FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

February 22nd, 2023

SunRunner extends Fare-Free for 6 More Months 

SunRunner's ridership levels continuing to grow since its launch in October

St. Petersburg, FL – Today, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) Board of Directors approved the recommendation of keeping the SunRunner, the Tampa Bay region’s first-of-its-kind Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service, fare-free for an additional six months. The 6-month free-fare period was initially promoted to end April 30, 2023, now the fares will be suspended until November 2023. 

The first three months of SunRunner service has been successful in attracting new riders and increasing community sentiment for public transportation. Ridership has exceeded 260,000 passengers, with each month showing a growth in ridership. 

This summer, PSTA will be expanding its new contactless fare payment system, including VISA, Mastercard, and other tappable credit and debit card options to also recognize discounted fares for senior citizens and people with disabilities. That way, when SunRunner begins charging fares all fare levels will be accepted on the cash-less SunRunner system.   

“We have seen an amazing response from the community regarding the SunRunner, it now has the highest ridership in our system,” said Brad Miller, Chief Executive Officer of PSTA. “Riders have been using the service to get to work, medical appointments and to our award-winning beaches. To continue to offer the SunRunner free, we will be able to attract even more passengers to enjoy our easy and convenient service.”  

“I love the SunRunner and take it to and from work. I use the Grand Central station to go home at around 5:30 pm. That bus is often standing-room only at that time, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings” wrote Alia Smith on a Facebook post.  

To learn more about the SunRunner, visit psta.net/sunrunner 

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Stephanie Weaver

PSTA Communications & Public Relations Manager  

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

E: Sweaver@psta.net

ABOUT PINELLAS SUNCOAST TRANSIT AUTHORITY

Since 1903, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) serves as the premier public transit provider for Pinellas County, Florida’s most densely populated county. The SunRunner, Tampa Bay’s first-ever Bus Rapid Transit service, provides a reliable, car-free option from downtown St. Pete and St. Pete Beach. With 41 fixed-route bus routes, two express routes to downtown Tampa, the Suncoast Beach trolley, Jolley Trolley and Looper and their paratransit service Access, PSTA provides 10.2 million rides annually. For more information about PSTA, visit www.psta.net