By Streetcar
Tampa also has the TECO Line Streetcar (http://www.tecolinestreet...) that runs from Whiting and Franklin Streets downtown to Centennial Park in Ybor City with 9 stops along the way 11 total stops. The line is useful for tourists and convention goers. The line runs by many local shops, restaurants, and attractions including the convention center/ Embassy Suites, the Tampa Bay Times Forum, Channelside, the Florida Aquarium, and through Ybor City. There are 3 types of streetcars in operation: 9 "Birney Safety" replicas picture, right, one "Breezer" open-air replica picture, left, and one original "Birney" car #163, not pictured which operated in Tampa from 1923-1946 and went through 10,000 man-hours of restoration. Even if you're not using it for transportation, the streetcars are a fun way to see some of the city's historic and cultural sights.
As of May 2012, a one-way fare is $2.50. A 1-day, unlimited rides pass for streetcars and trollies are available for $5, since this is the cost of 2 rides not synonymous with "round-trip", it's highly recommended. Riders over 65, 17 and under, on Medicare, or disabled are discounted to $1.25 each trip or $2.50 for 1-day unlimited. There is a family pass, which 4 children and 1 adult or 3 children and 2 adults can ride for only $12.50. Children under 4 are free, but if taller than the fare box ID is required. Exact change is required, streetcar drivers do not provide change. Three-day and one year passes are available from Hart bus line ticket vendors, not from the streetcars. Service is available: 12AM-10PM Monday-Thursday, 11AM-2AM Friday and Saturday, and Noon-8PM on Sunday. Streetcars arrive every 20 minutes, except every 30 minutes on Friday/Saturday from 1AM-2AM.
Ticket vending machines are located at all stops, and do give change. Tickets can also be purchased at â¢Marriott Waterside Hotel Gift Shop â¢Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown/Convention Center â¢Channelside - Tampa Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau Visitor Center - Wine Design â¢Ybor City Visitor Information Center
By Trolley
Tampa also a rubber-wheel trolley system serving the Central Business District. Unlike the streetcars, which are electric and run on a fixed track, the trollies are simply small, diesel buses styled to look like a streetcar. The In-Town Trolley runs north-south from I-275, through downtown to the northern end of Harbor Island. It has service every 10 minutes at 17 stops (http://www.tecolinestreetcar.org/about/maps/system_map_6-9-08.pdf), Monday through Friday from 6-9AM and 3-6PM. As of May 2012, rides are $0.25 no transfers, $3.75 for a 1-day pass, and $5 for a 1-day streetcar/trolley pass. Riders over 65, 17 and under, on Medicare, or disabled are discounted to $1.85 for a 1-day trolley pass or $2.50 for a 1-day trolley/streetcar pass. Children under 4 are free, but if taller than the fare box ID is required. Only $1 bills are accepted.
By bus
HART, (http://www.hartline.org/), provides extensive bus service throughout Hillsborough County. There are three types of routes offered: "local", "Commuter Express", and Trollies see below. Local routes are ones which have many stops in a small region. Commuter Express lines are long-distance lines namely providing service from suburbs into Tampa. Only local to local & commuter express to local transfers are allowed. Fares are $1.75 for local routes and $2.75 for commuter express lines. Four small routes 83, 87, 88, & 89 have a 50¢ fare with no transfers. Riders over 65, 17 and under, on Medicare, or disabled are half-price: 85¢ for "local" routes and $1.35 for "commuter express" routes. Bus transportation in the Tampa area is not popular and one can expect plenty of room in busses.
PSTA, offers service in Pinellas County the county west of Tampa Bay, home to Clearwater and St. Petersburg similar to what HART offers in Hillsborough.