Point A to Point B: The TECO Streetcar Edition

I'm a member of a photography group that went on a Saturday outing to Tampa recently.  I was happy the event organizer suggested we use the TECO Streetcar to get around town.  I had not previously ridden Tampa's electric streetcar system.  (TECO = Tampa Electric Company but the TECO Streetcar is operated by a not-for-profit corporation).

Many urban areas have a similar trolley or streetcar system, and those that don't should.  I still have fond memories of a family vacation to San Francisco in 1984:  The city's famous cable car system had just resumed operation after a two-year restoration project and riding the cable cars over the city's hills was a highlight of the trip.

In the case of the TECO Streetcar, the streetcar took us a distance of about 2.5 miles through Tampa.  The one-way fare is $2.50, which is a little steep but an all-day fare is $5.  The drivers were friendly and helpful.  The cars were air-conditioned; our entire group found that a blessing in Florida's blistering summer heat.

A few thoughts based on my first TECO Streetcar experience and my ongoing experience with Tampa Bay Area transit:

• There are three streetcar routes through the urban areas of Tampa.  The route coverage is good; it links downtown offices with historic Ybor City and the Channel District (also known as "where the cruise ships dock").  Shopping, hotels, museums and restaurants are easily accessible.
• One down side to the streetcar routes is that one is the TECO Streetcar and the others are In-Town Trolleys operated by HART (Hillsborough Area Regional Transit).  The schedule and fare structure for the TECO line are different from the HART trolley lines.  I find this a little confusing, and the HART trolleys have fairly restrictive schedules.
• Relating to the various fare structures, this is a great idea from the San Francisco Bay Area:  One fare card that will soon operate on all area transit agencies.  I would love see this in the Tampa Bay Area.  It's true, there is a one-month unlimited use pass that applies to both Pinellas and Hillsborough County transit agencies.  But I found this a little difficult to locate on HART's web site, and I would like to see more options beyond just the one-month pass.  I suspect it's just a matter of time.
• Google's trip planner apparently does not include the streetcar.  I'm not sure why, maybe because the streetcar schedule is not as comprehensive as a conventional bus or rail system.  It's still a disappointment to know trip planner is not giving us every option.

All in all, Tampa's TECO Streetcar is a good show.  It's useful for both residents and tourists.  If you are in Tampa, or plan to be in Tampa, leave the car and take the streetcar.  The best transit is not just functional, it also adds of the scenery, and the TECO Streetcar qualifies.