My experience using HART for Tampa’s AirFest

This past March, I had the opportunity to use the HART bus system during the Tampa Bay AirFest at MacDill Air Force Base. I specifically got to use the Route 4 “shuttle” service, which ran every 15 minutes on a modified route throughout the day on March 22nd and 23rd. Using HART during this eventContinueContinue reading “My experience using HART for Tampa’s AirFest”

HART bus route detours during the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA)

The biggest event since the 2012 Republican National Convention is coming to Tampa Bay! I’d say this is even bigger than the RNC due to its global exposure! It’s the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards, which is also known as the “Bollywood Oscars”! This year’s grand event is being held at Tampa’s Raymond James StadiumContinueContinue reading “HART bus route detours during the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA)”

The Interstate 275/Interstate 4 Interchange – Incomplete

Back in 2003, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) embarked on a project to redo the many ramps of the Interstate 275/Interstate 4 interchange in downtown Tampa, known for years as Malfunction Junction. Among those improvements were a separation of southbound ramps towards downtown Tampa from thru traffic, as well as widening existing thru lanes, andContinueContinue reading “The Interstate 275/Interstate 4 Interchange – Incomplete”

6 Years and Counting!

6 years ago today, I launched the Tampa Transit Utopia Blog with the hope that one day, I could showcase my love of public transit to the entire world! Although my site remains a work in progress, much has been done during the course of these past six years. I’ve been able to travel to Brussels andContinueContinue reading “6 Years and Counting!”

Say What? The City of Norfolk is defunding HRT Route 16?

Almost a year ago, Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) announced that they would revise the Route 17 (formerly known as the Norfolk NET) into a one-way loop around the downtown Norfolk area. This change coincided with the move of the downtown bus transfer hub from Cedar Grove to an interim location along Wood St. Now, there’sContinueContinue reading “Say What? The City of Norfolk is defunding HRT Route 16?”

Another train incident on the CTA Blue Line

Back in October of 2013, two Chicago Transit Authority Blue Line trains collided after an out of service train struck the end of another train that was stopped to load/unload passengers. This morning, an inbound Blue Line train entering the O’Hare Airport station (which serves as the southern terminus for the Blue Line) overshot theContinueContinue reading “Another train incident on the CTA Blue Line”

February, 2014 Ridership Report

The numbers are out once again! And the month of February brought forth strong transit ridership along Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART), the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), and Hampton Roads Transit (HRT). Let’s take a quick glance at the numbers! For the report, I’ve been able to get clarification as to what modes ofContinueContinue reading “February, 2014 Ridership Report”

HART bus services during MacDill Air Fest 2014

Updated on 3/19/14. After a year and a half hiatus, the Air Fest (now known as the Tampa Bay AirFest) at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa is returning! The event will be held during the weekend of March 22 and 23, 2014. As many here in the Bay Area will recall, the 2013 eventContinueContinue reading “HART bus services during MacDill Air Fest 2014”

No New Funding (equals) Cutting existing service to accommodate new service

Over the past several years, Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) has seen a steady increase in ridership. Some areas in fact, are warranting the need to new bus service, and SCAT would like to be able to service new areas where the demand for transit is needed. However, in this day and age where keepingContinueContinue reading “No New Funding (equals) Cutting existing service to accommodate new service”