In H-Town: Houston METRO Expands Regional Fare System
SunRunner Extends Fare-Free Period
The six-month free-fare period was initially promoted to end April 30, 2023.

The first three months of SunRunner service saw ridership exceed 260,000 passengers.
Photo: PSTA
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) board approved the recommendation of keeping the SunRunner, the Tampa Bay region’s first bus rapid transit (BRT) service, fare-free for an additional six months.
The six-month free-fare period was initially promoted to end on April 30, 2023. Now the fares will be suspended until November 2023, according to PSTA's news release.
The first three months of SunRunner service saw ridership exceed 260,000 passengers.
This summer, PSTA said it will be expanding its new contactless fare payment system, including VISA, Mastercard, and other tappable credit and debit card options to also recognize discounted fares for senior citizens and people with disabilities.
“We have seen an amazing response from the community regarding the SunRunner, it now has the highest ridership in our system,” said Brad Miller, CEO of PSTA. “Riders have been using the service to get to work, medical appointments, and our award-winning beaches. To continue to offer the SunRunner free, we will be able to attract even more passengers to enjoy our easy and convenient service.”
More Bus

Biz Briefs: Montréal Debuts Nova Electric Buses and More
In this edition of Biz Briefs, we spotlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility.
Read More →
The Hidden Cost of Fuel Data Inaccuracy in Public Transit Fleets
In today's transit environment, accurate fuel and mileage data are critical to reducing costs, minimizing downtime, and improving fleet performance.
Read More →
Virginia's $28.5B Transportation Plan Targets Transit and Rail
Approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the program supports ongoing infrastructure projects while providing new investments in transit, state of good repair and transportation alternatives.
Read More →
Bipartisan BUSES Act Seeks Changes to New York City's Bus Idling Enforcement Program
Backed by motorcoach operators, the legislation seeks to balance emissions goals with passenger safety by allowing limited idling for inspections, accessibility needs and extreme weather conditions.
Read More →
D Line Expansion Fuels Growth Across LA Metro's Rail System
Weekend rail ridership was especially strong, soaring 18% as riders embraced expanded access to jobs, entertainment, dining, and cultural destinations, said the agency. Total system ridership for May, including bus and rail, was 26,966,657.
Read More →
ENC to Deliver Three Clean Diesel Buses to Canada's York Region Transit
Since 2005, City View and ENC have supplied nearly 90 E-Z Rider II buses to YRT.
Read More →
Frontrunner Bus Group Expands with New Massachusetts Headquarters
The significantly larger facility will provide the infrastructure needed to support the company’s growing workforce, advanced technologies, and expanding product line.
Read More →
Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility
In this edition of METROspectives, Joshua Schank discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.
Read More →
Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI
Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.
Read More →
SamTrans Sets Priorities for Potential Connect Bay Area Revenue
The board-approved framework allocates future funding to maintaining service, rider improvements, equity initiatives, and infrastructure repairs.
Read More →