You might not necessarily recognize his face. But if you’ve ever ridden a bus in Pinellas County, you’ve heard his voice. For years, Bob Lasher has been the familiar voice behind your rides with Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), guiding riders through routes, stops, and daily commutes. After officially retiring at the end of March, the community is saying goodbye to a figure who helped shape the everyday transit experience for thousands upon thousands over the last 21 years.
Long before becoming a familiar voice on local buses, Lasher built a career centered around media and communications. Starting in the ’80s, he worked in television with WTOG Channel 44 in Tampa Bay. He was a writer and producer for evening broadcasts, even occasionally stepping in front of the camera as a weather anchor.
His work eventually took him across the country. He continued working as a news anchor, reporter, and producer in stations across Georgia and California, which then led to an extended stint in New Jersey.
While in Jersey, Lasher expanded into copywriting, public speaking, sales, and even tech. This built a skill set that spanned multiple industries. So when he returned to the area in 2005, stepping into a role with PSTA felt like a natural next chapter. As Community Relations Manager, he combined his experience and voice to advocate for public transit and connect more directly with the community.
Making an impact in the community
When he joined PSTA in 2005, Lasher immediately stepped into the community-facing side of the company. He spoke at Rotary clubs, Kiwanis meetings, HOAs, and other local groups…