Tampa — Streetcar Extensions

Rail Transit Online, March 2004

Planning is continuing for extensions to the 2.3-mi. (3.7 km) TECO Line Streetcar, although the first expansion may not get underway until 2007 when funding is expected to become available.  The initial project would take the track from the current terminal at the Southern Transportation Plaza along Franklin Street to Whiting Street, terminating near a parking structure.  A consultant study estimates the extension, costing $6 million to $7 million, could attract another 100,000 annual riders with a minimal increase in operating expenses.  Approximately $4.5 million in various grants have already been identified but the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority must still find the remainder.  Further development of the streetcar beyond Whiting Street is now only in the conceptual stage, although a long-range plan has penciled in a line continuing north through downtown and Tampa Heights, turning east to meet the existing line in Ybor City.  The director of the local metropolitan planning organization, Lucie Ayer, says the TECO Line has encouraged economic development.  “Little by little, this is going to happen in a positive way,” Ayer told the Tampa Tribune.  “I believe there is support to swing north from downtown to Whiting and possibly beyond.”  But Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio said there won’t be any city money available for expansion.  “While I'm very supportive of the streetcar, we as a city government do not have a pot of capital dollars to put into expansion of the streetcar,” Iorio told the Tribune.  She also warned against expecting the city to cover operating deficits for extensions as it does for the initial line, which has a farebox return of just 20 percent.