The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority hosted a ribbon-cutting celebration to embark on a "New Era of Transit" for the TECO Line Streetcar System.
U. S. Representative Kathy Castor (FL-14), city of Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Former Mayor Dick Greco, Florida Department of Transportation District Seven Secretary David Gwynn, P.E, Tampa Historic Streetcar Board President Michael English, and HART Board of Directors Member and Tampa City Councilman Mike Suarez were among the speakers who helped commemorate this significant step toward a viable transportation network. Enhanced streetcar service will improve mobility by affording residents access to additional job opportunities, and provide enhanced connectivity in downtown, the Channel District, and Ybor City.
"Streetcars can play a major role in the broader transportation network in our city," said Tampa Historic Streetcar Inc. President Michael English. "As wait lists for downtown parking increase, and Water Street construction gets underway, the TECO Line Streetcar will help connect people to jobs, education, and will create a more vibrant and walkable Tampa."
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 a $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.
"We were able to come up with a grant that we had from our central office that would provide enough money to not only to run it free, but expand the hours so we can get more people from the community," said Florida Department of Transportation District Seven Secretary David Gwynn, P.E.
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.
"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."
