Episode Details

Here are the show notes from the provided transcript:

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**Host: Jared Schnader (00:03.086)** - **Introduction**: - Jared Schnader, host of "Transition to Zero," welcomes everyone to the episode. - He leads the bus team at Calstart, a national nonprofit consulting organization. - Jared expresses gratitude to Brad Miller, CEO of Pinellas Suncoast Transit in St. Petersburg, Florida, for joining the show. - This marks the second consecutive PSTA representative on the podcast.

**Guest: Brad Miller (00:20.011)** - **Response to Introduction**: - Brad humorously acknowledges Jared's remarks about having consecutive guests from PSTA on the podcast. - He expresses enthusiasm for being on the show and emphasizes the commitment to progress within PSTA.

**Host: Jared Schnader (00:39.726)** - **Request for Overview of PSTA**: - Jared asks Brad to provide an overview of Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, including its location, fleet size, and operations.

**Guest: Brad Miller (00:48.555)** - **Overview of PSTA**: - Brad introduces himself as the CEO of PSTA. - Describes PSTA as a midsize transit agency on the west coast of Florida, operating approximately 250 buses and employing around 800 transit workers. - Mentions the seasonal ridership surge during spring break and highlights PSTA's unique "wet bathing suit policy" due to trolley services. - Highlights the success of the Sunrunner, PSTA's first bus rapid transit line, which has contributed to economic development. - Expresses excitement about PSTA's growing fleet of zero-emission buses.

**Host: Jared Schnader (02:22.286)** - **Transition to Zero Emission Buses**: - Jared transitions the discussion to zero-emission buses and acknowledges the absence of mandates in Florida compared to states like California.

**Guest: Brad Miller (02:54.603)** - **Approach to Zero Emission Transition**: - Brad discusses PSTA's decision to transition to zero-emission buses despite the absence of mandates. - Mentions advocacy from environmental groups and concerns about climate change and sea-level rise. - Highlights PSTA's transition from diesel to hybrid electric buses and eventually to zero-emission buses since 2017.

**Host: Jared Schnader (04:43.723)** - **Discussion on Cost and Funding**: - Jared discusses the significant costs associated with transitioning to zero-emission buses. - Inquires about the role of government funding in PSTA's transition.

**Guest: Brad Miller (07:02.734)** - **Role of Government Funding**: - Brad emphasizes the importance of federal, state, and local partnerships in funding PSTA's transition. - Highlights competitive grants and support from the state of Florida, including VW Settlement Funds.

**Host: Jared Schnader (09:39.243)** - **Impact of PSTA's Transition**: - Jared discusses PSTA's role as a leader in zero-emission bus adoption and its influence on other agencies. - Inquires about the impact on public perception and adoption of zero-emission technologies.

**Guest: Brad Miller (11:59.243)** - **Community Impact**: - Brad discusses the positive impact of PSTA's zero-emission buses on the community, including environmental benefits and influencing other public sector entities to adopt similar technologies.

**Host: Jared Schnader (12:51.947)** - **Discussion on Utility Partnership**: - Jared inquires about PSTA's experience working with Duke Energy to establish charging infrastructure for electric buses.

**Guest: Brad Miller (14:26.894)** - **Utility Partnership and Infrastructure**: - Brad discusses the positive relationship with Duke Energy and efforts to establish charging infrastructure, including considerations for resilience during hurricanes.

**Host: Jared Schnader (16:36.459)** - **Assessment of Zero-Emission Bus Deployment**: - Jared inquires about PSTA's experience with battery electric buses and technological advancements in the field.

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