Is it better to take a streetcar to the restaurant, or is renting a scooter more fun? These are just two of the numerous ways to get around town in Greater Tampa Bay.
There is a plethora of public transportation routes to travel through the Tampa-St. Pete-Clearwater metropolitan area, between the large interstate, freeway, state highways and multiple airports.
All three cities centered around the bay are connected by multiple bridges. The landmark Skyway Bridge links St. Petersburg to Bradenton, making it possible for riders to travel over the ocean inlet. Access and connectivity in the geographically unique region are the least of any rider’s worries, leaving locals and visitors more time to plan for life.
All four wheels
OneBusAway comes complete with an app that gives real-time GPS on bus arrivals and departures. In addition, the trip planner provides three real-time bus routes down to the minute, informing riders if the expected route changed. If a trip is longer than two or more minutes, OneBusAway offers a more efficient route just one tap away.
A modern version of the traditional taxi, Uber and Lyft are also available for locals and tourists alike to get around at their convenience, leaving parking spots and meters behind. For those who like to keep it a little more old-school, the traditional yellow and black cab offers rides throughout GTB at reasonable rates.
By rail
If a streetcar is a desire, the TECO Line travels along 11 different stations, dropping off urban commuters anywhere between Centennial Park to Whiting in 15-minute intervals. TECO only runs in downtown Tampa and Ybor City. Its end-to-end running times along the northbound and southbound routes make it possible to ride the line all day, providing transportation to eateries, stores and good old Tampa fun, such as a Tampa Bay Lighting game. TECO even extends hours until midnight when the Tampa Bay Lightning sheds ice on the hockey rink.
On foot
When walking is the preferred mode of transportation, the region’s sidewalk network welcomes miles of exercise. As a result, the more than 825-linear-mile extended network remains on GTB’s top capital improvements to-do list, constantly upgraded with nearly million-dollar tabs.
Add in the Bright Lights, Safe Nights program, which continuously monitors the citywide lighting inventory, and pedestrians safely take their time strolling any time of day.
Walkers enjoy a birdseye view on the many bridges that stretch over Tampa Bay. These pedestrian-only paths are popular with runners and sunset lovers, especially along the Courtney Campbell Trail. The motorless trail and 16-foot-wide bridge extends over a causeway connecting Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, making it an ideal mode to actively explore the northern shore of Tampa.
Riding in style
Cyclists have the best of both worlds, able to use their bicycle or indulge in the Coast Bikeshare Program, which gives riders a choice of 300 different rides in 30 hub locations by simply downloading the app. Electric and pedal bikes are available with costs broken down by the hour, day, month or year. Student bikeshare cyclists enjoy a special reduced annual rate.
Bicycle parking is available in all city garages, giving cyclists plenty of places to lock up their wheels. Freestanding racks and self-repair stations also give bikers a needed financial break and rest stop along the 130 miles of bicycle facilities.
The Tampa Bay Regional Transportation Authority’s Bike Buddy Program connects cyclists who travel similar routes for bikers who do not want to ride alone. The transportation authority also provides free walk and bike safety courses, group bike rides and tours and bike-to-work events. In addition, the nationally recognized Bicycle Friendly Community boasts cycling lanes, trails, racks and shower and locker facilities for Greater Tampa Bay cyclists.
Just cruisin’
While some like to sweat it out when traveling through GTB, others want to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride on the water.
Pirate Water Taxi provides a wind-in-the-hair experience. Patrons can hop on and off with a wristband at 14 locations, where restaurants, museums and area attractions await.
The Cross Bay Ferry runs along the downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa, dropping passengers off along the way, while the Tampa Bay Water Taxi takes its time offering dolphin tours and guided history expeditions.
Life in the fast lane
While GTB offers many traffic-less transportation routes, sometimes it comes down to taking a car, which is where the convenient SunPass comes in. The self-adhesive transponder electronically pays tolls, eliminating the annoyance of searching for money and stopping to pay. As an added perk, the SunPass rate is lower than the toll-by-plate fare. SunPass’ electronic, no-cash toll system allows travelers to truck through all toll booths without stopping to pay and offers a significant discount for members who travel along Tampa Bay’s major highways, four of which are east-to-west and two that are north-to-south.
Another SunPass bonus includes members having the option of letting their transponder pay for parking at the airport rather than using cash or a credit card. SunPass is available at retail stores throughout Florida, including Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy, Publix, Triple AAA, Sedano’s and Navaro Discount Pharmacy. To apply for the prepaid toll program online, visit Sunpass.com or call 1-888-865-5352.
By Angela Underwood
