You've Got A Ticket To Ride -- For Free

TAMPA, FL -- There may be no such thing as a free lunch but there is such a thing as a free ride.

It is now free to ride the TECO Line Streetcar along its route from Ybor City to downtown Tampa.

The Hillsborough Area Transit Authority, which operates the streetcar, was awarded a $2.7 million from the Florida Department of Transportation that will allow customers to ride for free for the next three years. The grant is also allowing HART to increase the frequency and hours of the streetcar.

"We want to first thank FDOT District Seven Secretary David Gwynn and his team for their continued support of HART. This funding will be a major step forward for HART to be able to continue delivering essential TECO Line Streetcar service for the city of Tampa," said HART interim CEO, Jeff Seward. "Enhanced streetcar service will better connect downtown Tampa and historic Ybor City, giving residents and tourists another commuter option as they travel around downtown for business or leisure."

HART has increased streetcar service from every 20 minutes to every 15 minutes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and provide extended service hours throughout the week.

Seward said the enhanced streetcar service will add another mobility option for residents, employees and visitors in downtown Tampa and the city at large.

With planned extensions, the streetcar will also create a connection between downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. The Streetcar Extension Study from Downtown Tampa to Tampa Heights, also funded by FDOT, is currently in project development to pursue federal funding.

"This grant funding gives the TECO Line Streetcar System the opportunity to be a more viable transportation option for residents and tourists in Tampa. As wait lists for downtown parking increase, and Water Street construction gets underway, the TECO Line Streetcar becomes an invaluable travel option for those living and working in downtown and historic Ybor City. This could be a game changer for transportation in downtown Tampa." said Tampa Historic Streetcar Inc. President Michael English.

Image via HART

Former Tampa Mayor Dick Greco, Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Hillsborough County Commission Chairwoman Sandy Murman were on hand to celebrate the grand opening of the now-free TECO Line Streetcar.

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