Tampa Times- Tampa has worst transit system of any big city in USA (school, taxes)

[phoenixmike11]

Tampa Times makes the case on why Tampa has the worst public transit of any big city in the USA

Times analysis: Tampa Bay has one of the worst public transit systems in America. Here?s why. | Data | Tampa Bay Times

[mrviking]

I learned at an early age to have more job options I would need a car. Working part time mowing yards and bagging groceries after school and weekends, I saved up enough money to by my first car at 17. I have not been without a car or job since.

[PDF]

No surprise. There are cities similar to Tampa (and that suck just as much without a car) that have way better public transit. Sad really.

[lluvia]

Sad that it's a lifeline to the working poor.
I live on a bus line but have a car and only take the bus in emergencies.
To me public transit in Tampa is a seasonal venture.
Great in the winter months. Not so in summer.
At least they keep em air conditioned.

[Pragmaticus]

So sad!

[bobandsherry]

Not really surprising, is it? However, hard to compare size of population without also comparing the population density. Comparison cities mentioned with similar population size similar to Hillsborough:

Baltimore: 622,104 / 93 mi = 6,689 people/mile
Detroit: 688,701 pop / 143 mi = 4,816 people/mile
Portland: 609,456 pop / 145 mi = 4,203 poeple/mile
Denver: 649,495 pop / 155 mi = 4,190 people/mile
Cincinnati: 297,517 pop / 80 mi = 3,718 people/mile
Phoenix: 1,513,000 pop / 517 mi = 2,926 people/mile
Hillsborough County: 1,292,000 pop / 1,266 mi = 1,020 people/mile

Expanded bus service would be have 1/3 or less of capacity as more transit friendly communities, not really cost effective or a good use of resources. That said there must be something that could be done to improve without breaking the bank. But the lack of Hillsborough County officials to be proactive on transit is also the single reason we have county wide traffic congestion issues. Based on my brief time living here, given the size of the county it lacks effective leadership.

[PDF]

Originally Posted by bobandsherry

Not really surprising, is it? However, hard to compare size of population without also comparing the population density. Comparison cities mentioned with similar population size similar to Hillsborough:

Baltimore: 622,104 / 93 mi = 6,689 people/mile
Detroit: 688,701 pop / 143 mi = 4,816 people/mile
Portland: 609,456 pop / 145 mi = 4,203 poeple/mile
Denver: 649,495 pop / 155 mi = 4,190 people/mile
Cincinnati: 297,517 pop / 80 mi = 3,718 people/mile
Phoenix: 1,513,000 pop / 517 mi = 2,926 people/mile
Hillsborough County: 1,292,000 pop / 1,266 mi = 1,020 people/mile

Expanded bus service would be have 1/3 or less of capacity as more transit friendly communities, not really cost effective or a good use of resources. That said there must be something that could be done to improve without breaking the bank. But the lack of Hillsborough County officials to be proactive on transit is also the single reason we have county wide traffic congestion issues. Based on my brief time living here, given the size of the county it lacks effective leadership.

My point was that there are cities more spread out than Tampa that have a way superior bus system. But yes, more dense cities do make it easier. Tampa just has no interest in providing an adequate system.

[BucFan]

Takes money to support a transit system. I'd rather not pay the local taxes required to build and subsidize it. You have to pay the piper for these sorts of amenities.

[BucFan]

Originally Posted by phoenixmike11

Tampa Times makes the case on why Tampa has the worst public transit of any big city in the USA

Times analysis: Tampa Bay has one of the worst public transit systems in America. Here?s why. | Data | Tampa Bay Times

It's not the gov't responsibility or taxpayer's responsibility to provide transportation for citizens to their jobs.

Responsible adults consider where they live and where they accept employment.

[kyle19125]

Florida is a hellhole for transportation infrastructure and I give it about 20 years before the tight-pocketed residents adverse to taxes and tolls needed to keep pace get the road conditions they so richly deserve.