WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) announced a $27,805,012 U.S. Department of Transportation grant for the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) to purchase new electric buses, hybrid buses, charging equipment and expand workforce training initiatives. The significant investment will help PSTA save money, improve air quality, reduce noise pollution and improve access to essential services for those living in Pinellas County and across the Tampa Bay area.

"This incredible investment will cut pollution, reduce congestion and save taxpayers money - and help train neighbors for good-paying jobs” said Rep. Castor. "Expanding clean public transit and options for commuters is an effective solution to reducing pollution and lowering the growing costs of climate change.”

 “Today, 117 communities, including Pinellas County, are receiving the good news that their transit buses are being modernized and their commutes improved through President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The Biden-Harris Administration is helping agencies across 47 states replace old buses running on dirty, expensive fuels by delivering modern and zero-emission buses, manufactured by American workers, that will connect more people to where they need to go.”

“I’m grateful for this investment in our community and for the strong partnership the City of St. Petersburg has built with Congresswoman Castor and President Biden’s Administration,” said Mayor Kenneth T. Welch. “This $27 million federal grant will help PSTA continue to be the best-run bus service in the nation while also improving our air quality and enabling our residents to move about our county in a safe, reliable, and cost-effective manner.”

"We couldn’t be more thankful for Congresswoman Castor and her support for public transportation and commitment to a sustainable future,” said Brad Miller, CEO, PSTA. “This investment will help replace 19-year-old polluting diesel buses with brand-new hybrid and electric buses. It will be a game changer for not only the riders who rely on PSTA to get them to work, school, and medical appointments but the entire Pinellas County community.”  

The funding announcement builds on a $1.1 million investment secured by Castor through her FY24 Community Project Funding requests to construct electric vehicle charging infrastructure to support the electric bus transition. View additional information about Rep. Castor’s community project funding requests here.