SunRunner buses arrive at the start of BRT 2022 in St. Pete. at

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority has nine new buses ready when their new express bus route opens next summer, the agency said on Sunday.

the Sun runner Buses are expected to hit the streets in 2022 along the BRT route, which is currently under construction, which connects downtown St. Petersburg to the Gulf beaches.

The nine new buses are 40-foot hybrid electric buses manufactured by Gillig and feature works of art by Chad Mize as well as the iconic yellow “Mr. Sun ”on the outside of the light turquoise buses.

The route will run on its own lane along First Avenue North and South, with pick-ups at stops along the route every 15 minutes during the day and 30-minute intervals in the evening. The buses also have space for bicycles on board.

The route is intended to be a faster alternative between downtown and the beaches with fewer stops than the existing Central Ave. Beach trolley offer.

After the start, the SunRunner route will offer a pre-pay bus service via smartphones or other device apps.

PSTA estimates the new route will increase property value in the surrounding neighborhoods, free up parking space by reducing the number of cars on the streets, increase safety through wider bike lanes and safer zebra crossings, promote community connectivity, and create community spirit through public art selected means of transport will present stations.

The American Public Transportation Association estimates that for every $ 1 invested in public transportation, $ 4 is returned to the local economy.

Other benefits mentioned include more pedestrian traffic to local businesses, boosting tourism spending through access to attractions, improved access to jobs, and streamlining the flow of traffic for delivery drivers and local customers.

SunRunner service includes stops at the main entrance to St. Pete Beach on Gulf Blvd., Tradewinds Resort, Boca Ciega Dr., Sun Island Dr. and Gulfport Blvd. Stops are also located along First Avenue North and South on 66th St., 58th St., 49th St., 40th St., Grand Central Station near 31st St., 22nd St., 13th St. near the Tropicana Field, 8th St. and 4th and 5th St. Other downtown stops include 3rd St. South and 6th Ave. S. near the campus of the University of South Florida St. Petersburg.

the $ 44 million project includes $ 28.1 million in federal funding, with the remainder being split between the Florida Department of Transportation, PSTA, and the City of St. Petersburg.

construction The project is underway, with lane changes underway along First Avenues North and South.

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