The Florida Department of Transportation is contributing millions toward the extension of the Tampa Streetcar system so it can get rolling.
The extension project would bring the Tampa streetcar up to Palm Avenue, bringing it all the way to Tampa Heights. The state is ready to add $67 million to the $100 million the project is hoping to get in federal grant money. The city of Tampa is planning to put a 2018 sales tax toward covering the rest.
The Tampa Streetcar is free to riders and runs 2.7 miles and connects Downtown Tampa, Channel District, and Ybor City. There are currently 11 stations along the streetcar’s route. The extension to Palm Avenue would connect residential Tampa Heights to downtown Tampa. The system would also be upgraded with new tracks and cars. You can learn all about the Tampa Streetcar by clicking here.
When this new extension is completed, it would make it easy for more Tampa residents to hop aboard from near home and head to restaurants, shop, or even ride to Amalie Arena to watch the Tampa Bay Lightning play without having to deal with parking. A timeline for the project has not yet been released.
We are so excited to announce @GoHART is the recipient of a $67.3 million @MyFDOT_Tampa grant for the Streetcar Extension and Modernization project! This is the LARGEST single transit award in #TampaBay history! This is the state's match required for Federal funding. pic.twitter.com/CsYXRdQY6A
— TECO Line Streetcar (@TampaStreetcar) December 8, 2020