PSTA Celebrates the Historic Launch of the SunRunner with Inaugural Ride & Ribbon Cutting 

First-of-its-kind bus rapid transit system will take riders  

from the beach to the ‘burg faster than ever before 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

October 20, 2022 

  

St. Petersburg, FL – Today the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is celebrating the historic launch of the SunRunner, the region’s first-of-its-kind bus rapid transit system. National and local leaders who worked tirelessly to bring this new transit line to Pinellas County held a ribbon cutting and went on an inaugural ride this afternoon. (CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO/PHOTOS) 

 

The SunRunner connects Pinellas County’s world-class beaches with downtown St. Petersburg and eliminates the frustration of searching for a parking spot. Each bus can take as many as 50 cars off the road. 

 

“It’s no secret, parking is very limited in downtown and St. Pete Beach,” said Pat Gerard, PSTA Board Chair and Pinellas County Commissioner. “The SunRunner is going to make it very easy and convenient to get between two of Pinellas County’s most popular destinations. You won’t spend hours looking for a parking spot. Just hop on and it’ll get you there quicky.” 

 

Riding in its own lane, the SunRunner will bypass traffic to get you to your destination more efficiently than driving on your own. During peak times, buses will pick up riders every 15 minutes. Customers will experience a service more like light rail, rather than a traditional bus service. 

 

 

“The SunRunner is unlike any other transit system in the area,” added FDOT District 7 Secretary David Gwynn. “One of the unique features is transit signal priority, which means as soon as the bus leaves the platform, it will trigger the traffic lights to turn green. Between that technology, having a dedicated lane, and limited stops, the SunRunner is about 30% faster than current bus service.” 

 

Pinellas County is the state’s most densely populated county. The SunRunner will travel one of PSTA’s most heavily used corridors. The 10-mile, 16-stop line is designed to meet the demands of work commuters and attract tourists and new riders into PSTA’s comprehensive transit system. 

 

“There are currently 50,000 jobs and 40,000 residents within a half-mile of the SunRunner route, and those numbers are growing,” said St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch. “The SunRunner will help meet the travel needs of our residents and the hundreds of thousands of tourists who visit our beautiful area every year.” 

 

The SunRunner opens to the public on Friday, October 21 at 6:00 a.m. It will be free for six months. The first 500 riders will get a SunRunner Gold Card, earning them discounts at participating businesses along the route. 

 

“The Gold Card will help you save money at some of our great breweries, restaurants, museums, shops, and more,” added Jason Mathis, CEO of the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership. “These local businesses are looking forward to the SunRunner because it will help their employees get to work and bring in more potential customers from resorts, events, and other attractions.” 

 

The new hybrid electric buses are quieter, produce fewer emissions than diesel-powered buses, and have more amenities. Customers will enjoy free Wi-Fi; charging ports at every seat; interior bike storage; and raised platforms at the stations that allow strollers and wheelchairs smoother, faster access. 

 

“The SunRunner has been a long time coming,” said Brad Miller, CEO of PSTA. “The concept was first introduced 15 years ago and it has taken a collaborative effort with elected leaders and all levels of government to secure the necessary approvals and funding. The SunRunner should be a catalyst for additional service connecting with North Pinellas, Tampa, and the entire region. We can’t wait for our residents, workers, and tourists to try the SunRunner.” 

 

A federal grant is paying for half the capital costs, the state is paying for 25 percent, and PSTA and the city of St. Petersburg are paying the remaining 25 percent. For more information about the SunRunner, including the hours of service, route, and frequently asked questions, click here. 

 

Media Contact:

Stephanie Weaver

PSTA Communications & Public Relations Manager

O: (727) 540-1853 | C: (727) 249-6542

E: Sweaver@psta.net

 

ABOUT PSTA: The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority is the public transit provider for Pinellas   

County, providing more than 12.1 million rides per year. PSTA operates 40 bus and trolley routes with a fleet of 210 vehicles. More information is available at psta.net.   

   

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