The 727 Airport Express is expected to launch in October with daily service, nine downtown stops and a $2.25 one-way fare.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority plans to launch a direct express bus connecting downtown St. Petersburg with Tampa International Airport this fall.
The new service, called the 727 Airport Express, is expected to begin operating in October. PSTA has not announced an exact launch date.
The route will make nine stops in downtown St. Petersburg before traveling to the airport using Interstate 275 and the Howard Frankland Bridge Express Lanes. The service will operate daily between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m., according to PSTA’s official route page.
Route Will Connect Downtown, the Pier and TPA
The route will serve downtown St. Petersburg and the St. Pete Pier before crossing Tampa Bay. It will also connect with the SunRunner, giving passengers access to other parts of St. Petersburg and the St. Pete Beach corridor. PSTA said the route will use hybrid buses equipped with luggage racks. The vehicles will also include air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
Buses will use the Howard Frankland Bridge Express Lanes, which are intended to help the service avoid some of the congestion that can affect regular traffic between Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. The route is designed to serve airport passengers and employees, along with residents and visitors traveling between downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa.
PSTA has not released the locations of the nine downtown stops. The agency has also not published departure times, service frequency or an estimated trip duration. Those details are expected closer to the October launch.
Airport Connection Has Been a Frequent Request
PSTA officials said a direct connection between downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa International Airport has been one of the agency’s most requested services. The route will provide Pinellas County passengers with an alternative to driving, parking, taxis and app-based rides. Airport officials also said the service could improve transportation options for Tampa International Airport employees who live in Pinellas County. The “727” name refers to the area code used throughout much of Pinellas County. PSTA announced the service July 27.
Additional information, including the final stop locations and schedule, will be posted on the 727 Airport Express page before service begins.