St. Pete 2.0 [Survey Closed]: What are your thoughts on Bus Rapid Transit?

The St Petersburg renaissance has been in full swing for over a decade.  We’ve excelled in many areas and struggled in others. In our series, St. Pete 2.0, we’re partnering with the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership to explore what lies on the other side of our potential – what will it take to move to the ‘next level’ as a city.  Through this series, we’ll dig into specific topics with the hopes you, our thoughtful citizens, will share your insight, experience and wisdom. 

Since 2015, PSTA has been working on a new bus rapid transit (BRT) line that would travel from downtown St. Petersburg to St. Pete Beach. The new line is slated to open in 2020-21.  

BRT is a specialized, train-like vehicle with frequent service that operates at a fraction of the costs of light rail or a train. Riders pay in advance and can use any door to enter or exit, just like a train.  BRT reduces traffic congestion and makes it easier for people who do choose to drive to find parking places.  

50,000 people work within a half mile of the corridor and the route will serve downtown medical centers, USFSP, restaurants and shops, museums and performing arts centers, Tropicana Field and hotels and businesses along Pinellas County beaches.  

The project has broad support from the City of St. Petersburg, Pinellas County leaders, and St. Petersburg’s business community. But resident and some businesses in St. Pete Beach have expressed opposition to the new service. Some leaders in St. Pete Beach have proposed creating their own “right-sized” transit service to serve their needs. 

We want to know what you think. 

Is Bus Rapid Transit an answer to our community’s growing population and expanding tourism economy? Or will it create more congestion for residents, businesses, workers and tourists? 

**The survey is now closed.**