This study seeks to identify alternatives for short-term transportation improvements that can be implemented within the next two to five years to decrease congestion and improve mobility in our region. The study will also prioritize projects and identify potential funding strategies.

Focusing on short-term solutions while maintaining TBARTA's long-term vision, the study will analyze connections between potential transit and major activity centers through the use of existing or planned rail and roadway infrastructure, as well as possible expansion or extension of existing or planned premium transit service such as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) or Express Bus.

Other short-term solutions that will be considered include Park and Ride facilities, transit signal priority projects, queue jump lanes for buses, Intelligent Transportation Systems such as GIS, managed lanes, High Occupany Toll (HOT) and High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes. Buses operating on roadway shoulders in peak periods or at critical congestion locations are other options that will be examined.

Study Area
TBARTA's seven-county region: Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota counties. Although not a member of TBARTA, Polk County will be included in the study area to ensure potential connections east of the TBARTA region are addressed.

Project Start Date and Length
Fall 2011 - December 2012 (16 months)

Major Stakeholders
Florida Department of Transportation, TBARTA, local transit agencies and local governments

Project Sponsor
FDOT

Project Consultant
HNTB Corporation

Short-Term Regional Premium Transportation Enhancements Study Fact Sheet

Project Map