The St. Pete SunRunner celebrates its two millionth rider

three people stand in front of a bright blue bus
Councilwoman Deborah Figgs-Sanders and PSTA CEO Brad Miller greet the SunRunner's two millionth rider, Mark Kimbel.

The St. Pete SunRunner is one of the most popular transit networks in the region. This BRT service by Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) connects downtown St. Pete to the beaches. It celebrated its two millionth rider, retired US Army veteran Mark Kimbel. 

Kimbel was elated as he exited the bright blue bus at the station, which was just down the block from beloved local hubs such as Angelos Grill + Bar, Book + Bottle, and Bonu Taverna

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“I’ve been down here for about 8 years,” said Kimball. “I ride this bus daily…to the store, to the pharmacy, to the VA, sometimes I’m just on for the view.” 

Councilwoman Deborah Figgs Sanders attended to greet Kimball and thank him for utilizing public transit. 

a bus station with a colorful shade structure in a downtown area
The St. Pete SunRunner Station at 1st Ave N and 5th Street

Celebrating the success of Bus Rapid Transit in Pinellas County

“Increased acknowledgment of our public transportation should be a priority for all of us in Pinellas County,” said Figgs-Sanders. In addition to Figgs-Sanders, PSTA CEO Brad Miller was also in attendance. You’ll find few people more committed to the power and significance of effective public transit than Kimball and Miller.

It should be noted that US military veterans ride all PSTA fixed routes for free. Information on the Veterans Pass can be found here.

Pinellas County Schools has also partnered with the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) to provide free rides to students and staff (including volunteers and substitute teachers) through the Universal Pass Program.

All Pinellas County Schools students and staff ride free all year round. Just display your school or employee ID badge to the PSTA Driver. Substitute teachers can display valid substitute teacher slips, and volunteers can display valid level 1 and 2 badges. You may also be asked to verify your identity with a photo ID card.

Two trolleys side by side. One is light blue and the other is yellow
The SunRunner carries more than 3,000 passengers on Jan. 27, and extra buses were brought in to handle the volume

The SunRunner After Dark

In addition to a new station (1st Ave N between 2nd and 1st Streets) and 2 million riders, SunRunner celebrated council approval for its “After Dark” initiative. This initiative will double the number of SunRunner buses on Friday and Saturday nights, with pickups every 15 minutes from 6 a.m. to midnight. Its goal is to support downtown businesses, employees, residents, and visitors.

“SunRunner After Dark will connect our vibrant nightlife with safe, affordable, and sustainable transportation,” said Copley Gerdes, Chairman of the St. Petersburg City Council.

Follow PSTA on Instagram and visit its website to learn more about its services and milestones.

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