Key Issues: Mobility
The Challenge:
We can't asphalt our way out of traffic
For years, Tampa’s solution to traffic has been to add more lanes. But District 6 is completely built out. The roads cannot be expanded any further, yet our daily commute continues to slow to a crawl. We are spending more time staring at brake lights on Dale Mabry, Kennedy, and I-275 than we are with our families or growing our local economy.
Widening roads doesn't solve traffic; it only invites more cars. At the same time, Tampa faces a severe deficit in reliable mass transit options. To build a modern, 21st-century city, we have to look up—not outward.
The Vision:
An above ground rail system for Tampa
It’s time for Tampa to invest in a dedicated, elevated (above-ground) rail network. By taking transit off our existing streets, we preserve our current lanes for those who must drive, while offering a fast, reliable, and bypass-the-traffic alternative for thousands of daily commuters.
Connecting District 6 to the Future: This isn't just a downtown project. An elevated transit corridor should directly link our key regional economic engines—Tampa International Airport and the Westshore Business District—to Downtown, South Tampa, and beyond.
True Congestion Relief: Every person riding an elevated rail line is one less car sitting in front of you at a red light on Cypress Street or Hillsborough Avenue.
Unlocking Economic Opportunity: Reliable transit connects workers to jobs, students to classes, and customers to local businesses, boosting economic growth across all of West Tampa.
How We Get it Done:
A Realistic road map
Building a world-class transit system takes leadership, regional cooperation, and a realistic approach to funding:
Pursuing Federal & State Matching Grants:
The federal government offers robust Capital Investment Grants specifically for high-capacity transit systems. As your Councilman, I will aggressively pursue these dollars so Tampa gets its fair share of federal tax money back.
Pioneering Public-Private Partnerships (P3s):
We must engage private sector stakeholders in Westshore and Downtown who stand to benefit from a connected workforce, leveraging private investment to offset public costs.
Smart Transit-Oriented Development:
Ensuring the land around our future transit hubs supports walkable housing, shops, and offices, creating a self-sustaining system that pays dividends for generations to come.
"We’ve spent decades planning for cars. It's time to start planning for people. Let's build a Tampa that moves."
Progress Starts Today
Support Jose's vision for a Tampa that works by making a donation today
Political advertisement paid for and approved by Jose Lucena for Tampa City Council, District 6
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