New HART CEO Discusses Transportation Challenges

By Bob Sanchez

 

The South Shore Round Table hosted new HART CEO Ben Limmer at its meeting at South Bay Hospital to learn about possible transportation improvements affecting Sun City Center and surrounding communities. SCC CA president Sam Sudman chaired the meeting.

Limmer said that the transportation surtax may generate from $100 million to $250 million to provide high-quality transportation and expansion of bus services. The surtax is being challenged in court, and he expressed optimism that the suit would be settled in the County’s favor later in the year. Meanwhile, he said, HART seeks public input on how best to meet the public’s needs. SCC CA director Larry Smith noted that all the tax money so far has gone into building bigger roads such as US-301, and Sudman said “wider roads are not the answer.” Ideas discussed included a “circulator system,” which means buses traveling in continuous loops; autonomous vehicles – that is, driverless buses – are being researched, but are nowhere near imminent; and designated bus lanes on highways. Meanwhile, HART has already placed an order for 90 electric buses.

HART cut its bus service to Sun City Center due to low usage, and as one attendee noted, it will take time to build up a ridership mentality. “Do you wait for the demand to be there?” Sudman asked. Contacted later, he wrote “I am optimistic that under new leadership, HART will implement policies that pave the way for better public transportation for the SouthShore area, and SCC in particular. The current population growth in the surrounding area will help drive that. However, the onus is on our members to avail themselves of the public transportation that we have.  No agency can continue to fund a service if is not used.”

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Building Characters

Building Characters

Building CharactersBy E. Adam PorterEditor, News of SCC & South County Halloween is right around the corner, which means the Great Debate has commenced at the Porter house. Not, thankfully, ‘Who Gets My Vote,’ but ‘Who Wears What Costume?’ My younger...

Spooktacular Charity Bingo, Thursday, October 31

Spooktacular Charity Bingo, Thursday, October 31

Campaign against Human Trafficking Southshore known as CAHT is hosting another fun bingo afternoon on Halloween day, Oct. 31, from 2-4:30 p.m. Sun City Center South Community Hall off S. Pebble Beach Blvd.  Doors open at 1:30.  $10 for 8-bingo pack, unique...

The Story Behind My Warrior’s Place: A Mother’s Mission 

The Story Behind My Warrior’s Place: A Mother’s Mission 

The Story Behind My Warrior’s Place: A Mother’s Mission By Diane M. Loeffler Kelly Kowall’s life was in turmoil, but it was about to get a whole lot worse. On Sunday, September 20, 2009, Kelly Kowall heard the knock on the door that all military mothers...

Creative Person: Kelly Freeman Loves Stitching and Needlework

Creative Person: Kelly Freeman Loves Stitching and Needlework

Creative Person: Kelly Freeman Loves Stitching and NeedleworkBy Paula Lickfeldt Kelly Freeman says she started stitching needlework when she was eleven years old.  She saw a kit in a magazine and her grandmother bought it for her.  After working on the...

Treat Your Legs Well to Be a Fitter Person

Treat Your Legs Well to Be a Fitter Person

Treat Your Legs Well to Be a Fitter PersonBy Bob Monahan, Sports Writer As we age, most seniors may find their shoes are not fitting right and their feet are sore more often.  This article will focus on the legs from toes to hip.It is common for the foot...