Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority

Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) provides a diverse array of transit services, including the SunRunner Bus Rapid Transit service, Trolley Services, Direct Connect, 300X Airport Express, St. Petersburg Downtown Looper, 814 On-Demand, Vanpool, Park N Ride, and Hurricane Evacuations. The SunRunner, PSTA’s new Bus Rapid Transit service and the first of its kind in Tampa Bay, operates every 15 minutes from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and every 30 minutes from 8 p.m. to midnight. It features hybrid-electric vehicles, free Wi-Fi, digital displays, charging stations at every seat, and level boarding with three bike racks and standing room for cyclists. The SunRunner route includes 16 stops and is designed to be 30% faster than current bus services with limited stops. The service began on October 21, 2022, and is supported by federal, state, and local funding, including a $21.8 million federal grant.

PSTA also offers several programs such as PSTA Access (Paratransit), TD (Transportation Disadvantaged), UPASS, Accessibility, Seniors/Disabled, PSTA & Feeding Tampa Bay, Travel Training, Veterans, and Emergency Ride Home. The Universal Pass Program (UPASS) allows agencies, government employers, schools, and universities to pay an annual rate for unlimited public transit access for their employees or students. The Veterans Pass program enables all US Military Veterans to ride PSTA fixed routes for free. The Vanpool service is available for commuters within Hernando, Hillsborough, Citrus, Pasco, Pinellas, and Manatee Counties.

PSTA provides real-time bus information using GPS technology to pinpoint each vehicle’s exact location at all times. The agency offers a variety of fare options, including regular fare at $2.25 and reduced fare at $1.10, and a Flamingo Fares app for contactless payments and fare management. PSTA has been named the Most Outstanding Public Transportation System in the Nation and continues to enhance its bus network through the Community Bus Plan, focusing on providing increased opportunities to residents. For its employees, PSTA offers a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program and an on-campus Wellness Center.