SunRunner Bus Begins Collecting Full Fares From Riders: PSTA

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — The SunRunner, a rapid-transit bus system connecting St. Pete Beach and downtown St. Petersburg, began collecting a full fare Sunday for the first time since it launched last year.

A one-way ticket will cost $2.25, while an all-day pass is available for $5, according to a Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority news release.

The SunRunner will collect fares on the bus with a completely cashless system using digital wallets and tappable cards and using the Flamingo Fares card or app.

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• After Complaints Of Homeless Riders, SunRunner Adopts Full Fare Oct. 1

The service launched at the end of October 2022 with fare-free rides during its first six months of operation. In February, the PSTA announced it would extend the free fares through November.

The PSTA board adopted the full fare in August after pressure from Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri and St. Pete Beach residents who take issue with the homeless sleeping or panhandling on the SunRunner. St. Pete Beach officials also said at a recent meeting that they’ve seen a rise in crime and homeless individuals in the beach community.