TAMPA (October 19, 2017) — Tampa Downtown Partnership and Downtowner celebrate a full year of the free ride service in Downtown Tampa, announcing ridership of more than 180,500 and the addition of a new “combo ride” feature during a press conference held today at 2pm in Cotanchobee Park.
“Downtowner free ride service has changed the way workers, residents, and visitors get around Downtown Tampa,” said Karen Kress, Director of Transportation and Planning for Tampa Downtown Partnership. “Our continued growing ridership proves that people are looking for more convenient ways to get around our Downtown without having to get into their cars – especially for short trips.”
This app-based, on-demand free ride service is the first of its kind in Downtown Tampa, reaching over 100,000 riders in just under seven months of its launch date. According to Stephen Murray, CEO of Downtowner, Tampa is their largest market.
“A year in Tampa has been inspiring, and we’ve been working hard on some tech innovations that we’ll release first here,” said Murray. He is referring to a new combo ride feature where riders with similar travel destinations will be picked up by the same vehicle.
“This new feature allows our drivers to move more riders and helps cut down on wait times,” said Downtowner COO Travis Gleason.
Downtowner’s fleet in Downtown Tampa has also grown from its launch of 12 electric GEM cars to include two new Chevy Bolts in August. In total, Downtowner vehicles have traveled more than 328,000 miles eliminating 164 tons of CO2 emissions.
“There’s so much going on, and the city and ridership has been so strong and supportive, we can’t wait to keep improving the way people move around downtown,” said Murray. “There are lots of people and organizations to thank for making this program a success, but we’d like to especially thank the Downtown Tampa Partnership.”
Tampa Downtown Partnership and Downtowner invite local companies to consider the opportunity to brand a vehicle. Funds raised from these advertising campaigns will help support the service. Downtowner’s growing list of advertising partners include the Tampa Bay Lightning, Earl of Sandwich, and Richman Signature Properties. For more information, contact sales@ridedowntowner.com.
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, and the University of Tampa.
Downtowner vehicles serve within the Special Service District (SSD) of Downtown Tampa. Service hours are 6am to 11pm, Monday through Friday and 11am to 11pm on the weekends. See the service map here.
