The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has reported significant advantages from its partnership with Uber, illustrating how integrating rideshare options into traditional public transit saves costs and improves access to late-night transportation for residents.
The Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) Late Shift Program was specifically created to support individuals with early-morning or late-night jobs—especially in industries like hospitality and security—who face unique transportation challenges.
“To run our core fixed-route network between 10 PM and 6 AM, it would cost us about 6 and a half million dollars annually,” said Bonnie Epstein, PSTA’s Director of Mobility Services in a Transit Unplugged Podcast. “To run the TD Late Shift program with Uber, we’re spending under $400,000 a year, and really giving the riders that need it the most the service that they need. We wouldn’t be able to provide this service without partners like Uber.” She continued.
With limited bus service at night, workers without personal vehicles or unable to afford other transportation options are often left stranded. The TD Late Shift Program mitigates this issue by offering up to 25 free trips each month between 10 PM and 6 AM, providing eligible residents with reliable, affordable rides across Pinellas County.
Through Uber, PSTA delivers a tailored, efficient late-night service that not only meets community needs but also conserves public resources. This partnership underscores a growing trend in public transit to incorporate rideshare services, creating integrated, cost-effective solutions for both riders and agencies. According to the American Public Transportation Association, participants in the TD Late Shift program pay just $9 monthly for up to 25 fully-subsidized rides—a benefit valued at over $300 based on average local trip costs.
Data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics shows that in 2022, households in the lowest income quintile spent 30.4% of their after-tax income on transportation, compared to 12.0% for those in the highest quintile. Additionally, research from the Urban Institute suggests that increased access to transportation reduces barriers to essential services, such as health care, which can enhance both health and overall well-being.