TAMPA, Fla. (February 20) - The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority (TBARTA) continues to make public involvement a priority in its Regional Rapid Transit (RRT) project. Tampa Bay residents are invited to help plan RRT stations through participation in six charrettes next month, each open to the public.

Regional Rapid Transit is a bus rapid transit proposal to connect Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties along I-275 with all-day modern mobility that is quick, safe, reliable and frequent. Planning is still in development, with 12 to 13 stations proposed along the route. Station planning charrettes are an opportunity for the public to provide input on each station's characteristics and amenities.

“Charrettes are an important part of RRT’s public involvement campaign,” said David Green, TBARTA’s Executive Director. “These collaborative sessions give the public ownership in project design, helping ensure that each station is tailored to best meet the needs of their community.”

In all, eight charrettes will be held. Six are now scheduled for the first two weeks in March:

• Bearss Avenue Charrette: Tuesday, March 3, 1-4pm, Vista Inn and Suites, 400 E. Bearss Ave, Tampa 33613

• Himes Avenue Charrette: Thursday, March 5, 1-4pm, Hillsborough Community College, Student Services Building, DSTU 108

• Tampa/Seminole Heights Charrette: Tuesday, March 10, 9a-noon, Seminole Heights Garden Center, 5800 N. Central Avenue, Tampa 33604

• State Route 54 Charrette: Wednesday, March 11, 1-4pm, Hampton Inn and Suites, 2740 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel 33544

• Waters Avenue/Bird Street Charrette: Thursday, March 12, 1-4pm, CareerSource, 9215 N. Florida Ave., Tampa 33612

• 62nd Avenue Charrette: Friday, March 13, 9am-noon, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, 4000 Gateway Blvd. #100, Pinellas Park, 33782

Charrette participants will first hear an overview of the project, then work in small groups to discuss their vision for that community’s RRT station. Station access, amenities, and parking availability will be among the considerations. The result is public recommendations on station design features that best serve that community’s needs, which will be incorporated into the ongoing RRT Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study.

Those interested in participating in a station planning charrette are invited to RSVP Ariana Grant, Ariana.grant@wsp.com, no later than February 26.