The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority has announced that it will add a brand new Sunrunner station in downtown St. Pete in 2024. This new stop will be located just outside the Sundial St. Pete Parking garage and local favorite Social Roost on 1st Avenue North between 1st and 2nd Streets. The official address is 150 1st Avenue North.
To date, the Sunrunner has carried nearly 600,000 passengers across St. Pete and St. Pete Beach. More than 115,000 riders used the bus in March alone. Major events such as Localtopia and the Firestone Grand Prix saw ridership exceed 10,000 on their respective weekends.
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Sunrunner carries nearly 600,000 riders in first 6 months
Even bigger news is the addition of two new hybrid buses to the fleet. The Sunrunner project came in $5 million under budget. PSTA is utilizing those savings to fund their expansion. This will increase its efficiency, and make it easier to access the service from hotspots such as the St. Pete Pier.
“Transit oriented development is fueling our city’s progress,” said Mayor Ken Welch.
“The service is providing new opportunities for local businesses to open and thrive along the route.”
Welch stated that previously underutilized and vacant land is now being redeveloped “because residents and businesses want to be near the Sunrunner.”
Transit fueled development in St. Pete
Chris Steinocher with the St. Pete Chamber noted that there are currently 50,000 jobs along the Sunrunner corridor, and that in St. Pete we’re “creating 62 jobs every single day.”
The Sunrunner is currently free, and will remain free through October 31, 2023. Brad Miller, CEO of PSTA, noted that officials are looking at options for keeping the service free for another full year.
You can see a full Sunrunner map, and service hours, online.
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