For over 40 years, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has been quietly getting people where they need to go. PSTA buses have connected neighborhoods, businesses, schools, and recreation spots, serving as the backbone of public transportation in the county. But lately, PSTA has been doing something much bigger: completely rethinking how people move around Pinellas County, and how transit can improve quality of life for everyone. The goal: to make public transit not just an alternative, but a true first choice for getting around.
The new Connected Community Bus Network (CCBN) is PSTA’s solution to the changing needs of Pinellas County. This redesigned network responds to the needs of Pinellas County residents and visitors to streamline bus service and make transit more accessible, frequent, and reliable across the county.
Why It Matters
The CCBN isn’t just a few small tweaks. It’s a complete reimagining of how 200+ buses move people across the county. Now they’re faster, more reliable, and more frequent.
Whether you’re a student juggling classes and part-time work, a parent trying to shave $200 off your monthly gas budget, or someone who just doesn’t want to hunt for parking downtown anymore, PSTA’s improvements directly affect your wallet, your schedule, and your quality of life. Enhanced transit service means more independence for seniors, better access to education and jobs for students, and more affordable choices for families. Plus, visitors also benefit with easier access and connections across the county.
What the Changes Mean for You
More frequent service when you need it. Most routes now run seven days a week with consistent schedules, so you can plan your day with confidence. Riders will also benefit from expanded weekend service, so you can get to work, the farmer’s market, or the beach just as easily as during the week. Evening hours have also been extended on many routes, making social outings and late shifts easier to manage.
Timed transfers that actually work. Routes now sync up at select hub locations, so you’re not stuck waiting 45 minutes for a connection. With better-coordinated schedules, you can transfer between buses quickly and reliably. It sounds simple, but it’s the difference between a 90-minute commute and a 60-minute one.
Spark: High-speed connectivity for the growing south burg. This new high-frequency service runs along 34th Street South (US 19), one of the county’s busiest corridors, and is designed to cut travel times and open new opportunities for work, school, and play, especially in communities that previously had limited transit options. Students can now zip to Grand Central Station, where they can connect to other major routes or downtown destinations. Commuters can connect to northern Pinellas with ease. And if you’re heading to downtown St. Pete or the beach, you’ve got smooth transfers to the SunRunner.
On-demand flexibility where you need it. Our new Snapper On-Demand service provides transit for two specials zones in Clearwater and Safety Harbor when YOU need it. It’s like having rideshare service without the rideshare price tag.
Work & Play with PSTA
The CCBN is about giving you access to everything Pinellas has to offer. Whether it’s getting to work, school, the grocery store, community events, or exploring downtown, your transit service should make all of it easier, not harder. With more frequent and reliable buses, it’s now possible to plan last-minute trips. And local businesses benefit from increased foot traffic, and the community enjoys greater mobility and connection.
It’s not about the buses themselves; it’s about the life they unlock. More frequent service means you can make that 6 PM yoga class without leaving work early or take your kids to an after-school program without rushing. Better connectivity means your options multiply: more jobs are reachable, more restaurants are within reach, and more of the county is available for you to explore. For people with disabilities or limited mobility, the new network provides greater independence and confidence to travel the region safely and comfortably.
The Bottom Line
Transit works best when people actually use it. PSTA has clearly listened to what riders need—reliability, frequency, and real connectivity—and delivered. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a retiree seeking new adventures, a student, or someone who’s only ridden the bus once, CCBN makes PSTA worth another look. The new system is designed to grow with Pinellas County, adapting to changing needs and ensuring that public transit remains a resource for everyone in the community.
Check out the new routes and schedules at psta.net/how-to-ride/play. Your next commute (and your wallet) might thank you.
This article appears in Oct. 30 – Nov. 5, 2025.