Plans to replace Clearwater’s aging downtown bus terminal are advancing, with a modern, accessible transit center set to take its place.

The current Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) station on Park Street has long been criticized for its deteriorating conditions, including a leaking roof and broken pavement. Riders say it’s no longer safe or functional, especially for those with disabilities.

Gloria Corrigan, who uses a wheelchair and regularly rides the bus, says the terminal falls short of meeting basic accessibility standards.

“All of the points at which a person gets off are not at the height they need to be,” Corrigan said. “The bus drivers have had to actually hold on to the back of my chair so it doesn’t flip forward.”

Rather than repair the outdated facility, the City of Clearwater and PSTA agreed to a land swap. The city will assume control of the Park Street property, while PSTA will build a new Multimodal Transit Center at South Myrtle Avenue and Court Street — on a site adjacent to the new city hall now under construction.

The new center will be twice the size of the current one and include real-time bus arrival information, improved accessibility features, solar panels, and electric vehicle charging stations.

“I’m just looking forward to a lot cleaner, better access than what we already have,” Corrigan said.

Contractors have submitted bids for the project, and the PSTA board is scheduled to vote on a contract July 23. Groundbreaking is expected in fall 2025.

Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google, & X

(Image credit: PSTA rendering)

PIE-Sun.com: local St. Pete-Clearwater news