New SunRunner Station Breaks Ground In Downtown St. Pete: PSTA

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority broke ground Friday on a new SunRunner stop in downtown St. Petersburg, according to a news release.

The bus rapid transit service connects St. Pete Beach to downtown.

The new station is near the Sundial parking garage at 150 1st Ave. N.

“The SunRunner has been a game-changer for our region, providing strong transportation options that benefit everyone,” Florida Sen. Darryl Rouson said. “PSTA’s dedication to connectivity is evident in their efforts to get new people to try transit and the positive impact it has on our community. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when we invest in our transit infrastructure.”

The SunRunner launched in October 2022 with the goal “of attracting new riders to transit; making life better for residents, businesses, and visitors; and contributing to a safer, cleaner community,” the news release said.

Within its first year, the SunRunner surpassed 1 million riders and remains one of PSTA’s top-performing fixed routes, according to PSTA. It recently celebrated its highest ridership ever on June 22.

The transit line has limited stops and gets riders from the beach to downtown in about 40 minutes.

Riders do not have long waits thanks to frequent service every 15 minutes during peak times. The new downtown station, along with three new SunRunner buses, will keep the promised 15-minute frequency.

“It’s an incredible asset for our community,” Gina Driscoll, PSTA board chair and St. Pete City Council member, said. “The SunRunner is helping St. Petersburg become an even safer and cleaner community. The hybrid electric vehicles reduce the number of cars on the road and lower carbon emissions. Traffic crashes are also significantly down along the corridor since service began.”

Since the SunRunner was put in place, there’s been $9 billion in development along the corridor, officials said.

The route serves more than 50,000 jobs and 40,000 residents within a half-mile radius.

“The new SunRunner station will greatly benefit the tourists who visit our area and stay at hotels like Hyatt Place,” Stephen Nunez, general manager of Hyatt Place St. Petersburg Downtown, said. “The service makes life better for both residents and businesses by giving workers easy access to their jobs, enhancing our local economy, and ensuring our city remains a top destination for visitors.”