October 2, 2009 - Tampa, Florida - A new survey indicating that Hillsborough County residents support increased transit options is now available on HART's website. In addition, this week the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority's Board of Directors voted to approve the agency's budget for the coming fiscal year, which runs from October 1, 2009 until September 30, 2010.
Survey Shows Support
At this week's meeting, the Board saw a presentation on an opinion survey conducted within the past few months that measured community perception of HART services, management and other factors. One important finding indicated 67% support for a one-cent sales tax for transit and other mobility improvements. A majority of respondents also expressed an increase in support for HART as compared to a similar survey conducted in 2006. To view the survey documents, along with a summary presentation, please click here.
New Projects, Services in Budget
The Board also voted to approve the agency's 2010 budget at the meeting. HART's bus operating budget for FY2010 will be $56.5 million, slightly down from last year due to a reduction in property tax revenues. Still, HART has been able to identify efficiencies such as fuel savings and overtime reduction that provided a balanced budget, allowing current service to be maintained and a new HART Flex service to be implemented.
HART Flex, a reservation-based neighborhood circulator service, is expected to launch early next year and will serve customers in the SouthShore, Brandon and Seffner areas. The new service operates within specific zones, picking up and delivering passengers to any point within the zone with only a phoned-in reservation.
Fiscal year 2010 will see construction begin on HART's MetroRapid bus rapid transit project, an advanced new bus service that will speed travel time for customers going between north Tampa and downtown. HART will also complete the Alternatives Analysis to apply for federal funding for a light rail or other transit investment, complete the extension of the TECO Line Streetcar System, and add new vehicles to its fleet of buses.
AA Website Launched
HART announced that it has launched a new website dedicated to the Alternatives Analysis study. The address is www.goHARTaa.org. The new site contains maps, graphics, a meeting schedule and other details to help the public keep up with the study's progress.
HART Mission Statement
Our Team is dedicated to providing excellent customer service while building solutions to support Hillsborough County's needs...now and into the future.
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