The timing was coincidental, but the variation on a theme is an all-too-familiar one. The announcements that the Cross-Bay Ferry would not be re-upped this season and that HART CEO Katherine Eagan was leaving for Pittsburgh were in the same news cycle. Although decidedly different transportation modes, the ferry and the HART system are further reminders that Tampa continues its transformation plans without serious transportation plans.
We are surrounded by water and yet a regional ferry system–absent literal buy-in from all partners–is still in a trial-run stage. Maybe in 2018. And HART still means buses. No wonder Eagan is eager to be the CEO of the Port Authority of Allegheny, Pa., which includes buses, light rail and aerial cable cars.