Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority

The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority (TBARTA) works to advance regional transportation needs in Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco and Pinellas counties. Our purpose is to plan, develop, fund, implement, and operate a regional transit system in this area. Our vision is a world-class transit system that connects and moves the Tampa Bay region.

Goals

  • Develop and maintain a regional transit development plan
  • Develop, implement, and operate a sustainable and efficient regional transit system
  • Identify and secure sustainable funding sources to support a regional transit system

2021 Annual Report

2021 was a year of accomplishment for TBARTA, despite the many challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Regional Opportunities highlights the advances TBARTA made in our mission to bring world-class transit to our region. 

Click below for updates on:

  • 2021 Transit & Telework Survey
  • Regional Rapid Transit
  • Aerial Gondola Study
  • TD Tampa Bay
  • Commute Tampa Bay
2021 Annual Report 2020 Annual Report 2019 Annual Report

TBARTA Bylaws:

Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority
Adopted: August 25, 2017. Amended June 22, 2018. Amended August 23, 2019.  Amended August 6, 2021.

ARTICLE I: NAME

The name of this regional transportation authority is the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority (hereinafter referred to as “the Authority”), the body politic and corporate, and agency of the State of Florida created by Part V of Chapter 343, Florida Statutes, covering the five county area comprised of Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, and Manatee Counties.

Authority: Sections 343.90, 343.91(1)(a) and 343.92(1), F.S.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

The purpose of these Bylaws is to provide for the internal governance of the Authority, including the regulation of its affairs and the conduct of the Authority’s business, by prescribing quorum and voting requirements for meetings, the process by which minutes and other official records shall be maintained, and the preparation and adoption of an annual budget.

TBARTA Bylaws

TBARTA Florida Statute:

Public Transportation Chapter 343
Regional Transportation Part V

343.90: Short Title

This part may be cited as the "Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority Act."

343.91: Definitions

(a) "Authority" means the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority, the body politic and corporate and agency of the state created by this part, covering Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties and any other contiguous county that is party to an agreement of participation. (b) “Board” means the governing body of the authority.

TBARTA Guiding Principles

Implementation Focus

Give primary focus to developing actionable plans and advancing transit concepts into operation.

Regional Partnerships

Work with statewide, regional, and local partners to develop and implement regional transit solutions.

Integrated Planning

Coordinate across counties and communities to implement and operate a regional transit system; coordinate transit planning with land use, economic development, and environmental stewardship decisions to ensure transit solutions address broader regional goals.

Sustainable Funding

Develop sustainable funding options that reflect public support and leverage multiple financing opportunities.

Community Engagement

Communicate and coordinate with all local jurisdictions and the diverse public to develop and implement a regional transit system that reflects the diverse needs of the region’s residents, visitors, and communities.

Innovative Solutions

Leverage emerging technologies and systems to provide mobility choices for workers, residents, and visitors.

Safe and Efficient System

Develop and implement regional transit systems that are safe, efficient, and reliable.

Environmental Stewardship

Develop and implement regional transit systems that protect and, where possible, enhance the quality of the natural and built environment in the region.

Economic Development

Develop and implement regional transit systems that enhance the competitiveness of the region’s economy.

Socioeconomic Mobility

Develop and implement regional transit systems that increase access to jobs, services, and economic opportunity for all residents, particularly traditionally underserved groups.