Column: Signs of progress for Tampa Bay transportation

Friday, January 22, 2016 12:43p

Imagine it’s the year 2040. The Tampa Bay region has more than 4 million residents, leads the nation in quality of life and economic growth, and is recognized for having one of the safest and most robust high-performing transportation systems in the nation. Today, as a region with unique and often competing interests in infrastructure needs, economic growth and development, this vision presents us with a challenge and a tremendous opportunity

With the recent progress on several key transportation projects connecting the region, the opportunity to safely, efficiently and consistently move people and goods in seven counties is clearly a vision for the future we can make into a reality.

The recent purchase of a 9-acre property in Tampa’s Westshore Business District by the Florida Department of Transportation as the future site for the Westshore Regional Multimodal Center is a milestone in our endeavor. The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority continues to support the vision for a regional transit hub and contributed money to the study that identified the selected site.

When complete, the center will maximize the effectiveness of transit between Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, lessen congestion, make travel cheaper for visitors, workers and patrons of the area, and spur economic growth through transit-oriented commercial, office and residential development.

Tampa International Airport is a prime economic driver, and approximately 30,000 of the 50,000 daily passengers are incoming tourists who head to our beaches, museums, amusement parks and shopping centers. Connecting transit to the airport will make it possible for incoming travelers to reach their destinations without driving, relieve congestion and allow commuters to get to the airport without worrying about missing their flight because of a traffic jam on the Howard Frankland Bridge.

As the main thoroughfare linking Hillsborough and Pinellas counties and points throughout the region, the Howard Frankland Bridge is a key element in providing connectivity across upper Tampa Bay. TBARTA worked with both Pinellas and Hillsborough to identify the bridge as the best option for the provision of transit service connection, and just recently FDOT earmarked funding to replace the northbound lanes, with construction starting in 2019. This project will add a toll lane in each direction from existing lanes and will strengthen the structure to accommodate future premium transit accommodations.

Paving the way for transit across the region is the Tampa Bay Express project, which will be invaluable in connecting the region and guiding motorists to Tampa International Airport, Westshore Business District, downtown St. Petersburg, USF and downtown Tampa. This project will provide numerous benefits, including the provision of a transit envelope that will allow for premium transit in the future.

The recent development of an experimental ferry project also will provide connectivity between the region’s two largest downtowns — Tampa and St. Petersburg. If proven effective, additional waterway connections outlined in the TBARTA long-range plan to the communities of Apollo Beach, MacDill Air Force Base, downtown Bradenton and the beaches also will be explored.

All of these significant projects are a part of the regional vision for a safe and better-connected region that offers outstanding quality of life and opportunity. While we are moving in the right direction, the main challenge we face is to ensure that differing opinions can agree on the right cumulative initiatives and that the many voices involved can deliver one message. Continuing our progress will require determination, collaboration and focus on making incremental transportation improvements that provide for long-term equity across the region.

For our region, the forum is TBARTA, and the message is better connectivity.

Residents, visitors and all stakeholders deserve logical, convenient and connected transportation options. As a result of strong leadership and collaboration, regional transportation priorities are quickly gaining traction that will foster a connected network and strengthened regional economy.

Tides are turning in the Tampa Bay region. Let us catch this wave of excitement through political leadership, collaboration, teamwork and the collective desire to lead the Tampa Bay region toward becoming a true contender on the global stage.

Ronnie Duncan is a former Pinellas County commissioner and chairman of the board of the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority.

Column: Signs of progress for Tampa Bay transportation 01/22/16 [Last modified: Friday, January 22, 2016 4:10pm]
Photo reprints | Article reprints

© 2016 Tampa Bay Times