Construction Begins For St. Pete's Historic Rapid Transit Line

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Construction for the SunRunner Bus Rapid Transit line kicked off on Monday with state and local officials in attendance at its groundbreaking event in St. Petersburg.

This is the area's first BRT line, and when it is complete it will connect Pinellas County to Pinellas County beach locations, according to Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority.

“This is a historic day and a long time coming,” said Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority chief executive officer Brad Miller. “Ultimately we hope this will be the first piece of a larger BRT puzzle that connects all of our communities, reduces congestion and improves our lives.”

Congressman Charlie Crist was in attendance at the groundbreaking event with a $21 million check from the Federal Transit Administration for the project.

In May, President Trump announced Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority would be awarded funding for the SunRunner.

“As a member of the powerful Appropriations Committee, I’ve been proud to provide funding to support PSTA as they work to connect our growing beach communities and St. Pete’s exciting Central Avenue districts," said Crist. “I look forward to the completion of the SunRunner and the opportunities it will bring to support our local businesses, drive tourism, and propel sustainable development for generations to come.”

The SunRunner 40-foot long buses, which feature artwork by Chad Mize that include an iconic Mr. Sun image, are expected to arrive in 2021. The SunRunner line is expected to be completed in early 2022.

“The 10.3-mile line will improve mobility and access to jobs, health care, educational opportunities and other critical community services in the region,” said Federal Transit Authority deputy administrator Jane Williams.

The SunRunner will feature semi-dedicated lanes, limited stops and safety enhancements for riders that include level boarding platforms and crosswalks. The 10.3-mile line will include 16 stops with buses running every 15 minutes.