Fares are changing (HART & PSTA)

Post was created on 11/09/2023.

If you use the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority &/or Hillsborough Transit Authority systems, you may already be aware that both agencies allow for contactless payment methods such as contactless debit & credit cards, as well as mobile wallet apps such as Google Pay, to be used to pay fares.

The legacy PSTA GO Card will no longer be valid after 1/1/24.

Beginning on January 2, 2024, PSTA intends to discontinue the sale & acceptance of legacy mag-swipe fare cards – also known as GO Cards – for fare payment. Customers using the PSTA system will need to consider using one of the following alternate payment options:

Flamingo Card & App

In many cases, the Flamingo Fares smart card or Smartphone App are the best avenues to go when paying your fare on board PSTA & HART buses, fixed-route & flex-route vans, as well as trolley routes. Flamingo is also accepted on board the Clearwater Jolley Trolley.

Contactless Bank Cards

Many financial institutions have distributed contactless debit & credit cards to allow people to pay easily & seamlessly. If you don’t wish to use Flamingo, or if you’re visiting the region, your contactless debit or credit card can be used in the same manner as a Flamingo card.

Mobile Wallet Apps

Mobile wallet apps such as Google Pay & Apple Pay are also accepted for paying fares. Be sure to link a valid debit or credit card to your mobile wallet app before heading out to ensure that you’re not suddenly left stranded with a payment method that won’t work.

Limited-Use Flamingo Cards (PSTA Only)

If you’ve been to Chicago & have used the Ventra fare payment system, Limited-Use Flamingo cards function in a similar manner as the Ventra ticket. There are two types of Limited-Use cards available to PSTA customers:

Single-Ride (1-Ride) Card

This card is only valid for one ride, so once it’s tapped, it cannot be used again on any other bus or route. Please be mindful if needing to purchase a Single-Ride card, as it does not provide any allowances for transfers.

Daily Card

This card will replace the current one-day pass for PSTA (& eventually HART as well) & is valid for a full day of service. Once tapped, the card will expire at the end of the service day & will not be able to be used afterwards.

Both Limited-Use cards can be purchased at PSTA Customer Service Centers.

What if I am using cash?

Cash is accepted on board most PSTA routes & the Jolley Trolley. Please be sure to have exact change available though, as operators cannot handle change.

Since the SunRunner BRT is completely cashless, cash is not accepted & there are no traditional fareboxes on board. Customers will need to utilize one of the alternative payment methods listed above.

Some other things to know…

Regardless of whichever of the three above payment options you use, fare capping will apply. This means you will never pay more than the agency’s day pass cost per day & never pay more than the agency’s monthly pass cost per month. Once the appropriate fare cap is reached, all subsequent rides are free.

Be sure to use the exact same payment method for all of your transit rides to ensure that you’re paying the correct fare. This is especially important for Flamingo Fares card & app users, as everything is directly linked to your Flamingo account.

If using a card to pay, please be sure to protect it from any damage & refrain from bending it. The transit agency bears no responsibility for lost, stolen, or damaged legacy fare cards or Flamingo cards, nor bears any responsibility for lost or damaged credit or debit cards.

If you purchase a Flamingo card, be sure to register it on the Flamingo Fares website. This will protect the balance of the card should the physical card be lost or stolen. You can also easily reload the card balance on the website. Flamingo cards are available for sale at PSTA & HART customer service centers, & at select approved 3rd-party merchants.

At this time, those using reduced fares will not be able to pay with a contactless bank card or mobile wallet app. Please visit a PSTA or HART customer service center with your ID to purchase a reduced fare Flamingo card. Reduced fare customers may also download the Flamingo Fares smartphone app.

Qualification requirements may include the purchase of a discount permit. Please contact PSTA for details.

What about HART customers?

At this time, the changes regarding the discontinuation of legacy mag-swipe cards only applies to PSTA. HART has not yet announced a date by which it’ll discontinue sale & acceptance of their legacy HARTride pass. However, I fully expect HART to make an announcement in the coming months. Until that date is announced, you may continue to purchase HARTride passes at HART customer service centers & select approved 3rd-party merchants. Day passes can still be purchased on board buses upon request.