Subject:
Title
Agreement with Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority for the Health Initiative Transportation Disadvantaged Bus Pass Program.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Agreement with Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) for the Health Initiative Transportation Disadvantaged (HITD) Bus Pass Program.
• This Agreement provides transportation assistance to low-income Pinellas County Health Program (PCHP) and Healthcare for the Homeless (HCH) clients who do not have alternative transportation.
• Funding in the amount not to exceed $130,000.00 per year has been included in the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Proposed Budget for this purpose.
• In the last 12 months, 4,730 monthly and 10-day passes have been issued to PCHP and HCH clients to improve access to care.
Body
Strategic Priorities:
Healthy and Safe Communities
2.1 Improve public health.
2.2 Enhance community safety.
Smart Service Delivery
4.2 Achieve and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.
4.4 Pursue continuous improvement.
Summary:
This Agreement provides transportation assistance to low-income Pinellas County Health Program (PCHP) and Healthcare for the Homeless (HCH) clients who do not have alternative transportation. Under the program, PCHP and HCH clients will be
issued a non-consecutive 10-day bus pass each month for transportation for medical appointments, pharmacy/medication pick up, grocery shopping and other vital services. The County will reimburse PSTA $5.00 for each pass distributed. PCHP and HCH clients will have the option to receive an “upgrade” pass at their expense for an additional $6.00 for unlimited transportation via PSTA for the month. The bus passes are issued by PSTA at their Transit Centers. PCHP and HCH clients can show their PCHP cards to receive a free trip to the Transit Center to pick up their bus passes.
Background/Explanation:
PSTA and the County established the HITD Bus Pass Program to provide transportation for medical care and other critical services for PCHP clients. All PCHP clients are required to have a medical appointment as part of their eligibility for transportation assistance. In the last twelve months, 4,730 monthly and 10- day passes have been issued to PCHP and HCH clients to improve access to care at a cost of $23,650. Human Services continues to engage community partners to evaluate the most effective ways to support transportation needs and remove barriers, while consolidating funding options. Human Services and PSTA will continue to review utilization reports and outcomes to help inform future transportation assistance.
Fiscal Impact:
Funding in an amount not to exceed $130,000.00 per year has been included in the FY27 Proposed Budget for this purpose.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Agreement is granted under (Code Section 2-62 (a)(1)).
Staff Member Responsible:
Karen Yatchum, Director, Human Services
Partners:
Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority
Florida Department of Health
Attachments:
Agreement
FY26 HIPPA Business Associate Agreement