On October 1st, the SunRunner will begin charging PTSA’s standard $2.25 fare. We knew the SunRunner couldn’t be free forever. In fact, it was free longer than it was supposed to be. Some might be asking: How do I pay? There’s nothing worse than using an unfamiliar bus or train system for the first time and delaying the boarding process while a line of locals looks on, unamused.
The simplest answer is just to tap your credit or debit card. You can also use your payment-enabled smartwatch or phone. The SunRunner and all PSTA buses are now equipped with tap-to-pay terminals. You’ll be charged $2.25 and you can take a seat. A bonus: if you use the same payment method, rides (including all other PSTA routes) are capped at $5 per day, so your second ride is $2.25, your third ride will only charge you 50 cents and then you can cruise the county for free the rest of the day.
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As a Bus Rapid Transit Line, the SunRunner is cashless. All other PSTA buses still take cash (exact change only) and they don’t accept pennies. Traveling with more than one rider? Just wait 5 seconds between credit/debit card taps.
Another convenient option for regulars and groups is the Flamingo Fares app, which allows you to scan the app’s QR code upon entry and also adheres to the $5 daily limit per person. Flaming Fares also offers an important feature that allows you to purchase a 1-day group pass for up to 5 riders for $10. Kids 8 and under are always free. The Flamingo Fares app is also used by HART in Tampa.
More details from PSTA:
What to read next:
- Sunrunner will expand with new station in downtown St. Pete, and two new buses
- Three more buses added to the SunRunner fleet in St. Pete
- The SunRunner’s Maiden Voyage: One Family’s Ride into History
- PSTA just won the Academy Award of transit systems
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