PSTA Breaks Ground on SunRunner BRT Line

State and local officials gathered in St. Petersburg to officially break ground on the region’s first bus rapid transit (BRT) line. Called the SunRunner, the BRT line will connect Pinellas County’s world class beaches with the Sunshine City.

“Ultimately we hope this will be the first piece of a larger BRT puzzle that connects all of our communities, reduces congestion, and improves our lives,” said Brad Miller, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority’s (PSTA) CEO.

Congressman Charlie Crist was also on hand to deliver a $21.8 million-dollar check from the Federal Transit Administration for the project.

The SunRunner 40-foot long buses, which feature artwork by Chad Mize and include an iconic Mr. Sun image, are expected to arrive in 2021. The SunRunner line is expected to be completed in early 2022.

The BRT line will feature semi-dedicated lanes, limited stops and safety enhancements for riders including level boarding platforms and crosswalks. The 10.3-mile line will include 16 stops with buses running every 15 minutes.