The three most populated counties in the seven-county Tampa Bay area are Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties. County lines are blurred when you are traveling. That’s why transportation planning must take a more regional approach.
This plan will build on decades of planning and bridge the gap between the vision for transit throughout the region. An evaluation process using clearly defined criteria will identify the top regional transit corridors, and ultimately one catalyst project that could be implemented first, followed by other projects to move forward around the region.The purpose of the plan is to identify projects:
- with the greatest potential to be funded (compete for federal grants) and implemented
- that are the most forward thinking and make the best use of today’s technology
- that best serve our region today while supporting tomorrow’s growth
The success of the plan will be built on a foundation of engaged public support. It will also effectively tackle the questions like… Who owns the initial project? How will it be paid for?
Who’s involved?
Funded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the Regional Transit Feasibility Plan is being administered by the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART). The consultant team for this project is led by Jacobs Engineering Group under the direction and guidance of FDOT – District Seven, HART, Pasco County Board of County Commissioners/ Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT), Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), the Tampa Bay Transportation Management Area (TMA) Leadership Group, and the MPOs serving Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties.The team wants to know your preferences. Please take the transit preferences survey by March 31st.
To learn more and have voice in this important process, please visit: http://tbregionaltransit.com/
View the rest of this month’s Hillsborough Rides articles.