The 727 Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) Premium Express service launched this week, connecting downtown St. Petersburg directly to Tampa International Airport (TPA) across the Howard Frankland Bridge.
The bus service connects downtown St. Petersburg, the St. Petersburg Pier and Tampa International Airport along Interstate 275 and the Howard Frankland Bridge.
According to PSTA, the service is designed to provide an alternative to automobile travel, support workforce access and improve mobility between major tourism and employment centers.
“We applaud PSTA for thinking regionally and creating new ways to improve connectivity in the Tampa Bay area,” said Tampa International Airport CEO Michael Stephens in a press release. “This new express service will offer a convenient, reliable, and sustainable link across the bridge for our 25 million annual passengers and nearly 11,000 employees, strengthening mobility and growth for both Tampa and St. Pete.”
The 727 operates seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., with frequent service throughout the day.
The first morning pickup at the St. Petersburg Pier is at 4:20 a.m., with an estimated arrival at TPA at 4:55 a.m. The bus leaves TPA at 5 a.m. and is expected to arrive back at the pier at 5:34 a.m.
The final pickup at the pier is at 9:50 p.m., with an estimated arrival at TPA at 10:25 p.m. The 727 leaves TPA at 10:30 p.m. and is expected to arrive at the pier at 11:04 p.m.
Riders can track the bus in real time using the Transit app. One way fares will be $2.25 and there are luggage racks provided on the bus.
