The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, or PSTA, offers free bus rides for the 2023-2024 school year and all you have to do is show a Pinellas County School student ID or a staff ID to the bus driver. Substitute teachers must show a valid ID card. The rides are part of a partnership with Pinellas County Schools.

According to PSTA Public Engagement Officer Juan Luvian, the Universal Pass, or U-PASS Program, allows students and staff  to ride any route, any day or time, for free.

The partnership extends sustainability and provides transportation options to reduce traffic congestion, says the transportation agency’s website.

Fares start at $2.25 for a single ride. Children 8 and younger ride free.

PSTA operates 38 routes throughout Pinellas County and two express routes to downtown Tampa. Route 7 includes the John Hopkins Middle School Campus.

Go to psta.net for maps and information on schedules and routes.