PSTA Expands Partnership with Uber, Lyft Across Pinellas County

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – With more people using ride-sharing services, Pinellas County is working toward strengthening its public transportation collaboration with companies new and old.

After the success of the first partnership of its kind between Uber and a public transit system, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority is expanding that partnership from an initial small pilot area to the entire county.

The PTSA Board of Directors unanimously approved new contracts with Uber and United Taxi, and for the first time with the ride-sharing service Lyft during its meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 26.

Branded as Direct Connect, the second pilot program is designed to give low-cost Uber, Lyft or taxi rides to designated bus stops. This will allow more residents access to PSTA’s primary bus lines.

“It’s really impressive that PSTA has been in the forefront of the transit industry in launching the first true first-mile/last-mile program, and we’re proud to partner with PSTA,” said Danielle Sipf, the senior operations manager for Uber, Inc.

PSTA CEO Brad Miller said the national recognition his organization has received for their innovative partnership with Uber has been great.

“Our real focus continues to be how we can us these new technologies to benefit our thousands of transit customers,” he said. “By providing $1 rides to and from our bus lines, we hope to attract an even wider customer base to use public transportation as their preferred mode. This is the future of transportation and we’re happy to be the leaders as it benefits our community.”

The six-month program will officially launch in mid-December. Riders will pay an average of $1 to use the program to travel to the nearest designated bus stop. Riders will then continue to their destination on the bus. PSTA is providing a $5 discount per trip under the program.

“It’s exciting to work with our partners like Uber and taxis on this innovative program that benefits our customers,” said PSTA board chairman Darden Rice.

The five companies approved to provide the service are Uber, Lyft, United Taxi, Care Ride and Wheelchair Transport.

Image via Daniel Oines, Flickr, used under Creative Commons