ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority plans for a "Bus Rapid Transit" system, or BRT, continue on pace, according to agency officials, but so does skepticism about the necessity of the project in some parts of Pinellas County.

“We’ve never seen a service like this before, but it’s been in the works for over ten years,” said Whitney Fox, director of marketing and communications for the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority.

Once launched, the BRT will transport users from Central Avenue in downtown St. Petersburg to the County Beach Park in less than 35 minutes.

PTSA says the project is now 60 percent complete, with successful assessments from the government and orders placed for the futuristic buses, which offer faster service and raised platforms similar to a train.

“So this is the future of public transportation," Fox explained. "Many cities all over the world and especially here in the county and even here in Florida have already implemented bus rapid transit, and we’re just getting started."

"Once we get this in place, this is the first leg, this route, of what will hopefully eventually be a regional connection between the entire Tampa Bay region,” Fox added.

But the project hasn’t come without some skepticism, especially from businesses in St. Pete Beach who insist the BRT isn't necessary and worry about the additional traffic it may cause.

“Just like any change, it’s going to take a change of thinking,” said Robin Miller, president of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce. 

Miller says this is a project her organization supports because it will bring economic growth for the area. However, she admits it has taken some time to get the beach community on board.

“We’ve been a community that has not been largely dependent for a long time on understanding that we need to expand our transportation options,” said Miller.

Current PSTA bus routes will continue to exist even after the BRT launches in 2021.

The branding and name of the service will officially be announced next month. Construction is set to begin next year.