The Tampa Historic Streetcar System is a 2.7-mile long streetcar
transportation network that provides a unique connection from downtown
Tampa and the Channelside District to the Ybor City historic district.
Today, the system is used mainly by tourists. But the City of Tampa is
exploring a future for the streetcar as a true transportation option for
residents, visitors, and employees in the downtown core.
The City recognizes the need to extend the streetcar service and
expand its operations to better serve the local population so it
functions as more than just a tourist attraction.
With this
objective in mind, the City is conducting a public transportation
feasibility study for the extension and modernization of the current
system. The goal of this planning process, which is called InVision:
Tampa Streetcar, is to take the first step towards creating a viable
transportation choice for people who live, work or visit downtown.
The planning team will look at a wide range of corridors and
technologies, including the possible use of autonomous transit vehicles,
and recommend feasible alternatives and funding strategies.
The City completed the first phase of the InVision: Tampa
Streetcar in Spring 2018. In June 2018 the City received approval from
the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to enter Project Development
phase to select a preferred alternative and refine improvement plans and
strategies.
Q. Why is the project necessary?
A. The current
Tampa Streetcar System was constructed to replicate the historic feel of
Ybor City and to be appealing to tourists. Today, the City of Tampa
believes the system can be transformed into a viable transportation
option for people who live, work and visit downtown and surrounding
neighborhoods. To guarantee the best investment is made, the City will
evaluate a range of alternatives for the system’s extension and
modernization.
Q. How will this planning affect traffic in Downtown Tampa?
A. This planning will not affect traffic in Downtown Tampa at
all. If and when a selected alternative moves into construction, traffic
may be impacted at that time. However, it is too early in the study to
know any specifics, and we will be identifying ways to minimize impacts
on downtown traffic.
Q. Who came up with this initiative? How much is it going to cost and
who is going to pay for it?
A. The City of Tampa is working closely with the Florida
Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the Hillsborough Area Regional
Transit Authority (HART) in planning for the best and highest use of the
Tampa Streetcar. InVision: Tampa Streetcar will cost $1,677,390 and is
being funded by both FDOT ($1 million) and the City of Tampa ($677,390).
Q. I don’t see many people riding the Tampa Streetcar now. Will
improvement increase ridership?
A. The current streetcar system has only a 2.7-mile route with a
limited schedule, which does not provide many alternatives to riders.
Despite the limited route and hours, the Tampa Streetcar currently moves
nearly 300,000 passengers each year. The City will look at potential
ridership as one of the factors in determining which route and
technology would be used by the most people.
Q. Who is running the research behind the plan, and how is that being
done?
A. The consultant team selected for this project is headed by HDR
Engineering, Inc. Planning will be conducted in two phases. Phase 1 will
identify a limited number of alternatives for extensions and
modernization of the existing Tampa Streetcar system, culminating with a
letter to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requesting approval
to initiate consideration for federal funding. If approved by the FTA,
Phase 2 will commence, which includes identifying a locally preferred
alternative (LPA) for extension and modernization and complete project
development activities.
Q. How do you define success for this initiative?
A. Success will result in a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA)
that has federal funding and broad public support allowing the City to
invest in its existing infrastructure and ensure the Tampa Streetcar
best meets Tampa’s growing need for transportation options.
First InVision: Tampa Streetcar Brainstorm Session
Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 5:30 p.m.
Tampa Bay History
Center, 801 Old Water St., Tampa, FL 33602
Second InVision: Tampa Streetcar Brainstorm Session
Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at 5:30 p.m.
Tampa Bay History
Center, 801 Old Water St., Tampa, FL 33602
InVision: Tampa Streetcar Results Roundtable
Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at 5:30 p.m.
Ybor Room, Hillsborough
Community College – Ybor City Campus
2001 N. 14th Street, Tampa, FL
33605
InVision: Tampa Streetcar Preferred Alternative Workshop
Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at 5:30 p.m.
Chester H. Ferguson
Law Center, Cohen Hall
1610 N. Tampa Street, Tampa, FL 33602
InVision: Tampa Streetcar Project Recommendations Open House
Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.
Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, River Center
402 W. Laurel Street, Tampa, FL 33607
For those that can’t attend one of these public meetings, we encourage you to share your thoughts on the Streetcar Extension and Modernization Study here. Also follow the City of Tampa on Facebook and Twitter @CityofTampa.
You can also call Milton Martinez, P.E. at (813) 274-8998 or send email to streetcar@tampagov.net
Streetcar Study Timeline:
You can also call Milton Martinez, P.E. at (813) 274-8998 or send email to streetcar@tampagov.net
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