3 New SunRunner Buses Approved: Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — The purchase of three additional SunRunner buses was approved Wednesday by the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority Board of Directors.

These 40-foot hybrid electric buses will help meet capacity needs as ridership continues to grow, especially during special events along the 10.3-mile route, according to a PSTA news release. The bus rapid transit system travels between downtown St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach.

Since the service launched in October, ridership has grown each month. More than 115,000 people used the SunRunner service in March alone, according to PSTA data. As of Wednesday, the service has seen more than 635,000 riders.

• Also Read: New SunRunner Stop Coming To 1st Ave. N. In St. Pete: Officials

The additional buses, which will arrive by spring of next year, will ensure 15-minute frequency every hour during the day, the agency said. Funding for the buses will be from the project coming $5 million dollars under budget.

“As the ridership numbers show, the SunRunner is our most popular route and with these new buses we will be able to move more people in (a) fast and convenient way,” according to Brad Miller, PSTA CEO.

In April, city of St. Petersburg and PSTA officials announced a new SunRunner stop will be built in the 100 block of 1st Avenue N., in front of the SunDial Garage. Initially, they said two new buses would be added to the fleet.

“I am proud that PSTA continues its work to improve an already impressive service,” Gina Driscoll, chair of the PSTA Board and St. Petersburg City Council member, said. “By coming in under budget and making plans to add more buses and a new station closer to the Pier, PSTA is enhancing our quality of life and helping to drive our economy.”

The SunRunner is free to riders through Oct. 31.