ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The American Public Transportation Association recognized Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority for its collaborative efforts regarding the SunRunner.
The transit authority partnered with Jones Worley, an African American woman-owned disadvantaged business enterprise and H.W. Locher, the prime engineer, according to a news release. The award honors the transit service's design, branding and marketing strategy.
"Key to the strategy were brightly colored vehicles with friendly designs, along with an outreach campaign that touched neighborhoods, businesses, and community groups to connect the new service with potential users," the PSTA release said.
The SunRunner is the first bus rapid transit service in the Tampa Bay area which travels from St. Pete Beach to downtown St. Petersburg with limited stops. The service started in October 2022 and costs $2.25, which is the same as PSTA's regular service.
The goal of the bus is to attract new riders and provide transportation to popular destinations in St. Petersburg. The route serves more than 50,000 jobs and 40,000 residents within a half-mile radius, according to the release.
If you're on First Avenue North or South the colorful, eccentric buses are easy to spot. The hybrid vehicles are noted for being efficient and it's considered one of the standout achievements for PSTA by serving more than 1.3 million riders.
As the SunRunner continues to grow, a new station is being built downtown to give residents and visitors closer access to the St. Pete Pier, Beach Drive, the Cross Bay Ferry and other amenities near the waterfront.
PSAT was also named Transit System of the Year for 2023.
