Transit agency to spend $80M on fleet of all-electric buses

ST. PETERSBURG — The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) board of directors has approved a plan to buy 60 all-electric buses, at a cost of $80 million, over the next five years.

In a news release, the agency says the move is part of its mission to have an entirely “clean and green” bus fleet by 2050. The first buses are expected to begin operation in 2024.

PSTA, the release states, currently operates six all-electric “green” buses and four charging depots, which came online in June.

“PSTA is determined to deliver on the promise of a zero-emissions fleet by 2050,” PSTA CEO Brad Miller states in the release. “Last month, the Biden administration signed into law the largest investment public transit has realized in U.S. history to improve transportation options and reduce greenhouse emissions for millions of Americans. PSTA is leading the way for our region to meet our green goal.” 

The electric buses will be able operate continuously for about 14 hours and cover an average of 200 miles on a single charge, the release states. PSTA will save about $20,000 per year, per bus, in diesel fuel costs.

“Pinellas County is pleased to support PSTA’s transition to a zero-emissions buses by modernizing the fleet over the next five years,” PSTA Board chair Pat Gerard says in the release. “Through this electric vehicle investment, we are ensuring that Pinellas County residents benefit from cleaner air as we move toward a more sustainable, carbon-free energy system.”