. The transfer system, Cochran explained, is how public transportation in major metro areas works. 

People are increasingly moving to areas where they don't need a car, Cochran said. A quick and efficient transfer system would help create that environment for Tampa Bay, he said.

"When you look at other cities, it's time," he said.

Afflitto said she would love for her son to not have to depend on her for mobility. She's hopeful Pinellas County residents will see the value behind a one-percent sales tax that funds PSTA's transportation plan. 

Until then, he "has to go someplace where he can depend on transportation," she said.

If you go:

What: Greenlight Pinellas Discussion
When: 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24
Where: East Library, 2251 Drew St.


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