Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningInnovationNews

New SunRunner Station Opens in St. Petersburg

The newly opened SunRunner station in St. Petersburg, designed with artistic glass features.

News Summary

St. Petersburg celebrates the opening of a new SunRunner station at 150 1st Avenue North, enhancing transportation access for locals and tourists. The grand opening event featured community leaders and local businesses emphasizing the station’s importance. This significant addition to the bus rapid transit route connects downtown to St. Pete Beach, reducing living costs and supporting environmental goals. With the introduction of ‘SunRunner After Dark’ service, the station makes late-night travel easier, proving beneficial for the bustling community.

Exciting Developments in St. Petersburg: New SunRunner Station Up and Running!

St. Petersburg is buzzing with excitement as a brand new SunRunner station officially opened its doors at 150 1st Avenue North. This launch is a big win for both locals and visitors who rely on convenient transportation to explore the vibrant Pier District and enjoy the many businesses along Beach Drive.

A Celebration to Remember

The grand opening celebration was a lively affair, with representatives from the PSTA team, city officials, and community leaders in attendance. Notable figures included Congresswoman Kathy Castor and State Representative Lindsay Cross, who were there to share in the excitement. Their presence underscored the importance of this new station to the community.

Connecting People and Places

This new 1st Avenue North station, constructed in just six months, stands proudly among some of the city’s hottest dining spots and nightlife destinations. With nearby restaurants such as Who’s on First, Tequila Daisy, and Social Roost, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect location for commuters and tourists alike!

The new station is one of more than 30 stops along the 10.3-mile bus rapid transit route that debuted back in October 2022. The SunRunner route brilliantly connects downtown St. Petersburg to the stunning St. Pete Beach, making travel a breeze with dedicated lanes along 1st Avenue North and 1st Avenue South.

Smart Planning Pays Off

The development of the SunRunner stations has been a remarkable journey, with extensive planning and collaboration among city officials and various engineering firms. The project originally had a budget of $44 million but ultimately came in under budget, saving $5 million that was used for this new station—a win for the city and its residents.

Local business owner Chuck Prather emphasized how essential this station will be for his employees commuting to work and for customers looking to shop and dine in the heart of downtown.

Community Benefits and Environmental Impact

Innovations like SunRunner are noted to be beneficial in many ways—from reducing living costs to strengthening communities and even supporting the environment. This new station aligns perfectly with those goals, providing increased accessibility to the area’s attractions and businesses.

The project involved skilled contributions from Nelson Construction, Lochner Engineering, and HDR Inc.. Plus, the station isn’t just functional; it’s a visual treat too! Artwork highlighting stunning glass designs from local artist Catherine Woods adorns the station, adding an artistic flair to the transportation hub.

A Milestone Achievement

2 million riders since its launch, a clear indication of the demand and favor it has garnered in the city. Furthermore, there has been a marked decline in vehicular accidents along the route, thanks to the dedicated bus lanes and enhanced traffic management introduced as part of the project.

Extended Services for Night Owls

“SunRunner After Dark” service, extending late-night ridership to cater to night owls and evening revelers. The new schedule will double the number of buses operating late on Fridays and Saturdays, making it even easier to get around town.

Passengers can now enjoy a bus pick-up every 15 minutes from 6 a.m. to midnight, a fantastic improvement from the previous schedule that offered pickups every 30 minutes from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Overall, the new SunRunner station is a bright spot for St. Petersburg, simplifying transit options for everyone and promoting a lively, interconnected community!