SunRunner Update: One Month After Launch, Local Businesses Seeing Benefits from New Service

Tens of thousands try out the region’s first bus rapid transit system

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

November 22, 2022 

St. Petersburg, FL – It’s been one month since the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) launched the SunRunner, and local businesses and riders are seeing benefits from the new service. The region’s first-of-its-kind bus rapid transit system debuted on October 21, making it easy and convenient to get “from the beach to the ‘burg” and anywhere in between. Since then, more than 63-thousand people have taken a ride on the SunRunner, giving it rave reviews on social media.

In addition, based on a survey on the SunRunner (linked here), 50% of riders would have taken their personal vehicles to get to their destination. While 15% of riders would not have taken the trip at all.

“To see how well the SunRunner has been received in our community after one month of service is truly incredible,” said Brad Miller, Chief Executive Officer of PSTA. “So many people are choosing the SunRunner to get to their destinations because it is fast, easy and convenient.”

As part of the SunRunner launch, PSTA handed out SunRunner Gold Cards to the first 500 riders, earning them discounts at participating businesses along the route. Those local businesses and their neighbors are already seeing the benefits of the new service. Customers who might typically avoid the busy corridor due to lack of parking are now visiting the restaurants, shops, and bars in the area.

“Our bookstore is right by the 22nd Street station,” said Alsace Walentine, co-owner of Tombolo Books in St. Petersburg. “As part of the Gold Card promotion, we are giving out a free gift with purchase, so we’ve gotten to meet a lot of new customers and share our love of reading and books with more people.”

“I love getting to introduce customers to our juices, coffees, cleanses, meals and more,” added Kelly Lessem, founder of Squeeze Juice Works. “St. Pete is a health-conscious city and you see more people incorporating plant-based foods into their diet. We’re happy the SunRunner is giving us access to a new market of customers while also alleviating some of the transportation problems in our area.”

The SunRunner connects Pinellas County’s world-class beaches with downtown St. Petersburg and eliminates the frustration of searching for a parking spot. Riding in its own lane, the buses bypass traffic to get you to your destination more efficiently than driving on your own. During peak times, the SunRunner will pick up riders every 15 minutes. The SunRunner is free for the first six months of service. For more information, 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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