Car-free commute on track for Tampa Bay

TAMPA - A car-free commute to work is closer to reality, as transportation planners give a green light to plans for light rail and express bus service around Tampa Bay.

The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority unveiled and tentatively approved its master plan Friday. It's a proposal 18 months in the making that organizers say will ease congestion and ready local roads for the future.

"That's really a big deal. Our region is far behind other regions in the country," said Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio. "We have to have an alternative to the automobile."

The plan, which sets goals for 2035 and 2050, connects eight counties and 43 cities.

"At the end of the day, this is about economic development and competitiveness," said TBARTA Executive Director Bob Clifford. "And if we want to continue to grow and be vibrant and successful, we've got to look at other modes of transportation to help us get there."

Panelists said they will push for federal money to cover most of the $13.7 to $36.3 billion dollar price tag. At least a portion will be covered by a local sales tax increase, or other means.

"We've given you a big number, which is large," said TBARTA Chairman Shelton Quarels, a former Tampa Bay Buccaneer. "I've made a lot of money over time, but billions? I'm not even close to that."

Hillsborough County is likely to be first in pursuing taxpayer support. A proposed one cent sales tax increase is expected to appear on the ballot in 2010.

"If we are successful in Hillsborough, so goes the region," said Iorio.

Clifford said the one-cent sales tax would probably average out to $125 per family per year, and said it's an investment worth making, because rail and bus riders would ultimately save money. The plan is expected to cut regional gas consumption by 10.9 million gallons, and commuting time would be cut significantly.

A recent study found a typical driver in the Tampa Bay area wastes 45 hours a year in traffic, leaving many yearning for an alternative route to work.

"If you go to a city like Chicago, or New York or D.C., that's how people get to work," said driver Derek Morgan. "That's what makes sense for people."

In the past, plans for a new public transportation system have raised eyebrows, because of the cost and concerns over whether people will use it.

"Once people touch it, see it and feel it, they will understand what it is, and really, the question will come: not should we do it, but when do we get, that we want it sooner?" Clifford said.

TBARTA is welcoming comments about the proposal with a public hearing scheduled for May 11. It will take place at 6:00 p.m. at the Florida Department of Transportation offices, 11606 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa.

A final vote on the master plan is scheduled for May 22.