A Streetcar Named "Extension" TAMPA (WUSF) - The location for the newest trolley station is directly underneath the former stop for the elevated "people mover" to Harbour Island, which was dismantled because it wasn't making any money. Backers hope that won't be the fate of the streetcar, whose main source of money from a special taxing district is down because of the slumping real estate market.

But David Armijo, chief executive of Hillsborough Area Regional Transit, doesn't see the system as a money-loser.

"In fact, it's farebox recovery is 32 percent, which by national standards is very positive," he says. "I don't know of a transit system in the world that makes money - maybe Hong Kong. The reality is it's doing exactly what it set out to do, like all transportation projects, it will have to look at a viable source. So I think that will take care of itself in time."

Armjio expects extending the line from the Tampa Convention Center to Whiting Street will attract more downtown riders. © Copyright 2009, WUSF