SunRunner Extends Fare-Free Period

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.”