HART Board of Directors Votes to Move Forward on Rail Study

August 5, 2008 - Tampa, Florida - At the August meeting of the Board of Directors of the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART), the Board voted to develop a work plan for system expansion and to undertake an alternative analysis study which may result in a county rail project.

With the unanimous vote, the Board authorized staff to conduct an alternative analysis study to update the 2002 Tampa Rail Project and begin the process of competing for federal funds for a rail system in Hillsborough County. The alternative analysis study is required by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in order to receive funding through the New Starts program which funds BRT and rail projects. The study would look at various modes - including rail - and identify funding options, establish timelines and include extensive public outreach.

As part of its budgeting process, the Board was required to vote on a preliminary millage levy to be placed on upcoming Truth in Millage (TRIM) notices sent to Hillsborough County property owners. The Board opted by simple majority vote to maintain its traditional millage level of .500. This amount may be lowered after public hearings on the budget in September, but may not be raised.

The Board also voted to conduct public outreach on the Transit Development Plan (TDP), HART's long-range planning guide. The TDP identifies the anticipated transit needs of the community and addresses funding issues required in meeting them.

In other action, the HART Board approved proposed bus service adjustments for November, along with a 25-cent increase in base local fares with revisions recommended by staff. The complete list of service changes and the new fare chart are available by clicking here.

Since the resignation of Board Chair Ricardo Roig, the Board named Temple Terrace City Councilman Ron Govin as Interim Chair; Alison Hewitt as Interim Vice Chair; and Tampa City Councilman John Dingfelder as Interim Secretary. The Board will vote on a permanent slate of officers in November.

The mission of the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) is to provide public transportation services which are safe, dependable and cost effective, thereby enhancing the quality of life in our community.

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