New SunRunner stop will be close to The Pier

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) broke ground Friday on a new SunRunner station in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, marking another expansion of the region’s first bus rapid transit system.

The new station, located near the Sundial parking garage at 150 1st Avenue N., is expected to be up and running by the end of 2024, giving residents and visitors closer access to popular destinations like the St. Pete Pier, Beach Drive and the Cross Bay Ferry.

The new station will be the easternmost stop on the SunRunner route. Image: Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority.

According to PSTA, the original SunRunner project, which started in 2022, was completed $5 million under budget. PSTA used the leftover funds to build the new station near The Pier and purchase additional hybrid electric buses.

“The goal of the SunRunner was to be a catalyst for expanded transportation options throughout the community and to create a fast, efficient, dependable service from downtown St. Petersburg to the beach,” said PSTA CEO Brad Miller. “It took an impressive level of cooperation with our federal, state and local partners to make that happen.”

The new station will, like the entire 10-mile SunRunner line, offer service every 15 minutes. It will also stay open for extended hours on Friday and Saturday nights. At Friday’s groundbreaking, Rep. Kathy Castor praised PSTA’s efforts to electrify its fleet of over 200 vehicles, and Sen. Darryl Rouson applauded the SunRunner project for “getting new people to try public transit.”

Deborah Figgs-Sanders, Chair of St. Petersburg City Council and PSTA board member, said the SunRunner line will play a key role in the city’s planned  $6.7 billion revitalization of the Gas Plant District.

“The SunRunner will ensure that this area will be well-connected to the rest of the city, making it accessible to all residents and enhancing its inclusivity,” Figgs-Sanders said.

Artwork at the 1st Street N. station will be created by artist Catherine Woods, who has produced designs for other SunRunner stations inspired by the flora, fauna and architecture surrounding each individual station. Photo: Ashley Morales.

The new station is expected to feature the same amenities as existing SunRunner stops. These include 14-inch elevated platforms for easy boarding, improved crosswalks and ramps for accessibility, real-time signage and off-bus ticketing to expedite the boarding process. 

Just last month, it was announced that PSTA would receive $27.8 million in federal funding to purchase 12 electric buses, four diesel hybrids, 12 charging stations and associated equipment. The SunRunner route is one of PSTA’s top-performing fixed routes and recently celebrated its highest ridership on June 22, 2024 (the day of the St. Pete Pride parade and festival).

“Before the SunRunner was even a year old, we celebrated one million riders on this service,” said Gina Driscoll, St. Petersburg City Council member & PSTA board chair. “This shows how much our community values this service and how important it is to the future of transportation in our region.”

.