PSTA TRAC STAR Shoestring Campaign

Target Audience: Developers, business owners, and municipalities who recognize the value of pedestrian and public transit access for their facilities

Strategy Objective:Once the first partner was selected, staff would formally present a plaque and decal to the winner with the goal of attracting positive press and igniting deeper interest in the program among other developers and municipalities

Situation Challenge: PSTA's Transit Riders Advisory Committee (TRAC) is made up of 12 current PSTA riders representing different geographic and demographic part of the Pinellas County. In spring of 2018 the TRAC created the Superior Transit Access Recognition "STAR" award to honor public and private organizations that have made significant efforts to provide safer and better-planned access for public transit riders in Pinellas County. The TRAC STAR award is part of PSTA's ongoing effort to forge new and innovative partnerships to improve transit and transportation options in our region

Results Impact: PSTA and the City of Oldsmar sent out a joint press release which resulted in a feature story on Bay News 9 with local traffic reporter celebrity Chuck Henson. The story featured our TRAC Chair's story of her work to get the stop improved, and the subsequent STAR award recognition Since this first award, four more projects have been nominated and selected to win a STAR The TRAC STAR program has elevated the importance of developers, municipalities, and businesses making a conscious effort to create and support pedestrian and public transit access.

Why Submit: Aside from staff time, this awards program cost less than $50 in materials for certificates, frames, and decals However, the value to the community is ongoing ' this program recognizes local partners who see the value of public transit and forges long-lasting relationships with them