About Us
Grassroots advocacy for accessible, equitable public transit
Transit Now Tampa Bay is a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to embracing public transit across Tampa, Hillsborough County, and the greater Tampa Bay area. We bring community energy and advocacy to the fight for reliable, accessible public transit, by pushing for frequent, affordable bus routes, regional rail, ferry connections, and commuter-friendly infrastructure.
Through volunteer-driven campaigns, public education, and collective action, we mobilize riders and residents to engage with decision-makers, ensuring a thriving, equitable, and climate-resilient transit future for all.
Mission
Transit Now Tampa Bay’s mission is to improve and expand public transit infrastructure, mode options, and programs so we can meet the transportation needs of residents and all riders, regardless of economic class, ability, or background, so that Tampa Bay truly thrives.
Vision
Transit Now Tampa Bay’s vision is a world-class public transit system throughout the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County, and Tampa Bay region to connect and serve people with:
- Fixed routes as the backbone of the system
- 10 minute or less frequency for popular routes
- Every stop accessible with basics like a seat and shade
- Low or free fares
- Riders who love it!
Founders’ Story
Transit Now Tampa Bay was born in the wake of the 2016 elections, when local transit advocates realized the need for a consistent, community-centered platform to keep conversations going, regardless of political tides. What started as a small online forum to track and discuss transit policy quickly evolved into a powerful coalition.
Co-founder Dayna Lazarus, an AICP-certified urban planner with deep roots in environmental justice, housing equity, and mobility planning, helped spark this movement. Alongside local advocates including co-founder Kate Connolly and allies from campaigns like Stop TBX via Sunshine Citizens, the group built local momentum by hosting events, amplifying public hearings, and creating space for residents, riders, and reformers to be heard.
Over the past eight years, their grassroots organizing has cultivated a thriving Facebook group of over 900 members, helping inform the public, pressure decision-makers, and inspire collaboration on projects from bus improvements to ferry expansion. Transit Now continues to connect local voices to regional power, uniting people across Tampa Bay who believe public transportation is essential to a just, thriving future.
Today, Transit Now is leading bold local campaigns for improved frequency on key routes, full funding for HART, and the expansion of the Cross-Bay Ferry and Tampa’s streetcar. With every win, the coalition continues to build this popular movement and develop the roadmap for the region’s future.
About Dayna Lazarus, Co-Founder
Dayna Lazarus, AICP, is an urban planner with a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning, specializing in community development and sustainable transportation. She co-founded Transit Now Tampa Bay after a decade working at the intersection of housing equity, community development, and climate-focused transit policy.
Her perspective was shaped through work on initiatives such as Stop TBX, deep engagement with the founding organization Sunshine Citizens, and nearly ten years of volunteer service on the Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization’s Citizens Advisory Committee.
Today, Dayna channels that experience into building and mobilizing a broad coalition of riders, civic leaders, and planning professionals. Under her leadership, Transit Now has grown by bringing together people who share a vision for accessible, equitable, and climate-resilient transportation, and empowering them to take meaningful action.