Are New MetroRapid Busses and Faster Routes Good for Seminole Heights?

Boasting sleek new vehicles, fewer stops and better service reliability, MetroRapid North-South kicked off in Tampa Bay this week with the hopes of increasing transportation options for commuters from Seminole Heights and beyond.

Twelve green and white buses and 59 stations are helping connect a north-south route from Temple Terrace to downtown Tampa, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Routes depart every 15 minutes from 5 a.m. until 8 p.m.

The route runs north on Nebraska Avenue from downtown Tampa, then east to Fletcher Avenue toward the Telecom Park area, according to the company's website. Another park and ride facility is planned in the I-75 and Fletcher Avenue area.

Funding and construction for the $25 million project came from a Hillsborough County Investment Tax, according to the company's website. Additional routes are in the works.

The transit system, which debuted on Tuesday, is also offering a freebie to  users: Free rides for the first two weeks. After that, the $2 fare returns.

For routes and schedules, go to www.gohart.org.

What do you think of MetroRapid? Do you plan to try it out? Tell us in the comments.