Recently the TECO Line Streetcar System celebrated its fifth anniversary. It was an occasion to reflect on more than the record ridership that exceeded 437,000.
It was also an opportunity to ponder the role of the streetcar, an easy, controversial target of criticism for certain pundits and politicians.
The point is this, and it’s worth reiterating: the streetcar is a key economic development tool. Ask Tampa Bay & Company. Ask the developers and merchants in the Channel District. And, yes, it is a mass transit starter set. And, yes, that is good for Tampa.
Ask Joe Cortright.