Tampa — Streetcar Extensions

Rail Transit Online, June 2004

A settlement may finally be at hand between Hillsborough Area Regional Transit and CSX Transportation over how to ensure safety at a level crossing between the TECO Line heritage trolley and the railroad’s freight trains.  The controversy has been on-going since before the streetcar line opened in October 2002.  At first, the crossing on 13th Street just south of Fifth Avenue had been protected by railroad-employed flagmen.  However, the flagmen remained in an air conditioned trailer parked adjacent to the tracks and only asked trolley operators by radio whether they could see the signal controlling the crossing (see RTOL, Oct. 2003).  The city and CSX compromised on the flagmen after the railroad demanded a $500-million insurance policy, which municipal officials said was unaffordable.  After several near accidents, the transit agency placed its own supervisor at the intersection to make certain it was clear of freight trains when a trolley approached.  However, negotiations with CSX continued, and last November the two sides tentatively agreed to replace the flagmen and supervisor with video cameras, although the city would still have to carry a $100-million liability policy (see RTOL, Dec. 2003).  The four video cameras, which began operating in April, are monitored by a transit supervisor but under the proposed agreement, trolley operators would make the decision as to whether the crossing was clear.  However, a deal was never struck because insurance coverage could not be arranged, and talks went on for another six months.  Finally, an accord once again appears to be close.  There would still be $100 million in insurance coverage, although operator Tampa Historic Streetcar Inc., — possibly with some help from the city — would be responsible for a $2-million deductible.