St. Pete companies see uptick in business from bus rapid transit route

St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach businesses are attracting new customers thanks to the launch of the region’s first bus rapid transit route, the $44 million SunRunner, on Oct. 21.

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, in a news release, says more than 63,000 people have taken at least one ride on the SunRunner since its debut, and businesses along the route, which features dedicated bus lanes for much of its 10-mile length, are reaping the benefits.

As part of the SunRunner launch, PSTA handed out SunRunner Gold Cards to the first 500 riders. The cards are good for discounts at participating local businesses, which report that customers who might typically avoid the busy east-west corridor because of lack of parking are now visiting restaurants, shops and bars in the area.