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Transfer Center Dedicated

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By JOSE PATINO GIRONA, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 1, 2007

WEST TAMPA - Officials hope a new transfer center will satisfy longtime bus riders and attract new ones.

The West Tampa Transfer Center, 4201 N. Himes Ave., will be a hub for six routes and more than 6,000 passengers each weekday.

The $1.8 million center, which was dedicated Nov. 27, will open in mid-December. It features covered walkways, benches, fare and change machines, restrooms, water fountains, drink machines and maps.

"It gives us a presence," said Jill Cappadoro, a Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority spokeswoman. "It's HART's commitment to the neighborhood. We plan to be here for the long haul."

The location has been a transfer center since the mid-1970s, when the Tampa Bay Center mall was on the site. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers purchased the property and built the team's headquarters and training facility nearby. The transfer center is across the street from Raymond James Stadium.

This is the second of three planned transfer centers. The first was built at 56th Street and Hillsborough Avenue. A third will be completed by winter 2008 at Waters Avenue and Sheldon Road in Town 'N Country.

At last week's dedication, city, county and HART officials spoke about how the evolving transportation system will play a part in West Tampa's development.

"This is an incredible improvement that we need to continue," Hillsborough County Commissioner Rose Ferlita said.

Reporter Jose Patino Girona can be reached at (813) 835-2110 or jpatino@tampatrib.com.

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