PSTA Breaks Ground on New SunRunner Station

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), Pinellas County, FL, has broken ground on a new SunRunner station, which will provide closer access to the St. Pete Pier; Beach Drive; the Cross Bay Ferry; and the array of restaurants, businesses, and hotels along the Downtown St. Petersburg waterfront. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL), State Senator Darryl Rouson, and other leaders attended the recent groundbreaking.

“We are fulfilling our promise to the community by continuing to improve the SunRunner,” said PSTA CEO Brad Miller. “We’ve heard the requests from citizens, riders, staff, and elected officials to connect this service to the beautiful waterfront district of St. Petersburg. Today we are starting the process of turning those requests into a reality.”

SunRunner, the Tampa Bay region’s first-of-its-kind BRT service, runs along PSTA’s most heavily used corridor and connects St. Pete Beach to Downtown St. Petersburg. The new station will improve mobility and accessibility to jobs, healthcare, education, and activity centers.

“The SunRunner has been a game-changer for our region, providing strong transportation options that benefit everyone,” said State Sen. Rouson. “PSTA’s dedication to connectivity is evident in their efforts to get new people to try transit and the positive impact it has on our community. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when we invest in our transit infrastructure.”

The SunRunner corridor has witnessed dynamic redevelopment activity since construction on the project began. A tracking report reveals $9 billion in development along the corridor. The route serves more than 50,000 jobs and 40,000 residents within a half-mile radius.

Crews completed the original SunRunner project $5 million under budget, allowing the remaining funds to be invested into this expansion. The new station is expected to be open by the end of 2024.