TAMPA, Fla. (SNNTV) - At the Dick Greco station in Tampa the iconic yellow TECO streetcar passes through often, and for those used to catching a ride for free that may be coming to an end soon.
The popular Tampa streetcar has been a free service for the last five years thanks to a $2.3 million agreement with FDOT.
"It's nice to not have to have a pass, you know if I left my wallet at home or something like that I don't have to worry about paying for it," rider Peyton Rouille said.
But that free status may be in jeopardy by the end of the year due to lack of funding. Meaning if you're going to hop on, you might have to dish out up to $2.50 for a one-way fare. The 2.7-mile streetcar line serviced more than 1 million riders last year, and for some the possible price hike does not sit well.
"It doesn't go far, it's not like it's going you know 7, 8 miles away. It's just around the city I feel like it should be something that's free for the people that work here and live here," Rouille said.
Others said charging to ride is reasonable and fairly priced.
"In the grand scheme of things, I mean $2, I think about the Starbucks I buy. You know, you could cut out like a Starbucks if you're using it that much," rider Elizabeth Aber said.
The streetcar seems to be a heartline for the city and is highly sought for riders looking to pop between Tampa and Ybor, especially for big events like games and concerts.
HART conducted an online survey in October for community input on a proposal to reintroduce fares. If approved, the fees may take effect on Jan. 5, 2025. They are holding a public hearing for continued discussion tonight from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at HART’s Ybor administrative offices, located at 1201 East 7th Avenue on the third floor.