Connect Tampa Bay

Connect Tampa Bay is bringing people together in Tampa Bay for more transportation options so that we can create jobs and improve our quality of life

[Tampa Bay Times @TB_Times]

Westshore transit center closer to reality as FDOT closes on property near #Tampa Int'l. https://t.co/AR05mUXBRH

[Connect Tampa Bay @ConnectTB]

@geraldunf @TampaRail @urbntampabay which is throughout technical studies are important. We could build HSR tomorrow for instance. (3/2)

[Connect Tampa Bay @ConnectTB]

@geraldunf @TampaRail @urbntampabay so even if we had $ & all agreed -- it'd still take us time to study the best routes to attract grants

[Connect Tampa Bay @ConnectTB]

@geraldunf @TampaRail @urbntampabay ironically we haven't done enough actual studies that feds will accept. (1/2)

[Connect Tampa Bay @ConnectTB]

@lailabdelaziz @BrianWillisTPA @codonnellTBO can't do that with that money. @gohart needs a sales tax it's the only option for more buses

[Connect Tampa Bay @ConnectTB]

@lailabdelaziz @codonnellTBO @BrianWillisTPA what? There is zero money coming in at this time. We have to compete for it like everyone else

[Connect Tampa Bay @ConnectTB]

@lailabdelaziz @BrianWillisTPA @codonnellTBO $1.2 million is what is needed to do the design work needed for fed funds. State pays 80%

[Connect Tampa Bay @ConnectTB]

@atralph @MyFDOT_Tampa @HillsboroughMPO @TBARTA @GuidoManiscalco our members have made it clear no highway expansion before transit, if ever

[Connect Tampa Bay @ConnectTB]

@atralph @MyFDOT_Tampa @HillsboroughMPO @TBARTA @GuidoManiscalco TBX doesn't need to be part of it. @RideSunRail & @TriRailAlerts came first

[Connect Tampa Bay @ConnectTB]

@atralph @LJMFLA @BrianWillisTPA @HillsboroughMPO @TBARTA doesn't, but @MyFDOT_Tampa & @CSX demands regional approach. As in Miami & Orlando

[Connect Tampa Bay @ConnectTB]

@atralph @MyFDOT_Tampa @HillsboroughMPO @TBARTA agree on not enough action, but in transportation studies are the beginning of action

[Connect Tampa Bay @ConnectTB]

@atralph @MyFDOT_Tampa @HillsboroughMPO @TBARTA not always, we actually need the studies to get grant funds & make sure it is successful

[Connect Tampa Bay @ConnectTB]

@atralph @MyFDOT_Tampa @LJMFLA @BrianWillisTPA @HillsboroughMPO @TBARTA Pasco & Hernando haven't even studied it

[Connect Tampa Bay @ConnectTB]

@atralph @MyFDOT_Tampa @LJMFLA @BrianWillisTPA @HillsboroughMPO @TBARTA there it is true, there has never been a region wide effort.

[Caitlin Johnston @cljohnst]

This gathering off MPO leaders will meet again in December to further discuss a potential #CSX project. Meeting wraps up for today.

[Caitlin Johnston @cljohnst]

"This could significantly be a game changer in our county" Pasco County rep regarding CSX commuter rail.

[Caitlin Johnston @cljohnst]

Another telling fact about today: More than 60 politicians and activists are here from 4 counties. There's a strong interest in this idea.

[Caitlin Johnston @cljohnst]

The PLG has officially supported moving forward with the recommendation of the half-cent sales tax. Murman, Higginbotham and White oppose.

[Steve Contorno @scontorno]

BREAKING: Hillsborough Co Policy Leadership Group votes to move forward with 1/2 cent sales tax increase for transportation. #GoHillsborough