Subject:
Title
Restated Coastal Route Funding Agreement with the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority and Funding Partners for Jolley Trolley Fixed Route Services.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator for the Restated Coastal Route Funding Agreement with the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) and Funding Partners for Jolley Trolley Fixed Route Services.
• Funding partners include PSTA, City of Clearwater Downtown Development Board, and the Cities of Dunedin and Tarpon Springs.
• Restated Agreement continues original Agreement for an initial three (3) year term and two (2) year renewal options.
• Partner funding supplements Trolley fares paid by the public and is based upon actual revenue hours for the term.
• Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2028 expenditure will not exceed $204,265.00. FY 2026 contribution is $63,911.00, FY 2027 is $68,001.00, and FY 2028 is $72,353.00. Should renewal options be exercised, FY 2029-2032 expenditure will increase by 6.40% annually.
• Funding for this agreement is included in the FY26 budget for Public Works within the County Transportation Trust Fund. Funding for future years is dependent on approval in the annual County Operating Budget.
Total contribution for the three (3) year term is $204,265.00; FY 2029-2032 expenditure will increase by 6.40% annually; Agreement term expires September 30, 2028.
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Strategic Priorities:
Resilient Infrastructure and Environment
1.1 Improve traffic flow efficiency.
Prosperity and Opportunity
3.2 Provide and promote tourism opportunities.
Summary:
Summary
The Restated Coastal Route Funding Agreement with PSTA and the Funding Partners commenced on October 1, 2025. Funding is based upon actual revenue hours provided along the Coastal Route.
Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2028 County contribution will not exceed $204,265.00. FY 2026 contribution is $63,911.00, FY 2027 is $68,001.00, and FY 2028 is $72,353.00. Should the two (2) Agreement renewal options be exercised, FY 2029-2032 expenditure rates will increase by 6.40% annually per Exhibit 3 to the Agreement.
This Agreement provides funding for the PSTA to supplement Trolley fares paid by the public. The combined total funding by the partnering agencies enables PSTA to continue fixed route trolley services between Clearwater Beach, downtown Clearwater and the Tarpon Sponge Docks, with service stops in Dunedin and Palm Harbor/Ozona.
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Background Information:
The Coastal Route trolley service enhances PSTA’s transportation. The County has provided funding for this fixed route service since 2010. In a separate process, PSTA renewed and entered into a new Agreement with Jolley Trolley Transportation of Clearwater, Inc. to provide fixed route trolley services effective through September 30, 2032.
Fiscal Impact:
Total three-year cost to the County is $204,265.00. FY 2026 contribution is $63,911.00, FY 2027 is $68,001.00, and FY 2028 is $72,353.00. Should renewal options be exercised, FY 2029-2032 expenditure will increase by 6.40% annually.
The chart below illustrates partner contribution FY 2026-2027.
|
Funding Partner |
FY26 |
FY27 |
|
County (3.7%) |
$63,911 |
$68,001 |
|
Clearwater DDB (1.4%) |
$24,652 |
$26,231 |
|
Dunedin (3.7%) |
$63,911 |
$68,001 |
|
Tarpon Springs (3.7%) |
$63,911 |
$68,001 |
|
PSTA (87.6%) |
$830,678 |
$855,598 |
|
Total |
$1,047,063 |
$1,085,832 |
Funding for this agreement is included in the FY26 budget for Public Works within the County Transportation Trust Fund. Funding for future years is dependent on approval in the annual County Operating Budget.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to approve this agreement is granted under Code Section 2-62(a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Kelli Hammer Levy, Director, Public Works
Partners:
PSTA
City of Clearwater
City of Tarpon Springs
City of Dunedin
Attachments:
Jolley Trolley Coastal Route Funding Agreement
Exhibit 1 - Original Jolley Trolley Coastal Agreement
Exhibit 2 - PSTA Jolley Trolley Contract
Exhibit 3 - Jolley Trolley Coastal Route Summary of Proposed Funding Formula FY 2026