Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA)

[TampaMike]

The Tampa Bay Partnership presented a check for $50,000 to the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority Friday at its monthly board meeting. The contribution is part of a public-private matching funds effort to address startup expenses needed for legal counsel and operations support to get the Authority off the ground.

TBARTA was established in 2007 to improve mobility and expand multimodal transportation options for passengers and freight within Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota and Citrus counties. It has responsibility to plan, develop, finance, build and operate regional transportation facilities.

"Creation of a regional multimodal transportation system is crucial for the future economic well-being of our region," said Roy J. McCraw Jr., regional chairman of Wachovia (NYSE: WB) and chair of the Tampa Bay Partnership. "The presentation of this check represents a strong sign of support from the business community for the work TBARTA is doing."

The grant was part of a matching fund agreement with five local metropolitan planning organizations that put up $10,000 for each MPO.

"While this start up funding is a small first step, we are preparing to embark on the larger mission of building visibility and public support to raise awareness and understanding of the need for regional transportation solutions and the benefits of TBARTA," said Stuart Rogel, president and chief executive officer of the Partnership.

Founded in 1994, the Tampa Bay Partnership provides regional economic development for Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota counties.

http://tampabay.bizjournals.com/tamp...ml?jst=b_ln_hl
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[TampaMike]

If Dallas is an example of putting a mass transit system together, it takes years for any significant amount of rail transit to be developed and getting started will require new taxes.

That's the message that Jay Kline, spokesman for the Dallas Area Rapid Transit, delivered to the board of directors of Tampa Bay Area Rapid Transportation Authority Friday. Kline described the progress, including several false starts, that the Dallas region underwent since 1980 in putting together what now is 85 miles of rail transit. Construction of the system began in 1992.

Dallas voters initially came out against the formation of DART and the sales tax required to fund the proposed system. Four years later, after much more engagement with the public, voters approved a 1 cent sales tax devoted solely to mass transit.

Sales tax funding has grown from $94 million in 1984 to $389.1 million last year. The additional funds have allowed DART to add more transit lines and service and expand the network to more outlying areas.

Since the system began, DART has spurred an economic impact of $4.2 billion in private sector development along the transit routes, Kline said. Although DART was initially prohibited from funding projects with bonds, the voters later approved that method of funding by 77 percent in a referendum vote.

Kline compared DART's early struggles to the same conversations being conducted by TBARTA on funding challenges and regional acceptance of concepts. He suggested that for TBARTA to be successful, it will have to do a good job of engaging the public about the details of the transit system, when the taxes will be spent and how the system will expand on a pay-as-you-go basis.

TBARTA has been taking its message on the road, holding public workshops to allow citizen input and questions. TBARTA is working on a schedule to have a completed comprehensive transportation plan by next year.

Through its partnership with the Tampa Bay Partnership, Teasdale Worldwide is designing an advertising campaign geared to bring more awareness to TBARTA and what the area faces in developing mass transit, although the details are sketchy at this point.

http://tampabay.bizjournals.com/tamp...ml?jst=b_ln_hl

[FloridaFuture]

Plan Funds Transit Authority

By RICH SHOPES

The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 15, 2008

TAMPA - The transportation authority responsible for creating a mass transit plan for the Tampa Bay area is so cash poor it can't hire an executive director.

Known as TBARTA -- an acronym for Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority -- the authority doesn't have money to lease office space, pay an administrative assistant or hire even one transportation engineer.

But the funding situation would change dramatically under a bill sponsored by Rep. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton. His legislation would take millions of dollars from rental car surcharges now going to the Department of Transportation and divert the funds to regional transportation authorities such as TBARTA.

The authority represents Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota counties, and offers one of the best chances to unite the region behind a single mass transit plan.

Galvano's bill, which would take 80 percent of the surcharges and give them to the state's transportation authorities, could bring $17 million to TBARTA in the first year. In addition, the surcharge could be used to secure $200 million worth of long-term bonds and help the authority qualify for matching federal dollars.

That windfall for TBARTA would come at a price for the Department of Transportation, which would lose millions of dollars earmarked for road projects in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties and elsewhere across the region.

Because of that, the legislation has sparked a tug of war between transportation authorities and the DOT, which says the revenue loss would cause delays for vital road projects.

Losing out on the money would leave TBARTA in a difficult spot.

"It may mean that TBARTA languishes," Galvano said.

The authority straddles two DOT jurisdictions, Districts 7 and 1. District 7 includes Hillsborough, Pinellas, Hernando, Pasco and Citrus counties. Of the $17 million in surcharge revenues TBARTA would get, about $15 million would come from those Bay area counties.

Don Skelton, secretary of the DOT's District 7, said he hasn't identified which road projects would be delayed but said the loss to the district could climb to $100 million over five years, or 2.3 percent of its $4.3 billion, five-year budget.

"That may seem like a small amount, but when you look at everything we have to do to maintain and operate our systems, bridge maintenance, the projects coming on line ... it adds up," he said.

House Outlook Better Than Senate

So far, the bill's chances look good in the House. It sailed through two committees and awaits action in another before moving to the floor for a final vote.

In the Senate, the bill's future is murkier. It hasn't been taken up by any committees, an ominous sign with the session ending in three weeks.

Transportation agencies across the state are lobbying for the bill. The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, which operates Tri-Rail in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, last week implored its 15,000 daily Tri-Rail users to send letters to senators.

Sen. Steven Geller, D-Hallandale Beach, the bill's sponsor in the Senate, said passage of the legislation would ensure $42 million to Tri-Rail and halt a possible reduction in service from 50 trains daily to 20.

The Tampa City Council passed a resolution last week backing the bills. A week earlier, the Tampa Bay Partnership sent e-mails to 350 business members to urge them to contact Sen. Carey Baker, R-Eustis, chairman of the Senate's Transportation Committee.

"Without long-term funding, you just won't be successful," said Ron Pierce, director of the partnership's government relations and community affairs committee. "Our priority is to come up with a funding source."

Approved in June by Gov. Charlie Crist, TBARTA was formed not only to create a transportation plan - incorporating roads, trains and buses - but to carry it out.

But Crist vetoed a companion bill that would have paid for an office, executive director, administrative assistant and legal advice. The governor asked local agencies, not the state, to foot those bills.

Agency Tries To Find Cash

TBARTA has scrambled for cash ever since. The region's five metropolitan planning organizations have pledged $5,000 each and the Tampa Bay Partnership, a local business group, chipped in $50,000.

Some local officials are proposing a compromise about where the rental surcharges should go.

Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, who sits on TBARTA's board, said the authority could help the DOT and still benefit by drawing down surcharge revenue as needed and returning the rest to the DOT.

In the first year, for example, the authority might use only $1 million of the $17 million.

"I would take a very conservative fiscal approach and use only those funds that we really need," she said. "This money traditionally goes to the DOT's work program, which is chronically underfunded, and so we have to be very careful with how we use that money."

Galvano suggested the surcharges be used differently. The revenue could pay back bondholders, enabling the authority to issue as much as $200 million worth of bonds. Then the money could be cobbled together with a matching federal grant, he said.

TBARTA's board hasn't decided how it would use the surcharge fees.

Pinellas County Commissioner Ronnie Duncan, a

TBARTA member, said he supports an "as-needed" approach like Iorio's but said that at some point TBARTA might need to use more of the surcharge revenues for transportation programs.

"For now, I think it would be far easier to sell if we had a five-year phase-in," he said. "The DOT's five-year work program wouldn't be immediately hit."

Reporter Rich Shopes can be reached at (813) 259-7633 or rshopes@tampatrib.com.

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/apr...ty/?news-metro

[HARTride 2012]

YOU BEAT ME TO IT FF!

Anyways, the way the TBARTA is starting up is a joke. Of course they will need more funding to get things going.

[FloridaFuture]

TBARTA looks at Phoenix transit plan
Friday, April 25, 2008 - 3:52 PM EDT
Tampa Bay Business Journal - by Larry Halstead

As the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority moves closer to bringing mass transit to the area, board members are looking at other cities for guidance.

Richard Simonetta, chief executive officer of Valley Metro Rail Inc., the transit authority in Phoenix, presented an overview to TBARTA board members Friday of how Phoenix got its light rail system. Although Phoenix voters first approved a one-half cent sales tax for freeway expansion in 1985, it wasn't until 2000 that the mass transit movement took off.

Phoenix is scheduled to open 20 miles of light rail this fall, and more links are to come in the next five years.

Simonetta stressed that in order for this area to reach its transit goals, officials have to galvanize the political will to form a single vision for the public.

TBARTA is taking its message to the public in a series of presentations throughout the seven-county area surrounding Tampa Bay. It expects to complete its master plan before the end of 2008.

Then it's up to the public to approve a funding tax and obtaining matching federal funds to begin construction. Florida Department of Transportation officials are developing the master plan with citizen input from the outreach.

http://tampabay.bizjournals.com/tamp...l?surround=lfn

[Jasonhouse]

It's such a shame that people that live in Tampa just don't get it... All of the cities that Tampa used to be considered 'equal' to or at least 'competitive' with when it came to business, are well ahead of us now when it comes to development of their transportation infrastructure... Phoenix, San Diego, Denver.. And now even cities that were once considered to be 'behind' Tampa are catching up to us and surpassing us... Orlando (whose metro population will soon pass ours), Charlotte, Portland OR, etc...

I hope that these TBARTA people can get the support they need, because we sure as hell need to get our heads out of the sand and get on with it. At this point, basically EVERYBODY has it but us, and the rapidly decaying Detroit... Yeah, we're doing THAT bad.

[FlaNatv]

good points. However, It's frustrating how we can type and type and write and write to the newspapers and forums and so on and little to nothing changes... As much as I hate it, $4-$5 a gallon might get the average citizen's attention. We can hope.

[HARTride 2012]

Government bickering is only a fraction of the problem. Yes, our governement just can't seem to agree on anything that relates to mass transit. But the US has long since been dependent on automobiles. What FlaNatv pointed out is that yes, we can only hope $4 or $5 gas prices get the attention of many more citizens around here. Even though the gas keeps creeping, mass transit ridership has only climbed a fraction if you really, really think about it. A majority of people across the nation are still relying on their cars to get around. And of course it is due in part to a lack of efficient mass transit systems and poor urban planning. I just feel really sorry for the small towns that don't, and probably never will, have mass transit.

And Jason, as you pointed out, it is just pathetic that other cities, that HAVE realized that mass transit expansion is the way to go, are getting ready to surpass Tampa Bay. We can only hope that the state budget crisis blows over sooner, rather than later, TBARTA gets the funding and support it desperately needs, and that we can have LRT by 2015 rather than 2030...or beyond.

[Jahi98]

TBARTA has also heard from Dallas, Denver and Charlotte. I believe they are planning to visit these places and see the successes in person. I think the key to TBARTA's success will be presenting a very specific plan -- a comprehensive plan, with specific maps of LRT, commuter rail and BRT. The first segment needs, preferably from DT St. Pete to DT Tampa, needs to be in place within 10 years. There needs to be specific timelines so folks in outer areas understand that they may not reap the benefits immediately, but they will definately be served by the system in future years. TBARTA needs to work hand in hand with local planning departments to coordinate transit with land use. And EVERY transporation authority and MPO (if these things continue to exist as separate, localized entities rather than as one regional entity) need to adopt and fully support TBARTA's plan.

[Jasonhouse]

I think that Denver is a good one to emulate, but not as sure about Dallas. They've gotten their act together lately, but DART wasn't exactly a resounding success back when it started.

[HardRocker]

I don't know too much about transit, but, don't you guys think we'll need something like DC's metro? That's not light rail, and it's not commuter rail(except one or two lines) I believe it's called heavy rail. I just cant' imagine a light rail system connecting all points of the metro, and commuter rail, I believe should only be used to connect outer suburbs, up towards Brooksville, Sarasota and Lakeland. Instead of trying to get whatever is quickest, we should have a well planned system that will function well into the future and can handle substantial growth.

[HARTride 2012]

I posted this article in the commuter rail thread in the Florida forum. But I'd thought I'd post it here too because it mentions TBARTA's plans for rail. If the CF rail plan passes and TBARTA tries to bargain up a deal with CSX, I do not think that things will look too good for Lakeland.

Commuter rail plan runs into major problems
Sunday, April 27, 2008

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- Hillsborough County officials are hoping a plan for a commuter rail in central Florida can be agreed upon so they can pursue a similar system in the Tampa Bay area.

For the last week lawmakers in Tallahassee have been debating a multi-million dollar deal to buy 61 miles of CSX track to create a central Florida commuter rail.

The bill has been controversial to say the least. But Hillsborough County Commissioner Mark Sharpe is hoping the deal goes through.

"For us to be successful, they need to be successful," Sharpe said.

The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority is also working on a plan for a commuter rail. And that plan uses the CSX railway similar to the plan in central Florida.

"I'm looking at their project and saying if that project is successful and we can show we're serious about transit, then CSX will be talking to TBARTA about the next step, how do we make the two connect," Sharpe said.

But some residents in Polk County aren't happy with the central Florida plan, and the dispute could keep the bill from passing.

"It's bad for Florida, and it should be stopped," said Polk County business owner Ellen Simms.

A commuter rail in Orlando would mean more freight going through downtown Lakeland.

"And that's going to make it very difficult to go north/south, and my customers that are in the north are going to have a tough time getting over the tracks," Simms said.

Sharpe said there's always a price to pay for progress. And if the differences can be worked out, he said all Florida commuters would eventually benefit.

If lawmakers don't agree on something before the legislative session ends on May 2, the commuter rail plan will have to wait for the next legislative session.

CSX also wants to build a new freight rail center in Winter Haven. The company wants approval regardless of whether the commuter rail bill passes.

http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2...major+problems

[tampasteve]

Originally Posted by HardRocker

I don't know too much about transit, but, don't you guys think we'll need something like DC's metro? That's not light rail, and it's not commuter rail(except one or two lines) I believe it's called heavy rail. I just cant' imagine a light rail system connecting all points of the metro, and commuter rail, I believe should only be used to connect outer suburbs, up towards Brooksville, Sarasota and Lakeland. Instead of trying to get whatever is quickest, we should have a well planned system that will function well into the future and can handle substantial growth.

Good points. The system in DC is heavy rail metro, like a subway or the elevated Metrorail in Miami. The problem with that form of system is that it is VERY expensive to implement, and it takes a long time to build. Commuter rail would be useful for a fair portion of the metro, such as you mentioned, but I think that LRT would do fine for most of the metro area. LRT can go at rather high speeds, it is a cheaper transit option to HRT, and it if fairly flexible (IE, it can be at grade, elevated, or subway). Truly the key is to have a well thought out system; and I believe that the 2002 LRT plan was a nice start, and augmented with a link between St. Pete and DT Tampa it would be a pretty great start....though I know that a fair amount of people would disagree with me.

Steve

[97Roll]

I have no doubt that TBARTA will develop a valid regional plan and that at least the core MPO's will have no problem implementing this plan into their LRTP's. The transit movement has political support now that has never been seen in this area. However, it's all going to come down to the issue of funding. Their is a decent chance that the new property tax amendment set for the November ballot will be passed, therefor raising the state sales tax in lieu of a 25% cut n property taxes. If this does pass, it is highly unlikely that voters in this region will vote for yet another increase in their sales tax to fund mass transit. I think everyone would agree at this point that increasing the local option gas tax would never fly. And in addition, even if the local governments somehow manage to come up with some type of funding, the chances that they will be able to secure federal matching funds is slim at best. The FTA New Starts program is as competitive as it has ever been and gives preferences to those cities that are either expanding existing rail systems or have a history of very strong local bus ridership. The Bay area obviously does not fall into either one of these categories. In addition, their are mumblings that the New Starts Program will be dissolved as part of the new federal Transportation Bill anyway. Not trying to be a downer but from someone who is involved in this process, I can tell you that this region is really going to have to think outside the box in respect to funding if we are ever to see any type of premium transit service. And unfortunately, thinking outside the box is not something our political leaders know much about.

[Jahi98]

I think public-private partnerships should be explored. Let private entities build and/or operate the rail system. Partner with developers to build stations as part of TODs. Sell air rights over stations where appropriate. Allow businesses/property owners in areas close to stations to pay for the construction of stations in return for reduced bus fare for their employees or free shuttles to/from the station. Sell advertisement space at stations. Explore any way to take the burden off taxes.

[HARTride 2012]

I think that is something that needs to be looked at also.

[tampasteve]

Originally Posted by Jahi98

I think public-private partnerships should be explored. Let private entities build and/or operate the rail system. Partner with developers to build stations as part of TODs. Sell air rights over stations where appropriate. Allow businesses/property owners in areas close to stations to pay for the construction of stations in return for reduced bus fare for their employees or free shuttles to/from the station. Sell advertisement space at stations. Explore any way to take the burden off taxes.

All good ideas that are worthy of exploring. Interestingly, HART already offers some sort of discount to corporations that purchase monthly fare cards for employees....I am not sure how used it is though.

Steve

[Jahi98]

Originally Posted by tampasteve

Good points. The system in DC is heavy rail metro, like a subway or the elevated Metrorail in Miami. The problem with that form of system is that it is VERY expensive to implement, and it takes a long time to build. Commuter rail would be useful for a fair portion of the metro, such as you mentioned, but I think that LRT would do fine for most of the metro area. LRT can go at rather high speeds, it is a cheaper transit option to HRT, and it if fairly flexible (IE, it can be at grade, elevated, or subway). Truly the key is to have a well thought out system; and I believe that the 2002 LRT plan was a nice start, and augmented with a link between St. Pete and DT Tampa it would be a pretty great start....though I know that a fair amount of people would disagree with me.

Steve

I agree that a USF/Bruce B Downs to DT St. Pete start would be a much better start than just going from DT Tampa to DT St. Pete, which is what will likely get built first.

[HARTride 2012]

We will have to see...

[HARTride 2012]

Hillsborough wants better transit, more options, poll shows

By Mike Brassfield, Times Staff Writer
In print: Saturday, May 24, 2008

TAMPA — As gas prices approach $4 a gallon, officials planning a regional mass transit network heard from a pollster Friday that locals are increasingly receptive to the idea of better transit, including rail.

They also heard from a nationally recognized planning consultant who said an aging and growing population will be seeking better commuting options.

Members of the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority plan a three-day tour of Dallas, Denver and Charlotte, cities that grew up with the automobile but have added light rail.

TBARTA must come up with a regional mass transit plan by December and then persuade the public to pay for it. So it commissioned a seven-county poll of 3,500 people in the bay area.

Pollster David Kenney presented key findings about the public's mood:

• 87 percent said traffic congestion is a serious problem.

• 68 percent want commuter rail here; 75 percent support more regional bus service; 66 percent want to expand highways.

• 20 percent said high taxes are the No. 1 local issue. But 68 percent believe improving transportation is a "good use" of taxpayer dollars.

TBARTA's board is comprised of big-city mayors, county commissioners and governor appointees. Members are working with state officials on a mass transit plan that probably will call for light rail in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. So far, it's held nearly 90 community meetings to hear public opinion and will hold more in July and August.

Planning consultant John Fregonese told TBARTA's board that demographic trends will feed the need for transit.

More people ages 55 and older and 15 to 34 won't be looking for two-bedroom, single-family homes. Instead, he said, they'll want condos or apartments and access to mass transit.


[Last modified: May 24, 2008 12:00 AM]

http://www.tampabay.com/news/transpo...icle522680.ece