Regional Transportation Authority Seeks Public Input

Anyone who lives, works or even visits the Tampa Bay area has concerns over the ever-escalating traffic congestion facing the region. When soaring gas prices and the effects of the current economic slowdown are factored in, the need for examining transportation alternatives becomes obvious.

That’s why the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority is hoping members of the public will share ideas at one of several community workshops. Various transit modes will be discussed, with a focus on things like light rail, bus rapid transit, commuter rail, managed lanes and waterborne transit.

Scheduled workshops will be:

Manatee County

• Wednesday, July 23 – The Lakewood Ranch Community Room, located in Northern Trust Bank, Ste. 203, 6320 Venture Dr., Bradenton

Sarasota County

• Thursday, July 24 – Venice Community Center, 326 S. Nokomis Ave., Venice

Pasco County

• Tuesday, July 29 Alice Hall Community Center, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills

Hillsborough County

• Tuesday, Aug. 5 – DoubleTree Hotel, 4500 W. Cypress St., Tampa

Pinellas County

• Thursday, Aug. 7 – Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Dr., Largo

For those interested but unable to attend in person, TBARTA also offers online meetings.

These TBARTA workshops are part of an effort to develop a transportation master plan for the seven-county West Central Florida region, including Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota counties.