Fare-free ridership on the TECO Streetcar Line is quietly coming to an end, ending close to 6 years of free service. The Florida Department of Transportation’s final grant to maintain fare-free service will last until January 5, 2025. The news comes as ridership reaches record highs. A report from July shows that ridership hit 112,999, contributing to around 1.43 million trips in 2024 so far. The Streetcar Line introduced fare-free riding in 2018 thanks to a $2.7 million grant from FDOT, funding the service until 2021. Afterward, an additional grant of $1.4 million was provided to continue the service from 2021 to 2023.

Concerns about the end of fare-free ridership resurfaced in 2024. FDOT has committed to a $700,000 grant for this year, but no promises have been made for the future. The team behind Tampa’s TECO Streetcar is working to change that. A Public Hearing on potential fare adjustments is scheduled for November 7, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, providing opportunities for public comments and survey feedback. The leaders are eager to hear from community members and potentially gather insight into reinstating fare-free ridership. Additionally, seven stations will host Q&A sessions for residents to voice their concerns directly.

Fare-Free ridership has been vital for Tampa’s economy. Dense neighborhoods like Tampa’s Water Street District, Channelside, or Ybor, have relied on the streetcar both for tourists and local passenger travel. If fare-free ridership ends, community investment is feared to dwindle.

If you’re concerned about fares ending and can’t attend in-person sessions, there’s also an available online survey: TECO Streetcar Survey.