Support Us Button Widget
Travel and Outdoors  Airports and Transportation

Public transportation updates in the Tampa Bay area

What to expect the next few months from the TECO Streetcar, SunRunner, and more.

August 30, 2023 • 
Brianna Williams
SunRunner

The SunRunner rides off into the sunset through midnight.

Photo by Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority

The past month or so has been ablaze with local public transportation news, and it can be hard to keep up.

What’s going on with the TECO Streetcar? Do we have to pay for the SunRunner now? We’re breaking down the latest public transit announcements to keep you on track:

  • TECO Streetcar | We’re still waiting to see if the TECO Streetcar will remain fee-free. A pending application for funding will influence whether the streetcar begins implementing fares or not.
  • SunRunner | St. Pete’s currently fare-free SunRunner will begin implementing a $2.25 fare on Sunday, Oct. 1 due to complaints about unhoused riders.
  • Tampa MetroRapid | Several stops along Metro Rapid’s bus route on Nebraska Avenue recently had seats removed. Transportation advocates are calling for HART to reinstall seats.
  • Mobility Plan | In case you missed it, Tampa announced a 30-year plan which aims to make the city more bikeable + walkable.
More from TBAYtoday
An aerial shot of Tampa. Sun is shining on sporadic skyscrapers and the bay and waterways are visible in the background.
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Tampa Bay
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
August 27, 2025
 · 
Brianna Williams
Semi-aerial_2-final_29.jpg
Development
Check out 4 new hotels going up in the Tampa Bay area
The dual AC Hotels + Moxy by Marriott hotel will boast a rooftop bar and restaurant, 310 rooms, and plenty of other amenities.
August 26, 2025
A Sunset on St. Pete Beach. The sky is orange and yellow, with a dark beach before it in the shadows.
City
Visit these “The Summer I Turned Pretty"-esque spots in Tampa Bay
Pretend you’re Belly, Jeremiah, or Conrad and spend summery moments at these Tampa and St. Pete restaurants, parks, and other local gems.
August 25, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
Skincare products sit on shelves on a green wall.
Wellness
Check out Skin Pharm, South Tampa’s bougie new med spa
Editor Bailey reports back on the wellness spot’s treatments and her experience in the chair.
August 21, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
Tampa Skyline
Work
Top industries and employers in the Tampa Bay area
The economic landscape of Tampa Bay, who’s hiring, and who’s most likely to expand investments into our community.
August 20, 2025
 · 
Staff
31738618_123089668555809_5707212711121649664_n.jpg
Development
Mailbag: Your thoughts on an outdoor library in Tampa Bay
We asked where you’d put one in TBAY, and you sent in your ideas.
August 19, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
A pelican flies over the water. The bird is a black silhouette against yellowish ripples,
Travel and Outdoors
Start your birding journey in Tampa Bay
Whether you’re a casual bird lover or longtime fan, you can get some tips from our guide.
August 18, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
The iconic Dalí Museum shown at a distance
Culture
How cold do these Tampa Bay museums keep their AC?
Spoiler: There’s some congruity.
August 14, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
A chef prepares Brussels sprouts in a big silver metallic bowl. Two hands are visible, one holding the bowl, and the other stirring the charred sprouts with a spoon.
Live
Where to find lunch in Tampa Bay for $15 or less
Ready for your lunch break? Check out these 15 lunches, from Cuban sammies to broiled burgers.
August 13, 2025
 · 
Staff
OffBalancedRunClub.jpg
Sports
Lace up your sneaks for these Tampa Bay run clubs
Whether you’re a marathoner or seasoned walker, we’ve got you covered with options across Hillsborough + Pinellas counties.
August 12, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever