The Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART), operator of The TECO Line Streetcar, is inviting public feedback on a proposed reinstatement of streetcar fares. Following the expiration of grants from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) that previously covered the fares, HART will hold a public hearing on November 7, 2024, to discuss the plan with riders, residents, and stakeholders.
The hearing will take place from 5:30 pm to 7 pm at the HART Ybor Administrative Offices, located on the third floor of 1201 E. 7th Avenue. For those unable to attend in person, the meeting will also be available virtually on HART’s official YouTube channel.
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Background on the Fare-Free Period
To gather broad community input, HART and The TECO Line Streetcar are collecting public comments through outreach events and an online survey. Since 2018, the streetcar has been fare-free thanks to a series of FDOT grants and local partnerships that have supported free rides to key Tampa destinations.
The initial funding began with a $2.7 million FDOT Joint Participation Agreement in 2018, which covered three years. This was followed by an FDOT Public Transportation Grant Agreement for $1.4 million from 2021 to 2023, and, finally, a $700,000 contribution in 2024, matched by the City of Tampa, to cover service costs through the current year.
How to Participate
With these funds now expired, the TECO Line Streetcar faces a budget shortfall for fiscal year 2025. In response, the Tampa Historic Streetcar, Inc. (THS) Board of Directors approved the reinstatement of fares on August 27, 2024, to address the funding gap.
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HART encourages all community members who benefit from the streetcar service to participate in the upcoming hearing. Public input will be vital in shaping the future of the streetcar’s service and accessibility.
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