PSTA launches new bus route connecting St. Petersburg to Tampa International Airport
PSTA announces express bus route to TPA
Travelers and workers heading between downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa International Airport will soon have a faster, low-cost transit option across Tampa Bay. FOX 13's Aaron Mesmer reports.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Travelers and workers heading between downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa International Airport will soon have a faster, low-cost transit option across Tampa Bay.
St. Petersburg Airport Express Route
What we know:
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) announced Monday that it is launching a new bus line with nine stops called the 727 Express, named in honor of Pinellas County's area code. PSTA says services will run from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week beginning in October.
Buses will travel along the Howard Frankland Bridge Express Lanes to provide a faster and more reliable trip aimed at easing roadway congestion and helping workers commute, according to PSTA. Each vehicle on the route will feature air conditioning, Wi-Fi and luggage racks.
Tampa Bay Bus Service Details
By the numbers:
The 727 will make nine stops throughout downtown St. Petersburg before traveling directly to Tampa International Airport using the Howard Frankland Bridge Express Lanes.
New Pinellas bus route goes directly to TPA
Buses will travel along the Howard Frankland Bridge using the express lanes.
The service will operate seven days a week from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m., with one-way fares costing $2.25.
PSTA says the buses will also include luggage racks to better accommodate airport travelers.
What they're saying:
PSTA says the service is designed to provide a faster, more reliable trip between Pinellas County and Tampa International Airport by taking advantage of the new express lanes that opened earlier this year on the Howard Frankland Bridge.
Airport leaders say the route will benefit not only passengers, but also thousands of employees who commute to work at Tampa International Airport from Pinellas County.
The service is also expected to improve access between Tampa International Airport, downtown St. Petersburg and the region's Gulf beaches.
What's next:
The new premium transit service is expected to begin operating in October.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, which announced the new transit service in a public statement.