SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve the Restated Coastal Route Funding Agreement with Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority for the Jolley Trolley Coastal Route and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
Body
SUMMARY:
On June 10, 2021, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) entered into an Original Agreement with Jolley Trolley Transportation of Clearwater, Inc. to continue to provide fixed route trolley services along the Coastal Route, effective through September 30, 2032. The Original Agreement established the funding contributions of the City of Clearwater Downtown Development Board (DDB), City of Tarpon Springs, City of Dunedin, and Pinellas County toward PSTA's financial obligations for trolley service along the Coastal Route. The Parties inadvertently allowed the Original Agreement to expire but continued to operate according to the Original Agreement after its expiration.
This Restated Agreement provides for a three-year term beginning October 1, 2025, with two additional two-year renewal terms for the duration of PSTA's agreement with Jolley Trolley Transportation of Clearwater, Inc., unless terminated in accordance with the Original Agreement. Funding contributions are based on the actual revenue hours of Coastal Route service provided by Jolley Trolley.
For the DDB, the annual contribution shall not exceed $24,652 for FY26 and $26,231 for FY27. Beginning October 1, 2027, the contribution rate will increase annually by 6.40% for the remainder of the agreement term, as established in the Coastal Route Summary of Proposed Funding Formula.
Annual Contribution
FY26 $24,653.00
FY27 $26,231.00
FY28 $27,910.00
FY29 $29,696.00
FY30 $31,597.00
FY31 $33,619.00
FY32 $35,769.00
The Jolley Trolley Coast Route runs 7 days per week and estimates about 14,142 hours per year. At a cost of $112.54 per hour that is a total operating budget of $1,591,540.68. The DDB’s contribution represents 1.6% of the total budget.
The Jolley Trolley Coastal Route provides connections between Downtown Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, and other destinations throughout Pinellas County. The service supports downtown revitalization goals by providing an additional transportation option that connects residents and visitors to Downtown Clearwater and surrounding destinations.
The DDB’s ability to fund the agreement is contingent upon the outcome of the ballot measure and its impact on local government revenues. Based on available funding, the parties may mutually agree in writing to amend the term or funding or terminate the agreement.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds for the Jolley Trolley Downtown Loop will be allocated to the Business Assistance category of the budget 1829411-558700