TECO Line Streetcar System

The TECO Line Streetcar System is a streetcar line in Tampa, Florida, run by the Hillsborough Area Regional Transportation Authority and managed by Tampa Historic Streetcar, Inc.. It connects downtown to the historic Ybor City district.

The line opened on 19 October, 2002. The line is 2.3 miles (3.7 km) long with 12 stations. The track is single with several passing sidings. The track mostly follows a reserved-right-of-way.

History

Tampa's first electric streetcars were introduced in 1892. The streetcar reached its peak of popularity in the 1920s. In 1926, almost 24 million passengers were carried. The first line shut down in August 4, 1946. The first streetcar system used the Birney Safety Car and, probably, other streetcar types.

Streetcars returned to Tampa in 2002, when the 2.4 mile (3.9 km) long heritage line was opened. In its first year of operation, the streetcar carried 420,000, 20% more than projected. In 2005, 434,498 passengers used the streetcar.

A new 1/3 mile (1/2 km) extension is being planned. It will connect Franklin Street and the Fort Brooke parking garage.

tation list

*Dick Greco Plaza (connection to Route 96 Uptown-Downtown Connector bus to other points, signed as TRANSPORTATION PLAZA on rollsigns)
*HSBC
*The Tampa Tribune
*Cumberland Avenue
*York Street
*Port Authority
*Cadrecha Plaza
*Streetcar Society
*Tampa Bay Federal Credit Union
*Centennial Park

Rolling stock

The system has eleven operating streetcars: nine modern replica double-truck Birney cars, one restored original Birney car, and one replica open-bench "Breezer."

The replica Birney cars have a welded steel body with cosmetic rivets added to make them look older. The cars are wheelchair accessible, air conditioned and have automated stop announcements. The seats are made of wood and are reversible for when the car changes direction. Cars are also equipped with on board ticket dispensers; however, they do not provide change.

The one original Birney was found in Sulpher Springs, a neighborhood in Tampa. When the car was found it was being used as an apartment. After extensive restoration the car is back to its former self and is used for special events.

External links

* [http://www.tecolinestreetcar.org/ TECO Line official site]
* [http://www.railwaypreservation.com/vintagetrolley/tampa.htm North American Vintage Trolley Systems]
* [http://www.battleblog.com/user/tamparail/streetcar.asp/ TECO Streetcar at Tampa Rail Website]