University
North Transportation Initiative
A Public-Private Partnership
Transportation
Information Service
November 2001
Vol. 5 No. 14
This newsletter was created to inform, update, and
educate members of the University North Transportation Initiative and the
public on local mobility issues, projects and developments.
Local Champion Receives Recognition
Mr.
Tom Locke, General Manager of The University Mall in Tampa, was recently named
the 2001 recipient of the Southeastern Association for Commuter
Transportation’s Outstanding in the Field Award. Mr. Locke, who is serving his fourth term as
the UNTI's Advisory Board Chairman was recognized for his ongoing service and
support of alternative transportation, in all aspects of the transportation
industry.
A
vocal champion for expanded public transit, he has permitted his mall to
function as a hub for HARTline’s new area circulator service. He has also been an ongoing advocate for
improved bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
He provides space and a secure environment for the Veteran's
Administration hospital to operate a Park n Ride shuttle, alleviating congestion for commuters along the highly
congested Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.
Finally, he helps to support the University North Commuter Center within
the mall, where it remains the top-selling outlet for HARTline bus pass
sales.
Mr.
Locke has also continued a multi-year relationship with the University of South
Florida, contributing significantly to fund a noontime extension of the
University’s off-campus Bull Runner Shuttle, five days per week. This transit operation offers a direct
mid-day transit connection between the center of the campus and the mall, at no
charge.
Mr. Locke's ongoing efforts have made him
a recognized leader throughout his community, and truly, Outstanding in the
Field.
Shuttle
Ridership Reaches 1,000,000
On Thursday, October 25th,
Avishekh Pal stepped aboard a Bull Runner Shuttle, driven by Calvin Wright, at
8:28pm and became the one-millionth rider.
Parking and Transportation Services awarded him a $250 gift certificate
to the USF Bookstore that he accepted along with gifts from the UNTI, Busch
Gardens, the USF Athletic Department, and the USF Book Store.
Ridership
on the shuttle for the 2001-2002 school year has already seem dramatic
increases from last years numbers. In September
of this year, the shuttle had over 74,000 riders, compared to over 54,000
during the same month in 2000.
According
to Rick Fallin, Transportation Manager for Parking and Transportation Services,
the increases in ridership from last school year to this school year can be
attributed "to increased awareness of the system among students, and an
increased level of dependability of the system." Improved routes, shorter headways, and covered shuttle stops at
some locations, all help to make the service even more appealing to students,
faculty, and staff.
Shuttle
service has not only increased mobility for riders but has also served to
alleviate some of the parking demands and traffic congestion on campus. In describing the fall startup this year,
Mr. Fallin noted, "a significant reduction of vehicle movement on campus,
following increased ridership on the Bull Runner."
Parking
and Transportation Services is encouraged by the increased ridership and looks
forward to planning for future growth.
Interest in
Telecommuting Rises Across the Nation
In Washington D.C., interest
in expanding telecommuting has increased since September 11th, as
concerns over workplace safety encourage the development of sound contingency
plans and alternative work models.
Telecommuting allows workers
to communicate effectively with the office and complete their usual work
without having to make the daily commute.
Many employers have
successfully realized the benefits of telecommuting, including increased
recruiting opportunities, reduced turnover, increased productivity, and reduced
overhead. The UNTI can guide managers
in assessing whether their organization, or specific positions within the
organization, are suited for telecommuting.
HART Fare Changes as of October 28
Hillsborough
Area Regional Transit Authority has amended its service and
fare-structure. The following changes
will affect riders traveling to or through the University North area:
Adult
Student Discount: Students older than 17 will be eligible to
purchase the 31-Day Local Unlimited Ride and 20-Ride Local fare card at the
discounted fare card rate through participating educational institutions. Adult students should call the UNTI at
974-9799 for more information on where to purchase the discounted cards.
Route
Changes:
Route
33: Fletcher Avenue: The limited service area on
the eastern segment of the route is being modified to better support work
trips. Service through Hidden River Parkway and Telecom Park will be
discontinued.
Route
39: Busch Boulevard: This route will no longer serve the stop behind Citrus Park Town
Center. Instead, it will travel along
Citrus Park Boulevard in both directions.
One earlier weekday eastbound trip will also be added.
Route
83: University Area Circulator: Service on this route will be offered at a
flat fare of $.50 per ride. (Note: the Downtown Connector Service continues to
be FREE).
A
complete listing of service and fare changes can be obtained at the Commuter
Center at the University Mall or by calling the UNTI.
What is the
UNTI?
The University North Transportation
Initiate (UNTI) is a public-private partnership that provides a forum to
address the transportation needs of the University North Area.
The
UNTI's main goals are to:
·
Reduce traffic congestion,
·
Improve air quality, and
·
Promote alternative commute modes, such as carpooling,
vanpooling, transit, bicycling, or walking.
The UNTI Advisory Board is continuously
seeking involvement from private-sector businesses in the University
North. By becoming involved or joining
our Board, you business will be given the opportunity to represent its
interests and to share ideas with other businesses and agencies in the
community.
Located at the
Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR)
University of
South Florida
4202 E. Fowler
Ave., CUT 100
Tampa, FL 33620-5375
(813) 974-9799;
974-5168 (fax)
www.commuterservices.com/unti