The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority and Tampa International Airport hosted a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the official launch of HART's first seven-day-a-week intercounty service to downtown Tampa and the airport.
HART and TPA officials, PCPT leaders, elected officials, HART Board of Directors, transit enthusiasts, community leaders and staff gathered at Tampa International Airport's Rental Car Center to mark this momentous milestone in local public transportation.
Florida State Senator Dana D. Young, Florida Department of Transportation District Seven Secretary David Gwynn, Chair, Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners and HART Board of Directors member, Sandra Murman, !p Chief Potential Officer Mark Sharpe, and Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore were among the speakers who helped commemorate this significant step toward regional transit connections between Tampa Bay's main activity centers. More than 50 community stakeholders attended the ribbon-cutting event at the airport.
"If I lived in Wesley Chapel, Tampa Palms or Hunter's Green and had a park-n-ride where I can park my car get on a bus with free Wi-Fi for $4 or $5 bucks, come to the airport and check my bags. Who wouldn't do that?" said Florida State Senator Dana Young, District 18.
HART's Route 275 Limited Express, which started in early July, takes customers from the Wiregrass Park-n-Ride in Wesley Chapel to Tampa International, with stops in New Tampa, the university area, and downtown. Customers can travel from the University Area Transit Center (near the University of South Florida) to downtown in only 20 minutes and from Marion Transit Center (in downtown) to TPA in 22 minutes. Having this easy access to public transportation is always a win for the community.
"This additional service is a perfect example of making sure we put the needs of residents first," said HART Interim CEO Jeff Seward. "I look forward to everyone taking advantage of this service and enjoying all Route 275LX has to offer."
"TPA is a huge supporter of transportation options for employees and travelers, and we're committed to growing transit options," said Tampa International Airport CEO Joe Lopano. "This is a great time to be in Tampa. Things are happening and coming together. Like you see with Route 275LX."
Route 275LX offers residents, businesses, and visitors, more accessible, cost-effective transportation access between Hillsborough and Pasco counties.
"We appreciate the innovative thinking of HART staff for converting an underperforming express route into a regional connector linking Pasco to TPA." said Florida Department of Transportation District Seven Secretary David Gwynn.
HART's Route 275LX schedule connects with Pasco County Public Transportation's Route 54 at the Wiregrass Park-n-Ride, traveling both east to Trinity/New Port Richey and west to Zephyrhills. The 275LX also connects with the 300X at TPA's Rental Car Center.
The Route 275LX is funded by the Florida Department of Transportation as a part of the Urban Corridor Project.
