Tampa Bay Times Editorial: Guide Pinellas, Hillsborough bus service talks along productive route

The bus systems in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties serve distinct populations, and it is too early to make an informed decision on whether merging them is the smartest thing to do. But neither side should fear the bill by Sen. Jack Latvala that calls for exploring the idea. The Clearwater Republican, whose district includes parts of both sides of the bay, should adjust the bill to avoid micromanaging this discussion — and to ease local concerns about his intentions. But his concept is sound and the results could benefit both sides, regardless of whether the two agencies merge or not.

Latvala included the merger language on the last two pages of SB 1866, a wide-ranging seaport and transportation bill. It calls on the two agencies — the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority and Hillsborough Area Regional Transit — to meet over the coming year to discuss ways to improve "connectivity" across the region. But the bill stops short of forcing consolidation. It merely asks for recommendations on the idea and on a lesser proposal to share operations. That latitude of that language is significant coming from a legislator not known for his subtlety.

The two agencies share some outward similarities. Both are cash-strapped and lack the revenue base to meaningfully improve service to their 13 million riders. But the challenges are different between serving Pinellas' dense urban population and those in Hillsborough's far-flung suburbs. And the savings from reducing staff is questionable. Most bus system employees are drivers and mechanics — not high-priced administrators. Major cuts in overhead requires major cuts to routes. Then there is the issue of parity. Will Clearwater residents be as well served as those in Sun City Center or Tampa?

For the full editorial, visit the Tampa Bay Times.