Tampa's TECO Streetcar Line "The Little Engine That Could"

Yesterday, Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff was in Tampa for the grand opening of the TECO Streetcar Line extension to Whiting Street. The $5.3 million project was funded almost entirely by the Department of Transportation, with $1 million coming from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

It links downtown Tampa to residential areas, restaurants, hotels and entertainment. It's really about connecting tourists and residents to the downtown area to enjoy festivals, conventions, and all of the great culture the city of Tampa offers.

FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff

This line has been in use for two months, and Hillsborough Area Regional Transit officials are already seeing an increase in ridership. “This is a big step in the streetcar extension, in the line itself connecting Ybor, Chanelside, and now downtown Tampa,” said project manager Bob Atack.

Even before the extension opened, it was already stimulating economic growth. From condominiums to hotels to entertainment centers, the TECO Streetcar Line has generated more than $1 billion in economic investment. The Recovery Act is working for the City of Tampa. By extending the TECO Streetcar Line, DOT is helping to ensure Tampa’s sustained economic vitality.

Tampa's TECO Streetcar Line

And, given the rising demand for transit service throughout the Hillsborough County region, this investment in public transit could not have come at a better time.

By supporting this project, Tampa’s citizens are sending a clear message: They want good transportation choices. They want to be able to enjoy the city while leaving their cars at home. And they want the sense of community and connection that comes from riding the TECO streetcar.

Administrator Rogoff summed it up perfectly when he said:

“This project promises to make Tampa a more connected community with greener transit options for its residents and visitors. The extension makes it easier for residents to get around, for tourists to explore the city, and for the business community to keep the economic engine of Tampa moving forward."

To me, that sounds a lot like the kind of American innovation President Obama championed last week in his State of the Union address. And I am glad DOT is playing its part.

Comments

[Donald Monteith]

Looks great! I love the paint job!
What was the total investment? What are the operating costs per month? How many (expected/actual)riders per month? What is the fare box/ticket receipts per month? What is the monthly maintnance expense? Any other monthly expenses?
What are the ridership goals/expectation per month/year?
What are farebox expectations per month/year?
Is there any monthly financial aid per month/year. By whom?
How many years to breakeven/payback?
How many cars are running at one time. Can we get a map of the route, that shows all stops? How?
What are fares, by type? (children, adult, senior, bikes, etc.) Pay by ride, weekly, monthly, annual, etc.?
Expected total miles per year(all cars)? Expected years operation to overhaul? Total number of employees?
I'd appreciate a complete reply if possible.
Soncerely, - I wish you much success!
P.S. Will you have a Web site? We would like to follow you thru your ride to success!

[Harvey Botzman]

From the pictures on this blog entry and the HART (Hillsborough Area Regional Transit) web site, Tampa's TECO Streetcars and Tampa's rubber tired trolley's do not have facilities for the carriage of bicycles. HART buses do have bike racks.

This is a common occurrence on public transit throughout the United States.

There is no reason for such public transit facilities to not include bicycle racks on the front of rubber tired tolley's or the interiors of streetcars or light rail facilities.

[Servus]

Fantastic! We need more and better streetcars, trolleys, light rail like this in all our US cities. NYC...are you listening?