Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority’s (PSTA) downtown St. Petersburg Looper service returned the morning of June 5.
The service was temporarily suspended March 30 due to lack of ridership brought on by business and hotel closures caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Service will begin at 7:00 a.m. Monday through Friday and will begin at 8:00 a.m. on the weekends. Service will conclude each day at 10:00 p.m.
Since the expanded looper service was introduced in 2018, ridership numbers for the Looper have doubled and in some months, even tripled, says PSTA. The downtown St. Petersburg Looper service will include two trolleys, running 30 minutes end-to-end and fares are free.
PSTA is also announcing the return of bus service on multiple routes beginning June 7. The following routes will be returning to regular service levels: 4, 18, 19, 34, CAT (36), 59, 60, SBT (555), 52/52LX.
Service will begin at regular time and end at 10:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and return to Saturday and Sunday levels of service on those days as well, also ending at 10:00 p.m. All other routes will continue to operate at a Saturday level of service during the week and a Sunday level of service on weekends/holidays, also ending at 10:00 p.m.
PSTA says it has taken the necessary steps to not only ensure the safety of its employees but also the community by requiring all who are able to board and exit use the rear door and by limiting passengers. PSTA says it is also encouraging all passengers to wear protective face coverings while riding the bus.
