PSTA seeks community input on transit-oriented development for SunRunner

Whether it’s affordable housing or retail, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority is asking the community what transit-oriented development they would like to see at the SunRunner’s stations.

The $44 million SunRunner, PSTA’s bus-rapid transit project, is thought to be a catalyst as it will bring a new form of mass transit to Tampa Bay and spur economic activity.

Forward Pinellas, PSTA and the city of St. Petersburg  will launch a survey on Wednesday to ask for community input on creating a vision for TOD along the new SunRunner line. The 10.3-mile line will connect through St. Petersburg, South Pasadena and St. Pete Beach and is expected to be completed by summer 2022.

From Wednesday until June 30, Pinellas County residents can share their thoughts with a new interactive map survey. They can add comments, ideas, questions and even pictures.

“This project is about more than the SunRunner, it is about the future of an incredibly important corridor in our city. We want to make sure everyone has access to enjoy the SunRunner and that it becomes a catalyst for a more equitable, prosperous, and safe community for generations to come,” St. Pete Councilmember Brandi Gabbard said in PSTA’s release.

To date, concrete platforms at 15 of the 30 planned stations have been completed, according to PSTA CEO Brad Miller, who provided an update at a Pinellas County meeting on Wednesday.

The stations will have boarding-leveled platforms, technology to quickly purchase tickets and will have higher frequencies than standard buses.

PSTA has received multiple grants for the project.