The SouthShore Circulator Study is a joint effort with the Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the Hillsborough Area Transit Authority (HART). The study will look at the demand and feasibility of transit improvements in the South Shore area.
The SouthShore area is the fastest growing portion of the county with even more potential for growth. Between 2000 and 2010 the population nearly doubled with 46.7% growth in the area, more than double the 22.7% growth for Hillsborough County overall. During the peak of the building boom, the South Shore area accounted for 50% of the permitted units issued in the Unincorporated County, and up to 56% during the recession. It was recently announced that Amazon has agreed to build a new distribution center in Ruskin, adding 1,000 new jobs as well as seasonal and construction work. Because of the rapid growth in the area and the evolving needs of the community, it is important to plan now for better transit to serve the community. The study will focus on the transit needs and alternatives to connect Apollo Beach, Boyette, Gibsonton, Sun City Center, Riverview, Ruskin, and the Wimauma Village.
The objective of the study is to generate a phased plan of transit alternatives and choose a preferred option to recommend to elected officials, including financial and operating strategies.
Four stakeholder meetings will be held. They are normally scheduled before the SouthShore Areawide Systems Plan update meetings at the SouthShore Regional Library.
1) November 19, 2014 Kick-off Meeting Presentation: SouthShore Circulator Study_v4
2) January 21, 2014 Meeting
3) February 18, 2014: Public Open House : Alternative 1, Alternative 2, Alternative 3, Alternative 4
4) March 18, 2014: Findings and Recommendations Handout
