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

Senator Rubio Mobile Office in SCC on June 5

Senator Rubio Mobile Office in SCC on June 5

The Gulf Coast Regional Office of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio will be holding office hours in Sun City Center on Wednesday, June 5, from 9:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m., in the Old Town Hall Ann Marie LeBlanc Room, 1002 Cherry Hills Drive. Meet your local staff and...

Florida Aquarium Returns Green Sea Turtles to The Ocean

Florida Aquarium Returns Green Sea Turtles to The Ocean

The Florida Aquarium’s Animal Response Team recently returned four rehabilitated green sea turtles to the Atlantic Ocean at Wilbur-By-The-Sea in Volusia County. The release of these sea turtles was made possible through the Aquarium’s ongoing partnership...

Florida Aquarium Honors Our Military This Memorial Day

Florida Aquarium Honors Our Military This Memorial Day

This Memorial Day Weekend and every day, The Florida Aquarium remembers the fallen and thanks all military members and veterans for protecting and serving our country. Join them Memorial Day Weekend, Friday, May 24 – Monday, May 27, 2019, with amazing...

Camp Bayou gets ready for summer!

Camp Bayou gets ready for summer!

Camp Bayou Gets Ready for Summer! By Dolly Cummings, Director Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center   There's lots of sun and fun this season as Camp Bayou gets ready for summer! Saturday, June 1 is National Trails Day. There will be cart tours,...

Amsterdam Newest Non-stop Service

Amsterdam Newest Non-stop Service

Amsterdam Newest Non-stop ServiceBy Kai Rambow Delta Airlines recently celebrated their inauguration of non-stop service from Tampa to Amsterdam. The following non-stop options are now available to us:  British Airways and Norwegian to London Gatwick;...

Coffee with a Cop June 25

Coffee with a Cop June 25

Deputy Jeffrey Merry would like to invite you to join your neighbors and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies for “Coffee with a Cop” on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, 8 to 9 a.m., at the Ruskin Dunkin Donuts location, 717 Cypress Creek Blvd.Deputy Merry says...