Drivers are on the roads every day, providing rides 'on the bright side'
Since starting services in 1990, Hillsborough County's Sunshine Line transportation service has grown exponentially. This year saw that growth reach an amazing new level: The vibrant vehicles carried passengers more than a whopping 1 million miles.
One million miles cover the distance from Earth to the Moon - four times! It's also more than 200 times the length of the Great Wall of China. And you'd have to drive over the Howard Frankland Bridge more than 300,000 times to cover a million miles.
In its role as the Community Transportation Coordinator, Sunshine Line oversaw 1,093,721 trips countywide across three programs in 2025. Of those, Sunshine Line's two primary programs, Door-to-Door and Bus Pass, delivered 530,014 trips, traveling more than 1,050,000 miles across Hillsborough County during the year.
Sunshine Line's biggest year yet is no small feat. Their drivers are out on the roads every day serving the County's aging and disabled populations and occasionally lending helping hands to residents experiencing homelessness or otherwise in need of transport.
Alongside record distances, the service also achieved some of its highest safety ratings ever, maintaining an accident rate of fewer than one mishap per 100,000 miles driven. More than half of their team members achieved a 90% or greater on-time accuracy rate.
This year, Sunshine Line rolled out 16 new buses, all equipped with new technology and painted an updated shade of the service's trademark bright blue.
While these stats are impressive, Sunshine Line's most impressive feat may be an intangible one. Drivers go above and beyond for residents, forming genuine relationships with their riders and providing a source of daily sunshine for some who may struggle to find connection otherwise.
Through exceptional customer service, continuous fleet improvements, and impeccable safety, Hillsborough County's Sunshine Line provides a true "ride on the bright side."
Looking to the future, Sunshine Line has already begun setting and achieving goals for 2026, including digitizing the application process and some ride requests. Meeting high safety standards, operating on time, and providing an uplifting space for clients are always top of mind, no matter the year.
Interested in whether Sunshine Line can provide services to you or someone you know? Sunshine Line.