Ybor City: First year for trolley declared a success
Even with a dip in the convention trade, about 400,000 people rode the Tampa trolley - more than expected.
By BABITA PERSAUD
Published October 17, 2003
Tampa's new streetcar turns 1 year old this weekend.
A birthday bash will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Centennial Park on Eighth Avenue at 19th Street in Ybor City. Guest speakers include Mayor Pam Iorio.
HARTline is offering free rides all Saturday and Sunday and cake for 1,000 people.
In the past year, about 400,000 people have hopped on board, said HARTline spokeswoman Jill Cappadoro. That's about 45,000 more than expected.
Events, such as the Sant Y'ago Knight Parade and Fiesta Day, helped increase ridership, she said. Gasparilla generated 8,600 rides.
Cruise ship passengers added to the count, especially on weekends when three or five ships are docked near Channelside. HARTline also organized trolley hops to boost awareness of the streetcar and raise money for local groups, such as the Florida Orchestra.
Fewer conventioneers used the trolley than expected because bookings were down after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Cappadoro said. August - back-to-school time - marked the slowest month.
Expansion is the next step.
The $53-million TECO Line Streetcar System runs from Ybor City to the Channel District to the Tampa Convention Center, stopping at the Southern Transportation Plaza in front of the Tampa Marriott Waterside.
The next leg is planned to run north to Franklin Street through downtown Tampa, then east on Whiting Street near the Fort Brooke parking garage.
HARTline is conducting studies to determine the best route, Cappadoro said. Surveyors are examining utility lines, right of way and the sharpness of turns to minimize effects on surrounding businesses.
HARTline still needs to raise money to pay for the second phase, the cost of which has not been set. It has applied for state and federal funding; the timetable for completion will depend on how much HARTline receives.
