PSTA is launching an innovative new bus system designed especially for north Pinellas County's suburbs.

Local leaders and PSTA officials celebrated the upcoming launch of PSTA's new North County Connector routes during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at East Lake's Shoppes of Boot Ranch Tuesday. 

PSTA considered input from local residents when designing the three new bus routes which will serve East Lake, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Oldsmar, Westchase, Countryside and Dunedin.

"It was basically designed by the public," said PSTA C.E.O. Brad Miller.

The North County Connector routes will feature mini buses that can accommodate up to 14 seated passengers and up to two wheelchairs or scooters. Because the busses are smaller, they offer a quieter ride and they're easy to maneuver through suburban neighborhoods.

There are two ways to catch a ride-

• Board at a bus stop along the route
• Call the reservation number (727) 540-1900 two hours in advance to have a bus pick you up at a location of your choice that is within 3/4 of a mile of a North County Connector bus route. 

The new bus system also offers Real Time Bus Information technology which allows people to use a computer or smartphone to find out exactly when a Connector bus will arrive at their stop.

PSTA is encouraging the public to try the new bus service and will offer free rides through Dec. 31. Beginning Jan. 1, the cost to ride will be the same as other PSTA fares: $2 for a one-way trip ($1 for seniors and special citizens) and $4.50 for an all-day pass ($2.25 for seniors and special citizens). 

Hours of operation will be-

• Weekdays: hourly from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturdays: hourly from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• No service on Sundays and holidays.

You can see each route by clicking on the pdfs included in the photo section of this article.