 |
||||||||
 |
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
Streetcar rides to cost same as fares for buses
By TAMARA LUSH, Times Staff Writer TAMPA -- A ride on the electric streetcars that soon will roll through downtown and Ybor City will cost the same as fare on a local bus. The proposed prices were unveiled during a public hearing Tuesday held by Tampa Historic Streetcar. A one-way ride will cost $1.50 regular and 75 cents for seniors, people who are disabled and youths ages 5 to 17. There are other pricing structures -- riders can buy one-day and three-day cards, along with cards that allow for 20 rides. "The more you ride, the greater the savings," said Jill Cappadoro, spokeswoman for Hillsborough Area Regional Transit, the agency in charge of the $53.8-million streetcar project. The TECO Line Streetcar System will link downtown and Ybor City along a 2.3-mile route of track and electric wires. HARTline is developing the streetcar system with the city of Tampa and the nonprofit Tampa Historic Streetcar. HARTline will operate and maintain the system, while the streetcar group will manage it. The streetcar group will meet next Wednesday to decide a final fare structure. Supporters say streetcars will attract tourists, increase development and boost Tampa's image. Critics fear a costly burden on taxpayers. There were no such critics at Tuesday's meeting. Only two people asked questions. One man asked whether his commuter bus pass would allow him to also ride the trolley. Yes, Cappadoro said. Another man asked if Harbour Island residents are part of a "Streetcar Special Assessment Tax District." HARTline officials said no; the special district is for certain downtown businesses and employers who would be eligible to buy 20-ride cards for $15, compared with $25 for a regular 20-ride card. The streetcar is scheduled to open in October.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 
|
From the Times Ernest Hooper |
