The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) celebrated a milestone with the region’s first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, with PSTA and city leaders unveiling the first completed SunRunner station.
The station located at the corner of 1st Avenue North & 5th Street in St. Petersburg, features unique, locally inspired, stained-glass art from St. Petersburg artist, Catherine Woods.
"I am incredibly excited for this next phase of the SunRunner project. These stations represent a huge step towards a new day in transportation for our city and our region,” said St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman. “My thanks to Catherine Woods for her creativity and for reminding us that St. Pete is truly a city of the arts. I also want to thank Brad Miller, as well as the board and the staff of PSTA for making today possible, and for leading the way on the SunRunner."
“Being able to incorporate public art into the design of the bus shelters I think in a win-win,” added PSTA CEO Brad Miller. “It enhances the esthetics and appeal of the SunRunner and it’s also a great way to recognize and compliment the region’s growing arts community.”
The SunRunner features semi-dedicated lanes, limited stops and safety enhancements for riders including level boarding platforms and crosswalks. The 10.3-mile line will connect St. Pete Beach with downtown St. Petersburg. It will include 16 stops with buses running every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes in the evening.
“The SunRunner is a new form of mass transit this area has needed,” added PSTA Board Chair Pat Gerard. “We know how hard it can be to find parking at the beach or downtown St. Pete and thanks to the SunRunner, you won’t have to deal with that frustration anymore.”
The SunRunner features free Wi-Fi, on-board bike space and multi-door boarding. Riders can easily prepay with a smartphone or other device, so the won’t need to search for their fare. The SunRunner will get people to the beach and back fast – and comfortably. It is expected to open in Summer of 2022.
