Highly anticipated complimentary ride service begins October 20
Tampa Downtown Partnership announces the official launch of the app-based, on-demand, complimentary ride service, Downtowner, to begin on Thursday, October 20. Service will be officially announced at a press conference on October 20 at Grand Central at Kennedy. The event will begin at 5pm and will conclude with a reception for the public at City Dog Cantina.
The Downtowner vehicles operate seven days a week within Downtown Tampa’s business district, Channel District, River Arts District, the University of Tampa area, as well as the non-gated north end of Harbour Island.
“Tampa Downtown Partnership has worked for over two years to provide this valuable service to residents, the workforce, and visitors,” said Greg Minder, Chair, Tampa Downtown Partnership Board of Directors. “Downtown Tampa’s transportation needs continue to grow as our city experiences ongoing development and interest. With the presence of cutting edge technologies like the Downtowner, our city is proving that it is a progressive and desirable place to live.”
Because the service is technology-based, it appeals to the generations who are moving into urban centers and are accustomed to real-time access. “The app provides an opportunity to monitor its use allowing us to adjust service so that we can prepare for busy times,” said Stephen Murray, Downtowner CEO and University of Tampa Alumni. “The goal is to keep wait times at 10 minutes or less.”
Tampa Downtown Partnership will launch the service with an inaugural ride with Mike Suarez, City Council President, Yvonne “Yolie” Capin Community Redevelopment Agency Chairperson, and Bob McDonaugh, Director of Economic Opportunity for the City of Tampa. The group will take the Downtowner from City Hall to Grand Central at Kennedy where members of the media and downtown are invited to take pictures with the vehicle. A reception will be held at City Dog Cantina hosted by the Channel District Community Alliance. Suarez, Capin, and McDonaugh will be available for comment, as will Christine Burdick, President and CEO, Tampa Downtown Partnership.
The service is made possible through the generous support from both the public and private sector. The City of Tampa’s Downtown and Channel District Community Redevelopment Areas have been key partners. Others include: FL Department of Transportation, SPP/Lightning, Marriott Waterside, Hilton Tampa Downtown, Barrymore Riverwalk Hotel, Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown, Le Meridian Tampa, Park Tower, Bank of America Plaza, Tampa City Center, Franklin Exchange, Rivergate Tower, 100 N Tampa, Fifth Third Center, SunTrust Financial Center, Two Harbour Place.
