Huge news for the historic, and nationally renowned Tampa Streetcar! The Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) just announced the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has awarded HART a Commuter Assistance grant totaling $700,000. The FDOT grant will permit the TECO Line Streetcar to remain fare-free for an additional year. More free rides to continue my Blind Tiger obsession? Yes, please. This is also fantastic news for anyone in downtown hoping to visit the Tampa Indie Flea, which debuts inside 1912 Ybor this November.
In case you hadn’t heard, this streetcar is also one of the finest music venues in the city. Streetcar Live makes its return October 27 from 6pm-8pm.
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The TECO Line Streetcar has routinely broken ridership records since FDOT awarded HART a $2.7 million Innovation Grant in 2018 allowing the Streetcar to go fare-free and expand service – increased frequency and service hours.
“HART is very excited to receive this FDOT grant to keep the TECO Line Streetcar fare-free,” said Scott Drainville, Interim HART Chief Executive Officer. “HART appreciates the continued support of Secretary Gwynn and FDOT staff in identifying grant funding for the Streetcar.”
Tampa Streetcar has a record-setting summer
In addition to FDOT, the TECO Line Streetcar is funded by the City of Tampa, the Downtown Community Redevelopment Areas (CRAs), and the Tampa Downtown Partnership. HART will work with the partners to hopefully identify funding to keep the Streetcar fare-free for the foreseeable future.
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Its surging popularity in the city has a lot to do with its accessibility. In July, the streetcar’s ridership reached 164,325. This marked the biggest month in the system’s modern history. We imagine that number will be surpassed when the city sees its busy season later this fall and winter.
The TECO Line Streetcar System has carried 1,249,511 trips so far in FY2023. You can learn more about the service and see a full schedule on its website.
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