TIS Update Newsletter

Transportation Information Service
November 2002 ~ Vol. 6 No. 10

The purpose of the TIS Update is to inform, update, and educate members of the University North Transportation Initiative and the public on local mobility issues, projects and developments.

UNTI Hosts Transportation Fair On USF Campus

Board of County Commissioners Approved . . .

40th Street Construction to Add to 56th Street Traffic

SchoolPool

Take a Ride on the TECO Line Streetcar

UNTI Hosts Transportation Fair On USF Campus

To Inform Students, Faculty, & Staff of their Transportation Options

On October 8th, USF Students, Faculty, and Staff participated in the USF Transportation Fair, as part of Commuter Choices Week. USF commuters learned about transportation options available to them, including the new HARTline-USF Fare-Free Bus Riding Program, carpooling, vanpooling, and bicycle commuting. Bicycle Commuters received free bike-helmets and bike lights while other commuters received t-shirts, visors, cups, mall coupons, and prizes from the Commuter Challenge game.

Board of County Commissioners Approved . . .

	The adoption of the Urban Infill and Redevelopment Plan for the University Area Community that designates the Urban Infill and Redevelopment Area.
	The designation of an Enterprise Zone for the University Area Community. The ordinance amended the boundary of the enterprise zone to comply with the State enabling legislation. (An enterprise zone offers tax benefits to businesses building or expanding in a blighted area). If the state approves the zone, Florida Avenue, Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, Fowler Avenue and Bearss Avenue would border it. The University mall would be excluded.
	The adoption of a Hillsborough County Enterprise Zone Development Agency. The Board voted to add a representative of the University of South Florida to the agency Board of Commissioners

40th Street Construction to Add to 56th Street Traffic

When construction begins early next year on 40^th Street, between Fowler Avenue and Busch Boulevard, traffic will be diverted to 56^th Street in Temple Terrace. This section of roadway, also known as McKinley Drive provides access to Busch Gardens’ guest parking lots. People headed toward the theme park will have to be detoured by way of 56^th St. This could cause heavy traffic, especially during peak tourist season. To address some of the concerns of Temple Terrace residents, Tampa traffic engineers will work with the city to adjust the traffic lights on 56^th St. to better control greater flow of vehicles during construction. For those who use 40^th Street regularly, but do not need to access a business along 40^th Street, 30^th Street might also be a viable alternative.

SchoolPool

A SchoolPool is a group of parents that take turns driving each others’ children to the same school. In today's world, both parents are often in the workforce. The extra trips made to drop a child off at school can translate into a lot of added stress for people with limited time. Furthermore, those extra trips add to the traffic congestion around and air pollution at a particular school.

SchoolPooling Benefits Everyone

	Less driving for parents
	Shorter loading and unloading lines at the school
	Increased safety for children (less vehicles)
	Money savings
	Reduced tardiness and absenteeism
	Decreased air pollution and related illnesses

In an article published recently in the St. Petersburg Times entitle, “Many parents are taking the carpool plunge,” writer Sheryl Kay suggests that before committing to a SchoolPool, parents should discuss the following points:

	When and where children are to be picked up at the home and at school?
	Which parents are available mornings versus afternoons, and on what days?
	Safety record and insurance coverage of all drivers.
	Procedures when a driver is not available at the last minute (all drivers should always keep contact information of the other parents in the car at all times).
	Will snacks or drinks be permitted in the cars?
	Safety rules for all students in the car.
	Is each rider old enough to sit in a front seat with air bags?
	How activities after school will affect the carpool arrangements.
	How to handle behavior problems in the car.
	Will students be allowed to bring a friend home in the car?

For more information on SchoolPool contact UNTI at www.commuterservices.com/unti

Take a Ride on the TECO Line Streetcar

Streetcar hours of operation:

Monday – Wednesday: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Thursday:                      11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Friday:                          11:00 a.m. to   2:00 a.m.
Saturday:                        9:00 a.m. to   2:00 a.m.
Sunday:                                Noon to   8:00 p.m.

Service every 15-20 minutes.

Streetcar Fares	One-way	One-day	20-ride card
Regular	$1.25	$3.00	$25.00
Discount (senior & youth)	$.60	$1.50	$12.00

For more information check

http://www.tecolinestreetcar.org/home.html

Streetcar Facts

	Tampa's eight new electric streetcars, replicas of the old Birney Safety Cars that ran on Tampa streets until 1946, are the first air-conditioned streetcars ever built. An original, completely restored Birney Safety Car will run on special occasions.
	Almost 50 feet long and eight and one-half feet wide, each electric streetcar weighs 46,000 pounds, can go up to 30 miles per hour and carry 88 riders.
	The system's rail lines will run generally in a separate right-of-way out of the flow of automobile traffic.

UNTI Community Announcements

Vanpool Riders Wanted: Decrease commute costs, improve use of travel time
A vanpool traveling from Sarasota/Bradenton to the USF Area, including the VA Hospital and Telecom Parkway is seeking riders. Work hours are from 7:00am - 4:30 pm. Call 813-282-8200 for more information.

UNTI Seeking Comments on Commute Experiences

UNTI is interested in hearing about your commute! Simply send an email to sobush@cutr.usf.edu or fill out the commute comments form at www.commuterservices.com/unti to tell us about your daily commute and any ways you have found to make the trip more bearable.

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