The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority hosted a ribbon cutting celebration on Friday, October 12, 2018, to commemorate a "New Era of Transit" for the TECO Line Streetcar System.
"Our customers wanted a service that fits the changing regional patterns of development and population trends, and a foundation to grow ridership," said HART Interim CEO Jeff Seward. "This 'New Era of Transit' will move us into a new direction where the TECO Line Streetcar System can play a greater role in the boarder transportation network of Tampa to better serve residents, customers, and visitors, not only today, but into the future."
The next generation celebration starts at 9 a.m. at Dick Greco Plaza, located at the corner of Franklin Street and Old Water Street in downtown Tampa with a press conference and ribbon cutting ceremony, featuring U.S. Representative Kathy Castor (FL-14), City of Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Florida Department of Transportation District Seven Secretary David Gwynn, P.E., and other local dignitaries and elected officials.
The ribbon cutting event will be followed by a vision streetcar ride for those dignitaries and special guests.
This week, the TECO Line Streetcar System launched its free fares and expanded service. The new and improved service hours align with the HART's mission of taking people to the places that enhance their lives. From Ybor City to Downtown Tampa, the 2.7-mile, 11-stop Streetcar connects citizens to work, events, restaurants, sporting events, activities, and entertainment.
The remarkable change from $2.50 fares to free was made possible by an extraordinary $2.7 million grant HART received for that purpose. The funds to offset the fare revenues were awarded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to enhance the TECO Line Streetcar System.
The grant will be used to increase streetcar service from every 20 minutes to every 15 minutes from 7 AM - 7 PM on weekdays and provide extended service hours throughout the week. That's four opportunities per hour to experience the "Free. Fun. Frequent. Totally Tampa!" convenience of the streetcar, which has been serving Tampa Bay residents and visitors for almost 16 years.
