What’s Next for the SunRunner Lane on Central Avenue?
Florida’s first bus rapid transit line - the SunRunner - has become a familiar sight through St. Petersburg, especially along Central Avenue. But now, its dedicated lane is under review by state officials.
That could mean changes ahead for how the SunRunner operates and how traffic flows through one of the city’s most vital corridors.
Why the Review?
Since launching, the SunRunner has had a few clear impacts:
40% fewer crashes along the route
Improved traffic flow for both buses and cars on nearby roads
Reliable travel times thanks to its own lane and timed green lights
Steady, if not soaring, ridership
Supporters say these are signs of success. Critics argue the exclusive lane has limited value, especially when there’s not enough dense housing nearby to boost ridership further.
Did the City Jump Ahead Too Soon?
Some planning experts and residents believe housing development should’ve come first, before launching a rapid bus line. The city is now working to catch up, with plans to build more residential units near SunRunner stations.
According to Planning Director Derek Kilborn, “Increasing density along the corridor is now a top priority.”
What Locals Are Saying
Reactions from the community are mixed:
“It’s a faster option than driving sometimes,” said one rider.
“I think we needed more housing before we started this,” said a Central Ave resident.
“This is the type of transit system we should be building toward,” added a downtown business owner.
Others wonder if there’s a better solution that balances car traffic, bus speed, and future development.
What's at Stake?
This isn’t just a transportation issue. It raises bigger questions for St. Pete’s future:
Should we prioritize car access or public transit?
Is now the right time to invest in high-capacity transit, or should we wait for more growth?
Can the SunRunner be more effective if the city keeps building around it?
So... What Happens' Now?
The state is currently reviewing the dedicated SunRunner lane. No decisions have been made, but options are on the table — from keeping the lane as-is to converting it back to regular traffic.