Taxi

Metropolitan Planning Organization Pinellas County, Florida

More about the Transpor tation Disadvantaged Program Transportation

Disadvantaged Program

The Pinellas County Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) Program is administered by the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), which serves as the county Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC). The CTC is appointed by the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged. The CTC works closely with the Local Coordinating Board (LCB), which serves as the decision-making body for the TD Program. The LCB is comprised of private citizens, transportation providers, and representatives from the MPO, human service agencies, and other agencies that serve the transportation disadvantaged community. LCB meetings are held bi-monthly, usually on the third Tuesday of the month. For more information on LCB meetings or the TD Program, visit www.pinellascounty.org/mpo or call the Pinellas County MPO at (727) 464-8200. To register for the program, call (727) 545-2100.

Things to Remember when Requesting Ser vices

Wheelchair Van

Taxi

BusGreater Pinellas Transportation

Management Services (GPTMS) coordinates this

program on behalf of the MPO.

To speak with a representative of

the Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged,

call the TD HELPLINE: (800) 983-2345.

Metropolitan Planning Organization

727-464-8200 www.pinellascounty.org/mpo

Service is limited based on available funding.

Bus passes are provided to approved clients on a fi rst-come-fi rst-served basis.

Taxi or wheelchair van transportation is only provided when it is determined to be the most appropriate mode. For example, if a person is unable to use the bus system due to age, a verifi able physical or mental disability, or other proven reason.

Reservations for transportation by taxi cab or wheelchair van MUST be made at least 72-hours BEFORE service is needed.

Transportation is Provided to Qualifi ed Individuals for Trips Related to:• Medical Treatment

• Sustenance (i.e., travel to grocery store, nutritional dining sites, utility companies to pay bills, social security offi ces, banks, etc.)

• Employment*

• Education* (intended to help obtain or keep a job)

*Trips provided depending on availability of funds.

Bus: The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) provides bus service throughout most of the county. All buses are air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible. Individuals able to access and ride a bus will be provided 31-Day unlimited ride bus passes for $8.25 per month. The passes can be used for travel to any location served by the PSTA bus system. To get bus route maps and schedules from PSTA, call: (727) 540-1900, or go to www.PSTA.net.

Taxicab or Wheelchair Van: Individuals who DO NOT receive a bus pass will receive transportation via taxi or wheelchair van for $3.00 per one-way trip. The fee is due in cash at the time of the ride.

To request a TD Program Application call (727) 545-2100 or go to www.gptms.com.

Complete and mail the application to Greater Pinellas Transportation Management Services (GPTMS) to the address shown on the application.

Approval or denial should be received by the applicant within 10 to14 days.

For the bus pass program, trip verifi cation form must be turned in by the 15th of every month in order to qualify for the next month’s pass. For example, turn in your form no later than October 15th to get a pass in November.

• If approved for Taxi/Sedan or Wheelchair service, call GPTMS at (727) 545-2100 to request transportation.

• Requests must be made at least 72 hours BEFORE service is actually needed.

• If a trip request is approved, a reservation will be made for you. At that time you will be notifi ed of the pick-up window, which is one (1) hour before the scheduled appointment time. You should be ready anytime within the window. Drivers will not wait more than 5 minutes.

• Payment of $3.00 cash for each one-way trip MUST be given to the driver at the time of pick-up.

What is the Transpor tationDisadvantaged Program?

Taxi or Wheelchair TransportationHow Do I Get Transportation through the TD Program?

What Kind of Transportation is Available?

is a state-funded program that provides low-cost transportation

throughout the county to residents who qualify as “transportation disadvantaged.”

Transportation disadvantaged means that a person, due to physical or mental disability, age, or income status, does not have transportation available or can not purchase transportation to get access to life-sustaining activities.

Depending on mobility, access to public transportation, ability to ride a bus, and other individual factors, people participating in the TD Program will receive transportation by bus, sedan/taxi or wheelchair van.

If approved for a 31-Day bus pass there are two ways to obtain your pass:

• You can receive your pass by mail by sending a money order for $8.25 made out to GPTMS by the 15th of the month to obtain a pass for the upcoming month. Mail to: GPTMS, 13825 Icot Blvd., #613, Clearwater, FL 33760

• Or, you may pick up your pass at one of PSTA’s Customer Service Centers: Park Street Terminal, 525 Park St, Clearwater; Williams Park, 340 2nd Ave; or Grand Central Station, 3180 Central Ave, St. Petersburg. You must show a government issued photo ID and pay $8.25 in cash. Passes can be picked up between the 1st and the 15th of the month.

Bus Pass Transportation

What Kind of Transportation is Available?