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Transportation options outlined

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By LENORA LAKE

llake@tampatrib.com

Published: July 1, 2009

UNIVERSITY AREA - The northeast area of the county could see improvements in transportation, including light rail and increased bus service, if a proposed plan is supported.

Representatives of several transportations groups gave about 25 residents a look at possible options for the next 40 years at a June 24 meeting at the University Area Community Center. The 11th of 12 public outreach meetings included representatives from Hillsborough County; the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority; the Metropolitan Planning Organization; and Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority.

Among the proposals were a light rail system from New Tampa, through the University of South Florida area, to East Tampa and then connecting to downtown; extended public transportation to the Pasco County line; increased frequency of buses, particularly on Fletcher Avenue to Hidden River; and improved trails for walking and cycling.

Cassandra Ecker of TBARTA said the proposals for the west coast counties include 135 miles of short distance rail. "But we have got to have a supporting network to connect to the main metro system," she said.

That could include more than tripling the existing bus lines, Ecker said.

Ray Chiaramonte of the MPO commented on the construction going on outside the community center, which will result in a widened 22nd Street with more spacious sidewalks, green spaces and improved lighting.

"Twenty-second Street, with the better lighting, is the type of street we envision," Chiaramonte said.

The agency representatives also said the county commission is considering putting a 1-cent sales tax referendum for transportation needs on the 2010 ballot. It would cost taxpayers about $120 a year per family, they said.

Several residents said they supported the plans outlined and others said they would like to see improvements with the current bus service.

Correspondent Lenora Lake can be reached at (813) 259-7600.

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