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From seats to schedules, PSTA is atrocious


Published January 11, 2004

Re: Why expand a useless bus system? letter, Dec. 28. The letter writer is correct. The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority does not serve the public. The need is there but not filled.

Buses going north and south come into my area every two hours - that is, unless they have a new driver who forgets the schedule. I use the bus at least twice a week but don't attempt to transfer because of the long waits between connections.

The elderly, some of whom should not be driving, continue to do so, putting lives in jeopardy because they know that to give up driving means the end of their freedom to get to their choice of doctors, dentists, shopping and social contacts. Evenings are not open to bus riders in this area. The last bus pulls in at 4:40 and 5:45 p.m. from Clearwater. If you can walk six blocks from Seminole Boulevard, you can take a later bus home. Few can. Yes, the poor use the buses; they have to.

The Suncoast Trolley is a bird perch, not fit for seating humans. It's filled with workers from the hotels and motels along the route. The trolley bench seats are about 12 inches deep, and one struggles to keep balance. Who in the world designed them?

People who feel buses are not needed had better hope they don't end up in the hot sun waiting for a bus so they can get their prescriptions and food and do their banking.


-- Mamie McCanney, Largo

Spiritual leadership in Midtown

Re: Good neighbors, Dec. 31.

Small places of worship in former places of business are an asset to the Midtown community; spiritual leadership and people's personal problems go hand in hand. Spiritual counseling can change people who are victims of their own ignorance. Forlorn folks and those who need attitude adjustments can greatly benefit from prescriptions of principle that church bodies can impart. Warm hearts and concern make a difference in the lives of the misguided.

Society would have fewer criminals and troublemakers if people would attend church early and often. Championing character is a church mission that transcends all selfish urges and evil thinking.


-- Robert B. Fleming, St. Petersburg
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