Tampa Tribune: HART considers using eminent domain

HART will consider using eminent domain proceedings to acquire up to 26 parcels to be used as station sites for the county's first Bus Rapid Transit system, scheduled to launch in March 2013 between downtown Tampa and its northeast suburbs.

The properties along Nebraska and Fletcher avenues are expected to cost no more than $4.5 million if the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority uses eminent domain. The cost would be less if HART can buy the parcels from the owners.

The sites are 40 square feet to 1,500 square feet. The stations will be distinctive from regular bus shelters. They will be about a half-mile apart for Bus Rapid Transit vehicles that are modified versions of regular buses, with technology to control traffic signals to shorten travel time.

HART will use 59 stations of three sizes for its "MetroRapid" north-south project.

For the full article, visit the Tampa Tribune.