In response to the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Helene, the City of St. Petersburg, in partnership with PSTA, will offer free bus fares within city limits for two weeks starting Monday, Sept. 30. The initiative, known as the St. Pete Emergency Zero Fare Program, is designed to help residents who have lost vehicles and face additional financial challenges due to the storm.

Thousands of residents are grappling with the loss of their vehicles from severe flooding, along with damage to their homes and other disruptions. Recognizing these hardships, the City has implemented the free fare period to ease transportation costs for all residents, regardless of whether they live in flood-prone areas or have suffered direct losses.

Available through October 13 in St. Pete

The fare-free period will run through Sunday, Oct. 13, with regular fares resuming on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. Free rides will apply to all regular bus trips that start and end within St. Pete, though the program excludes Access, MOD, and other mobility services.

“This is a part of our ongoing recovery efforts,” said Mayor Kenneth T. Welch. “We want to alleviate some of the financial and transportation burdens residents are facing in the wake of Hurricane Helene. This is one way we can support our community through this difficult time.”

Riders should note that the SunRunner will turn around at Pasadena due to limited access to westbound areas. For more information on routes and schedules, visit psta.net.