TAMPA — Fares on the TECO Line Streetcar in downtown Tampa will be eliminated for three years following a grant funded by the Florida Department of Transportation.

The grant provide $2.67 million to Hillsborough Area Regional Transit, allowing it to take steps in boosting ridership and efficiency for the system, according to a news release.

"By providing this grant, we are giving Tampa residents another option as they travel around downtown," Florida Gov. Rick Scott said int eh release.

An FDOT-funded study also is in the works that would extend service from downtown Tampa to Tampa Heights. That project is still in development and hopes to pursue federal funding when complete.

This grant will help the streetcar increase frequency of service to every 15 minutes and extend service hours. Boarding time also will be expedited since fare will be eliminated, according to the release.

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