The new SunRunner transit station in St. Petersburg celebrates a milestone with enhanced facilities and accessibility.
The SunRunner transit network in St. Petersburg has reached a remarkable milestone, celebrating two million riders. This service, run by the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, connects downtown to the beaches, providing an efficient travel option for both residents and visitors. The celebration highlighted a veteran as the two millionth rider, with various perks offered to veterans and students, including free rides. A new station has been introduced to improve access to local attractions, and expansion plans aim to enhance connectivity and safety while promoting environmentally-friendly transport.
St. Petersburg is buzzing with excitement! The SunRunner transit network has just celebrated a monumental achievement, reaching the impressive milestone of two million riders. This exceptional service, operated by the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), connects downtown St. Petersburg to the beautiful beaches, offering locals and visitors an easy way to get around.
The warm celebrations featured the two millionth rider, a retired US Army veteran named Mark Kimbel, who frequently relies on the SunRunner for various reasons, from shopping sprees to soaking in the stunning views of the city. Councilwoman Deborah Figgs Sanders was on hand to express gratitude to Kimbel and other riders who support public transit in the area.
It’s worth noting that PSTA offers an excellent perk for veterans – they can ride all PSTA fixed routes for free! For veterans interested in taking advantage of this offer, more details can be found on the Veterans Pass. Additionally, PSTA has partnered with Pinellas County Schools to provide free rides to students and staff throughout the year through a program known as the Universal Pass Program.
To mark this exciting occasion, a brand-new SunRunner station has been built on 1st Ave N between 2nd and 1st Streets. This station aims to enhance accessibility to popular local spots like Angelos Grill + Bar, Book + Bottle, and Bonu Taverna. The station is part of a broader expansion plan and will now feature frequent service, operating every 15 minutes.
Additionally, with a new initiative called “SunRunner After Dark” now in effect, the number of buses will double on Friday and Saturday nights, enhancing accessibility to the city’s vibrant nightlife. The PSTA CEO has confirmed that this exciting expansion—including the construction of the new station and additional buses—was made possible through cost savings from the original SunRunner project, which was completed under budget at an impressive $5 million surplus.
Since the original SunRunner project began operations back in October 2022, it has been recognized as one of PSTA’s top-performing routes. The new station comes equipped with amenities like 14-inch elevated platforms for better boarding accessibility, improved features for those with disabilities, and off-bus ticketing systems to make rides even smoother. Plus, the SunRunner line operates a 100% electric fleet of buses, supporting environmentally-friendly transportation.
Safety is also improving—data shows a notable decline in traffic accidents along the SunRunner corridor. The once-occupied roads recorded a drop from over 800 crashes to fewer than 600, thanks to the efficient public transit options being embraced by the community. This effort aims not only to encourage the use of public transportation but also to improve the quality of life in St. Petersburg and across Pinellas County with affordable and efficient travel options.
Looking ahead, there are even more exciting developments on the horizon! Plans are in motion to secure additional federal funding to continue expanding the SunRunner network and enhance public transport throughout the area. City Council members were actively involved in the groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting ceremonies, showcasing just how much community support there is for this initiative.
The new station is strategically located to boost connectivity to popular locations like the waterfront and Beach Drive’s entertainment district, ensuring both residents and tourists can enjoy all that St. Petersburg has to offer with ease.
New SunRunner Station Opens in Downtown St. Petersburg
New SunRunner Station Opens in St. Petersburg
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