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How To ride
Your Guide to a Great Ride
Whether you’re a first-time rider or a seasoned bus veteran, we’ve got your back with everything you need to know about riding with PSTA. Think of this as your friendly roadmap to becoming a transit superstar.
THE FOLLOWING BEHAVIORS ARE PROHIBITED:
- Stay behind the yellow line at the front of the bus when the vehicle is in motion and do not distract the Bus Operator while he/she is driving.
- Open food and/or drink containers are not allowed.
- Drinking alcoholic beverages or possessing open containers of alcoholic beverages is not allowed.
- Smoking of any kind, including electronic cigarettes, is not allowed.
- Pets (non-service animals) may only be brought on the bus in a secured pet carrier.
- Carts and strollers must be folded and stored out of the aisle. Do not block walk ways.
- Shirts, pants (bottoms), and shoes must be worn on the bus.
- Headphones must be used when playing electronic devices to limit sound to the hearing of the individual user.
- Flammable liquid, or combustible or hazardous materials are not allowed.
- Panhandling, soliciting, littering, and vandalism are not allowed.
- Do not engage in disruptive, disturbing, or aggressive behavior.
- Do not engage in discourteous behavior to PSTA employees or other customers.
- Do not cross in front of the bus after exiting, or stand in front of the bus in any travel lane or parking area (except when loading/unloading bikes).
- Roller skating, roller, blading, and skate boarding are not allowed.
- Be prepared to show proper ID every time you board to pay a reduced fare.
Failure to comply with the code of conduct can lead to expulsion or trespass from all PSTA property and vehicles and/or arrest by local law enforcement.
The Code also introduces a procedure to appeal an expulsion or trespass order.
Riders requesting to appeal an expulsion or trespass order, resulting from a rules violation, are invited to send comments to ride@psta.net.
See the Rules in Action
We’ve created some fantastic videos that bring these guidelines to life. Check out our #RULESOFTHEROAD series to see exactly how easy it is to be a great PSTA rider!
Totally New? Here’s the Step-by-Step Guide:
Ready to become a bus-riding pro? Here’s your game plan:
Before You Board
Plan your trip using our schedules to find the perfect departure time. Pro tip: schedules change throughout the day and on weekends, so double-check you’re looking at the right time!
Find your stop by looking for official PSTA bus stop signs. Our operators can only pick you up at marked stops—it’s a safety thing, and we’re all about keeping you safe.
Signal the bus when you see it approaching. Check the route number above the windshield and give a friendly wave so the operator knows you’re ready to board.
Getting on Board
Have your fare ready before the bus arrives. Whether it’s exact change, your credit or debit card, or your trusty Flamingo app, being prepared makes boarding smooth for everyone.
Board through the front door and don’t worry if you need accessibility features—all our buses have wheelchair lifts and most have kneeling devices. Just let your operator know!
Find your perfect seat but remember those front spots are reserved for seniors and people with disabilities.
During Your Ride
Enjoy the free Wi-Fi! Yes, you read that right—we have free internet to make your commute even better. Learn how to connect here.
Stay alert and help keep our system safe by reporting anything suspicious to your bus operator. We’re all looking out for each other!
Request stop announcements if you need them—we’re happy to help passengers with disabilities know when their stop is coming up.
Getting Off the Bus
Signal early by pulling the cord or pushing the strip near the window. Buses need more time to stop than cars, so give your operator plenty of notice.
Exit through the rear door whenever possible—it keeps things flowing smoothly for everyone.
Going the Distance
When the bus reaches the end of its route and turns around, that’s the end of the line—and the end of your current fare. Want to continue in the opposite direction? You’ll need to pay another fare or tap your Flamingo card again. Think of it as starting a brand-new journey!
Plan Your Perfect Trip
Use our online trip planner, available 24/7! It makes trip planning a breeze.
Call our InfoLine at 727-540-1900 and tell our customer service superstars where you’re starting and where you want to go. They’ll map out your perfect route! We’re here to help seven days a week:
- Monday–Friday: 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday and most holidays: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Accessibility Champions
Every single PSTA vehicle is equipped to accommodate wheelchairs and wheeled mobility aids. We’ll secure your mobility device properly during transport because your safety and comfort are our top priorities.
A Few More Things to Remember
Holiday schedules run on Sundays for New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Weather and traffic can affect our schedules, but we work hard to stay on time and keep you informed.
Questions? Don’t hesitate to ask your bus operator or give us a call. We’re here to make your transit experience exceptional!
What Makes Our Travel Training Special?
This isn’t your typical classroom experience. Our travel trainers come directly to you for completely personalized, one-on-one instruction that’s tailored to your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re a senior who’s never used public transit, someone with a visual impairment, a wheelchair user, or anyone else who wants to master the art of bus riding, we’ve got you covered!
And the best part? It’s completely free. No catch, no hidden fees, just our commitment to helping you gain the skills and confidence you need to navigate your world.
Your Training Adventure Includes:
Master the Art of Transit
By the time you complete your training, you’ll be a bona fide transit pro! Here’s what you’ll have in your toolkit:
Everyone’s Welcome Here!
Who can participate? Simply put—anyone who wants to learn! Our training is designed for people of every age and ability level. Whether you’re:
- A wheelchair user or someone with another mobility device
- Someone with vision loss or low vision
- An older adult who’s new to public transit
- Anyone else who wants to build confidence using the bus system
You belong here, and we’re excited to work with you!
Your Questions, Answered
“How much will this cost me?”
Absolutely nothing! This program is our gift to the community. We believe everyone deserves access to independent transportation, and we’re proud to offer this training completely free of charge.
“Where can I learn to travel?”
The entire PSTA service area is your classroom! We serve all of Pinellas County and certain destinations in Hillsborough County. Whether you want to reach medical offices, shopping centers, recreation facilities, schools, workplaces, or anywhere else we go—we’ll help you get there confidently.
Your practice trip can be completely customized to a destination that matters to you. Want to learn the route to your favorite restaurant? Your doctor’s office? A new job? We’ll make that your training destination!
“Will I lose my PSTA Access eligibility if I learn to ride the bus?”
Not at all! Here’s the beautiful thing about our approach: Travel Training graduates can ride the regular bus when they’re able and continue using the Access program when they need it. It’s all about giving you more options and flexibility, not taking anything away.
Ready to Transform Your Transportation Experience?
Learning to ride PSTA isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about opening doors to new possibilities, maintaining your independence, staying connected to your community, and accessing affordable transportation that puts you in control of your schedule.
Our travel trainers are passionate about helping you succeed, and they’ll be with you every step of the way. From that first nervous moment to your confident solo trips, we’re here to support your journey to transit independence.
Ready to get started? Your adventure in independent travel begins with a single phone call or email. Let’s chat about your goals and set up your personalized training experience. Because everyone deserves the freedom to go where they want, when they want—and we’re here to help make that happen.