Tampa Bay embraces regional approach on transportation planning

Writer: Mariana Hernández

May 2025 — As Florida’s population and economy soar, Tampa Bay is under pressure to expand and optimize its transportation network. Regional leaders are focusing on solutions through strategic collaboration, advocacy, and policy changes.

Tampa Bay’s geography, which spans eight counties and multiple metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), has led to a fragmented transportation system. The Tampa Bay Partnership — a regional coalition of business, civic, and nonprofit leaders — is advocating for a regional and collaborative approach to solve transportation challenges in the region.

“We led the advocacy efforts to merge the three largest counties into a single transportation planning organization. We are excited to announce that the three county-level MPOs have now signed a memorandum of understanding for this merger,” Bemetra Simmons, president and CEO of Tampa Bay Partnership told Invest:.

In addition to these efforts, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is moving forward on purchasing two high-speed ferry vessels, utilizing a $4.86 million federal grant nearing expiration. The Tampa Bay Times reported that the vessels would be leased to a private operator to relaunch and enhance ferry service between St. Petersburg and Tampa, replacing the previous Cross Bay Ferry.

The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART), which initially received the grant in 2021, will transfer the funds to PSTA once the board finalizes the ferry plan. This will reduce operating costs and potentially reduce the need for local government subsidies. The project is supported by local leaders, including the mayors of Tampa and St. Petersburg.

As Tampa Bay faces the challenges of rapid growth and rising demand for connectivity, regional leaders are responding with a more coordinated approach to transportation planning. These initiatives go beyond mobility — they influence broader goals around affordability, workforce development, and regional competitiveness.

For more information, please visit:

https://www.gohart.org/
https://www.tampabay.org/
https://www.psta.net/