FDOT grant supports TECO streetcar service

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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Photo Credit: Hillsborough Area Regional Transit
Hillsborough Area Regional Transit

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) awarded $2.7 million to the Hillsborough Area Regional Authority (HART) that will support greater service and provide free rides on the TECO Line Streetcar for the next three years.

The grant will be used to increase streetcar service from every 20 minutes to every 15 minutes and provide extended service hours. Officials said the increased streetcar service will improve mobility and access by affording residents access to additional job opportunities, and provide enhanced connectivity in downtown, the Channel District and Ybor City.

“We want to first thank FDOT District Seven Secretary David Gwynn and his team for their continued support of HART. This funding will be a major step forward for HART to be able to continue delivering essential TECO Line Streetcar service for the City of Tampa,” said HART Interim CEO Jeff Seward. “Enhanced streetcar service will better connect downtown Tampa and historic Ybor City, giving residents and tourists another commuter option, as they travel around downtown for business or leisure.”

Officials explain that with planned extensions, the streetcar will also create a vital connection between downtown and neighborhoods and further spread the vibrancy and development that is currently being seen in the downtown area. The Streetcar Extension Study from Downtown Tampa to Tampa Heights, also funded by FDOT, is currently in project development to pursue federal funding.

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