PSTA Offering Free Extended Service on New Year’s Eve
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 28th, 2022
NEED A RIDE ON NEW YEAR’S EVE? PSTA’S GOT YOU COVERED!
PSTA Offering Free Extended Service on New Year’s Eve
St. Petersburg, FL – Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is offering free transportation options on New Year’s Eve, ensuring that everyone who chooses to celebrate has an option to get home safely. PSTA will offer free service on all routes the entire day. Select major routes including the brand new SunRunner as well as routes: 4, 52, 60, the Suncoast Beach Trolley and Jolley Trolley all will have extended service hours until 1:00 a.m.
The SunRunner will operate every 15 minutes until 1:00 a.m.
“We want to do our part in the community to provide a safe and convenient transportation option this upcoming holiday season,” said Brad Miller, Chief Executive Officer of PSTA. “No matter how you celebrate New Year’s Eve in Pinellas County, choosing to ride the SunRunner or other routes means you’ll arrive safely!”
Buses will run on a Holiday/Sunday schedule and our Infoline remains open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on New Year’s Day.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Stephanie Weaver
PSTA Communications & Public Relations Manager
O: (727) 540-1853 | C: (727) 249-6542
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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
SunRunner Update: One Month After Launch, Local Businesses Seeing Benefits from New Service
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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PSTA PREPARES FOR TROPICAL STORM NICOLE
PSTA PREPARES FOR TROPICAL STORM NICOLE
BUS SERVICE REMAINS IN EFFECT, UNLESS WINDS REACH 40 MILES PER HOUR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 9th, 2022
St. Petersburg, Fla – The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is preparing for Tropical Storm Nicole. Bus service is scheduled to remain open, but PSTA will halt service if the storm has sustained Tropical Storm Force Winds of 40 miles per hour.
“The safety of our drivers and passengers is always our top priority at PSTA. We are committed to providing service, as long as it’s safe to do so,” said Brad Miller, Chief Executive Officer of PSTA. “As we keep a close watch on Tropical Storm Nicole path, we will continue to send updates to keep our community informed.”
PSTA will update the local media about the status of service, so tune into your local newspaper, TV radio, and online outlets for the most up-to-date information. Riders can also find the latest information on PSTA bus service by calling the InfoLine at 727-540-1900 or by visiting our Facebook and Twitter feeds at Ride PSTA. PSTA will resume service as soon as possible after the storm passes.
Pinellas County has opened two shelters at Ross Norton (1426 S M.L.K. Jr Ave, Clearwater) and Lealman Exchange Community Center (5175 45th St. N., St. Petersburg). PSTA will provide free bus transportation to those designated shelters.
To stay up to date, please follow PSTA on all social media channels and local media outlets.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Stephanie Weaver
PSTA Communications & Public Relations Manager
O: (727) 540-1853 | C: (727) 249-6542
E: Sweaver@psta.net
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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 www.psta.net.
PSTA OFFERING FREE RIDES FOR ELECTION & VETERANS DAY
PSTA OFFERING FREE RIDES FOR ELECTION & VETERANS DAY
For Immediate Release:
November 7th, 2022
St. Petersburg, Fl – The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is offering free rides for both Election Day, November 8th , and for Veterans on Veterans Day, November 11th.
On Tuesday, November 8th, all PSTA routes are free for riders to encourage them to vote.
“It’s our duty to make sure people have access to things from groceries, to jobs, to healthcare and especially to the polls,” said Brad Miller, Chief Executive Officer of PSTA. “We want to make it easy and affordable for people to vote.”
On Friday, November 11th, Veterans who show their VA card or any identification that signifies that they are a veteran, will be able to ride all PSTA routes for free.
“Veterans have made a great sacrifice to all of us, and we want to thank them for their service to our country and to the people of the United States,” added Miller.
For more information on PSTA routes, go to psta.net.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Stephanie Weaver
PSTA Communications & Public Relations Manager
O: (727) 540-1853 | C: (727) 249-6542
E: Sweaver@psta.net
Tens of Thousands Attend Second Annual ‘Halloween on Central’
Tens of Thousands Attend Second Annual ‘Halloween on Central’
St. Petersburg’s Biggest Halloween Celebration was Presented by the SunRunner
For Immediate Release:
October 30, 2022
St. Petersburg, FLA – Tens of thousands of people in costumes packed Central Avenue in St. Petersburg today for the 2nd annual Halloween on Central. The Sunshine City’s biggest Halloween Celebration was presented by the SunRunner, in partnership with the Grand Central District, EDGE District, St. Pete Pride, the City of St. Pete, and the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA).
From Dr. MLK Jr. Street to 31st Street, 22 blocks of Central Avenue were closed motor vehicles. The free event featured trick-or-treat stations, haunted houses, costume contests, street performers, music, food trucks, a flash mob, and many more Halloween activities for people of all ages to enjoy.
“Halloween on Central is St. Petersburg’s largest open-air event,” said said David Foote, Executive Director of the Grand Central District Association. “I love this festive celebration because it allows people to explore our beautiful city, visit shops, restaurants, and other businesses without having to worry about car traffic.”
The car-free event encouraged attendees to bike, walk, scoot, or take public transportation, especially the new SunRunner, which debuted October 21 to rave reviews from residents, businesses, and tourists. The region’s first-of-its-kind bus rapid transit system makes it easy and convenient to get from the beach to the ‘burg and anywhere in between.
“With 6 SunRunner stations along the Halloween on Central event zone, the new bus service enhanced accessibility by eliminating the need to find parking in the EDGE and Grand Central districts which notoriously have a limited number of spots,” said Brad Miller, Chief Executive Officer of PSTA. “The SunRunner is already proving to be a game-changer in the way people get around St. Pete and the beaches and I can’t wait for even more people to hop on board and experience it for themselves.”
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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PSTA Honored with Sustainable Leadership Award
PSTA Honored with Sustainable Leadership Award
Recognized for making sustainability and climate resilience an integral part of its business practices
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 25, 2022
St. Petersburg, FL – The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) was honored today with an inaugural Sustainable Leadership Award. Presented by the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership and the Environmental Defense Fund ), PSTA is being recognized for making sustainability and climate resilience an integral part of its business practices.
In 2021, PSTA developed a Sustainable Strategic Plan to improve energy efficiency and ensure all agency initiatives are sustainable. These measures include upgrading the HVAC system in 2018 and transitioning light fixtures to be fully LED, and initiate recycling options for its 30,000 daily transit customers. To date, 90% of light fixtures at the Administration and Operations buildings as well as off-site transit centers are now LED.
“We are honored to be recognized by the Downtown Partnership for our sustainability efforts. PSTA has made energy efficiency a goal for the agency,” said Brad Miller, Chief Executive Officer of PSTA. “While energy use has increased with the on-going addition of electric buses, PSTA has improved energy efficiency by 33% since 2015.”
PSTA has been leading the charge for electric vehicle adoption in the state of Florida. Last year, the PSTA board approved the purchase of 60 all-electric buses in the next 5 years, adding to the existing zero-emission electric fleet of 6 buses. Combined with over 80 hybrid-electric buses, nearly half the fleet is more fuel-efficient and emits fewer greenhouse gas emissions than the traditional diesel bus. Last year, the PSTA board approved the purchase of 60 all-electric buses in the next 5 years.
“We are also in the beginning stages of a solar project,” added Miller. “That way, the energy going into our electric buses can complete the cycle as truly “zero-emission.””
This Sustainability Leadership Award is the latest recognition for PSTA for its green initiatives.
Additionally, as inaugural members of both the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council’s Regional Resiliency Coalition and the Pinellas County Sustainability and Resiliency Advisory Committee, PSTA provides oversight, strategic input, and direction on climate-resilient and sustainable policies in the region.
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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SunRunner Attracts Over 10,000 Riders in First Weekend
SunRunner Attracts Over 10,000 Riders in First Weekend
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 24th, 2022
St. Petersburg, FLA – After launching the first-its-kind bus rapid transit system in the Tampa Bay Region, the SunRunner, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is celebrating another milestone with the transformative service. The SunRunner has surpassed 10,000 riders in just 4 days after its successful launch.
“I am thrilled to know that the community has welcomed the SunRunner with open arms,” said Brad Miller, Chief Executive Officer of PSTA. “Seeing the SunRunner packed at 6 a.m. until the evening in both directions truly shows that this community needs more alternative transit solutions to get people to and from their destinations.”
“My buddy Layne and I were the first two people to step foot on the SunRunner this morning at the 6th Avenue S station, and this is what St Pete has needed for years!” said Jim Dietrich on a post on Facebook. “We went to 66th St and Central, got coffee, and then got back on at 66th and 1st Ave S. It was super convenient, and I can’t wait to ride it for real to the beaches!”
According to a study published by the Florida Department of Transportation Research Center, Many agencies use a trial period to evaluate new service. New service is given as little as 90 days on the low end and a 36‐month period on the high end to become productive based on agency standards. During that time, agencies typically monitor the route’s performance and may make schedule/route adjustments and employ various marketing programs to boost performance.
“We are seeing an unprecedented amount of riders showing their support for this service. Many are using the SunRunner to get to work, to get to the beach and just to get around,” added Miller.
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
PSTA Celebrates the Historic Launch of the SunRunner with Inaugural Ride & Ribbon Cutting
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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First 500 SunRunner Riders Will Receive a Limited-Edition SunRunner Gold Car
First 500 SunRunner Riders Will Receive a Limited-Edition SunRunner Gold Card
Over 30 Local Businesses on SunRunner Route Offering Discounts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2022
St. Petersburg, FLA – The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is announcing a special benefit to those who are the first to ride the Tampa Bay Region’s, first-of-its-kind, bus rapid transit system, the SunRunner. On opening weekend, October 21 – 23, the first 500 riders will receive a SunRunner Gold Card.
“One of the benefits of the SunRunner is the foot traffic it will bring to local businesses along the route as well as the discovery of new and interesting places that people might overlook when driving by in their car,” said Brad Miller, Chief Executive Officer of PSTA. “This Gold Card program highlights some of those unique businesses and how easy it is to get to them while riding the SunRunner instead of driving.”
The SunRunner Gold Card grants cardholders discounts to participating businesses along the SunRunner route for the first three months of service (October 21 – January 31). A few examples of participating businesses are Green Bench Brewing, Caddy’s Waterfront, Pete’s Bagels, The Dali Museum, Tombolo Books and Wild Roots.
To see a full list of participating businesses, their offers and a map of where they are located on the SunRunner route, click here. For videos and photos of the SunRunner, Gold Card and participating businesses, click here for a media kit.
The SunRunner will be starting service at 6:00am on Friday, October 21. For more information on the SunRunner service, click here.
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 www.psta.net.
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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A Decade in the Making: PSTA & Clearwater Finalize Deal for Major Transportation Improvement
A Decade in the Making: PSTA & Clearwater
Finalize Deal for Major Transportation Improvement
Agreement paves way for new state-of-the-art Clearwater Transit Center
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7th, 2022
Clearwater, FLA – After more than a decade of discussions and negotiations, today the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) signed a land swap agreement with the city of Clearwater. Last night, council members approved the transaction in a unanimous vote. The deal paves the way for the construction of the new Clearwater Multimodal Transit Center on a city-owned vacant lot at the corner of Court Street and Myrtle Avenue (click here for renderings/video).
“This has been an ongoing, collaborative effort with the city of Clearwater for more than 10 years and I’m honored to have had a helping hand in making these plans a reality,” said Brad Miller, CEO of PSTA. “The new transit hub is a much-needed replacement for PSTA’s 40-year-old station at Park Street, which is functionally obsolete because it is unable to accommodate the current routes. Not only that, but the newer hybrid and all-electric buses cannot fit under the old, leaky roof. The center has been in need of upgrades for more than a decade.”
The new Clearwater Multimodal Transit Center, which will connect downtown riders to area beaches and beyond, includes 16 bus bays, bicycle and scooter storage, ride-sharing connections, ADA boarding requirements, and a “green” design including solar panels and electric bus charging stations. It also provides flexibility for future passenger rail service.
“This is a momentous occasion,” added Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard. “This land swap agreement will play a vital role not just in the growth and success of Clearwater, but the entire region.”
PSTA was recently awarded $20 million in federal grants by the U.S. Department of Transportation as part of the Rebuilding America Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program. The remainder of the project will be funded by contributions from the City of Clearwater, FDOT, Forward Pinellas, and PSTA. Construction is set to begin next year.
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 www.psta.net.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Stephanie Weaver
PSTA Communications & Public Relations Manager
O: (727) 540-1853 | C: (727) 249-6542
E: Sweaver@psta.net