Tampa International Airport Launches New Shuttle Cars as Part of $61 Million Overhaul
Tampa International Airport started running eight new automated people movers at Airsides A and C on Friday. These replace shuttle cars that have carried passengers since the 1990s. The launch…
Tampa International Airport started running eight new automated people movers at Airsides A and C on Friday. These replace shuttle cars that have carried passengers since the 1990s. The launch marks the third generation of shuttle technology at TPA and wraps up a $61 million project.
The vehicles can reach speeds up to 22 miles per hour. They include design improvements for smoother rides and better temperature control. New windows feature improved UV protection to cut down on heat inside the cars. Alstom manufactured the shuttles.
"This will be our third generation of people movers here at TPA," said Michael Stephens, CEO of Tampa International Airport, according to WTSP. "[They're] replacing cars that were installed in the 1990s and have run between our main terminal and the airsides for well over a million miles."
Frank Walker with Alstom said the cars represent the latest technology available. "This is the latest that the company has to offer for replacements of our older fleet," Walker said, according to WTSP. "They are literally the latest in technology, ride quality, and environmental systems."
The airport opened in 1971. It had the first shuttle system of its kind. The design features a central terminal connected to separate airside terminals by automated trains. This layout inspired similar designs at airports in Orlando, Detroit, and Denver.
"The technology is far more advanced in this generation than the previous generations in terms of efficiency and reliability," said Smitha Radhakrishnan, Chief Development Officer at the airport. "It's like comparing the Model T to a Tesla."
The rollout will happen in phases. The second track at Airsides A and C will get upgrades by the end of the year. Airside E will get new cars next, followed by the future Airside D, then Airside F.
Airside D is scheduled to open in 2028. The launch comes as TPA enters one of its busiest travel periods, with more than 3.1 million spring break travelers expected between now and April 13.
