Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority

What Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority does

The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) is a Florida state-created special district established in 1963 that operates and maintains the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway, a 15-mile toll corridor connecting downtown Tampa to Interstate 75 in Brandon. Its core product is toll road infrastructure, supplemented by the 1.9-mile Selmon Greenway multi-use trail, Meridian Avenue, Brandon Parkway, and Reversible Express Lanes (REL) that switch direction based on peak traffic demand. THEA generates revenue through electronic toll collection via SunPass transponders, Toll-By-Plate invoicing, and interoperable transponder networks (TollTag, K-Tag, PikePass), operating without tax dollars and reinvesting 100% of revenue into infrastructure and community enhancement.

Underlying technology includes an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), a Traffic Management Center, Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS), and Wrong-Way Driving Detection countermeasures deployed across 12 locations with fiber communications, ITS cabinets, Ethernet switches, and UPS systems. THEA led the USDOT's first Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment in 2015, establishing vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication infrastructure on the Selmon Expressway that demonstrated a 9% reduction in collision conflicts. Current V2X interoperability testing at Wyoming's Archer Test Track supports national connected-vehicle deployment planning, and the agency is integrating next-generation ITS with a more modular Operational Back Office System.

THEA serves daily Tampa Bay commuters, occasional travelers and tourism visitors, commercial and freight operators, and a network of transportation technology partners (USDOT, USF CUTR, Wyoming DOT, Florida's Turnpike Enterprise, FMoPA, Hillsborough County). Strategic positioning rests on a multi-year, $767.7 million FY2027-32 Work Program, a $362 million South Selmon Capacity Project addressing an 80% traffic increase, a Moody's A2 credit rating with positive outlook, and active PD&E studies (US 301, Whiting Street, East Selmon, Nebraska Avenue) pointing to geographic and product-line expansion beyond the original corridor.

Name

Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority

Legal name

Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority

Website

https://tampa-xway.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1963

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) is a Florida state-created special district that operates and maintains the 15-mile Lee Roy Selmon Expressway toll corridor connecting downtown Tampa to Brandon. It generates self-sustaining toll revenue through SunPass and Toll-By-Plate, reinvesting 100% into infrastructure, ITS, V2X, and community enhancement.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Tolled Urban Expressway Operations

SIC

Transportation Services (4700)

akta.pro primary industry

Road & Highway Authorities (Planning, Construction, Maintenance) (BPAIALAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) & Transponder/Tag Systems (RFID/DSRC) (TLAJABAA), Toll Violation Management, Collections & Dispute Resolution (TLAJABAG), Lane Closure, Detour & Diversion Operations (Detour Setup, Route Management, Access Management) (TLAJALAK), Roadside Assistance & Motorist Aid Patrols (Service Patrols) (TLAJAJAB)

Keywords

• Tolled expressway operations
• Electronic toll collection
• Connected vehicle technology
• Intelligent transportation systems
• Urban mobility infrastructure

Headquarters

HQ city

Tampa

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Electronic Toll Collection (SunPass): Prepaid electronic toll collection via SunPass transponders. SunPass customers receive discounted toll rates compared to Toll-By-Plate and pay no processing fees. Tolls are automatically deducted from prepaid accounts as vehicles pass through designated lanes.
2. Toll-By-Plate: Photo-based toll billing for vehicles without transponders. Invoices are mailed to registered vehicle owners with additional processing and administrative fees applied.
3. Toll Revenue from Expressway Operations: THEA operates without tax dollars and invests 100% of revenues back into the communities it serves. All revenue is reinvested into infrastructure maintenance, improvements, and community enhancement projects.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) operates the 15-mile Lee Roy Selmon Expressway toll road connecting downtown Tampa to Brandon, including the Reversible Express Lanes (REL) that switch direction based on traffic flow. The authority collects tolls through SunPass transponders (prepaid electronic toll collection with discounted rates), Toll-By-Plate photo-based invoicing, and interoperable transponders from other states. THEA also provides supporting infrastructure including the Selmon Greenway (1.9-mile multi-use trail), Meridian Avenue, Brandon Parkway, a Traffic Management Center, V2X/connected vehicle technology, a 12-location Wrong-Way Driving Detection System, and free Road Ranger roadside assistance.

Product overview

Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) operates and manages a multi-asset toll road and urban mobility infrastructure portfolio centered on the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway. The core offering consists of the 15-mile Selmon Expressway with its Reversible Express Lanes (REL), supplemented by the Selmon Greenway (1.9-mile multi-use trail), Meridian Avenue, and Brandon Parkway. THEA provides integrated technology services including Wrong-Way Driving Detection Systems, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), and Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) for network-wide safety and optimization. Supporting services include electronic toll collection via SunPass and Toll-By-Plate, the Traffic Management Center for real-time monitoring, and Road Ranger Service for roadside assistance. The portfolio operates without tax dollars, reinvesting all revenues into infrastructure maintenance and expansion.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Selmon Expressway: The primary toll expressway operated by THEA, named after Tampa Bay football legend Lee Roy Selmon. Connects downtown Tampa with southwest Tampa and Brandon.
• Selmon Greenway
• Reversible Express Lanes (REL)
• Meridian Avenue
• Brandon Parkway

Products and services

• Selmon Expressway (Lee Roy Selmon Expressway) A 15-mile limited-access toll expressway connecting downtown Tampa to Brandon, operated by THEA as its primary roadway asset, with reversible lanes and advanced ITS infrastructure.
• Reversible Express Lanes (REL) Reversible center lanes on the Selmon Expressway that switch direction based on traffic flow to maximize peak-direction capacity (eastbound on weekdays, westbound on weekends and holidays).
• Selmon Greenway A 1.9-mile urban multi-use trail running beneath the Selmon Expressway, connecting Ybor City, Channelside, and Downtown Tampa with pedestrian and biking paths.
• Meridian Avenue An urban arterial road maintained by THEA providing connections through downtown Tampa, subject to resurfacing and maintenance programs.
• Brandon Parkway A three-mile toll-free parkway providing pedestrian and biking paths for safe recreation as part of THEA's community enhancement portfolio.
• SunPass Electronic Toll Collection Prepaid electronic toll collection via SunPass transponders; customers receive discounted toll rates versus Toll-By-Plate and pay no processing fees, with automatic deduction as vehicles pass through designated lanes.
• Toll-By-Plate Photo-based toll billing for vehicles without transponders; invoices are mailed to registered vehicle owners with additional processing and administrative fees applied.
• Road Ranger Service Patrol Free roadside assistance for vehicles experiencing breakdowns, flat tires, or debris on the Selmon Expressway; GPS-enabled service patrols provide rapid response 24/7.
• Wrong-Way Driving Detection and Countermeasures System Safety system deploying rectangular flashing beacons, in-pavement warning lighting, upgraded fiber communications, and ITS infrastructure at 12 locations across the Selmon Expressway to detect and alert wrong-way drivers.
• Tampa Connected Vehicle Pilot (V2X) Connected vehicle / V2X communication service enabling real-time data exchange between vehicles, infrastructure, pedestrians, and networks to enhance safety, traffic management, and support autonomous driving capabilities.

Quantifiable outcome

• 9% reduction in collision conflicts demonstrated by Tampa Connected Vehicle Pilot
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

AI capability5 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2025Collaboration for Frames on Franklin public art installation featuring 'A Soldier's Lens' exhibition showcasing photographs from active-duty service members and veterans. Partnership supports community beautification and veterans' causes.
• WebbercoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 June 2025Asset maintenance partnership covering all mainline sections of the Selmon Expressway and connecting infrastructure. Contract features advanced tools including Survey123 for real-time inspections, Robotiz3d ARRES Eye for pavement monitoring, and iCone technology for work zone alerts.
• Wyoming Department of TransportationmajorTechnology or Integration · 1 October 2024V2X Interoperability Testing partnership at Wyoming's Archer Test Track. Collaborative testing for vehicle-to-everything technology national deployment. Data collection and assessment for nationwide safety transportation systems.
• Hillsborough County Sheriff's OfficecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLaw enforcement partnership commemorating Deputy John Robert Kotfila Jr., who lost his life in 2016 on the Selmon Expressway while protecting motorists from a wrong-way driver. THEA installed wrong-way driving countermeasures systemwide in his honor.
• U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment Program. THEA led the first USDOT CV Pilot Deployment in 2015 and continues V2X interoperability testing. USDOT funding and collaboration for national deployment planning.
• University of South Florida Center for Urban Transportation Research (USF CUTR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partnership for V2X testing and transportation studies. Sisinnio Concas, Program Director, supports V2X National Deployment Plan efforts. CUTR conducted intersection modernization study funded by THEA.
• South Tampa ChamberminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership recognizing business leadership through annual awards program. THEA Executive Director Greg Slater named 2025 Business Leader of the Year.
• Hillsborough County Board of County CommissionerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint initiative for US 301 PD&E Study. Boards voted unanimously for THEA to conduct the project development and environment study for congestion relief in Southern Hillsborough County.
• Florida's Turnpike EnterprisecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState tolling agency partnership for IBTTA Global Road Safety Week 2026 initiative. Collaboration with Central Florida Expressway Authority and Greater Miami Expressway Agency for distracted driving campaign.
• Central Florida Expressway AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in IBTTA Global Road Safety Week 2026 campaign focused on distracted driving and safer roads. Florida tolling agencies united for international road safety initiative.
• Greater Miami Expressway AgencycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in IBTTA Global Road Safety Week 2026 campaign. Florida tolling agencies collaboration for distracted driving awareness and safer road initiatives.
• International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTHEA Executive Director contributes thought leadership through IBTTA publications. Partnership for global road safety initiatives and knowledge sharing among tolling authorities worldwide.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Central Florida Expressway Authority: Operates the expressway system in the Orlando metro area, including toll collection via E-PASS transponders and E-PASS related services. Directly comparable as a Florida special-district toll authority using electronic tolling with a similar operating model and ITS investment approach.
• Florida's Turnpike Enterprise: Statewide toll agency operating Florida's Turnpike system with SunPass electronic toll collection and comparable ITS investments. Direct peer in the same state ecosystem, partnering with THEA on IBTTA safety initiatives and interoperable tolling.
• Greater Miami Expressway Agency: Operates expressways in Miami-Dade County using SunPass electronic toll collection. Direct Florida peer collaborating with THEA on IBTTA Global Road Safety Week 2026 and operating a comparable urban toll-road model with reversible lane infrastructure.
• North Texas Tollway Authority: Regional toll authority operating toll roads in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex using electronic toll collection (TollTag) and significant ITS investment. Comparable as a non-state-government toll authority with regional scope and reinvestment-focused governance.
• Harris County Toll Road Authority: Operates toll roads in the Houston metro area including EZ TAG electronic toll collection. Direct peer as a county-level toll authority managing urban expressways with comparable electronic toll collection infrastructure and reinvestment model.
• Illinois State Toll Highway Authority: Operates the Illinois Tollway system with I-PASS electronic toll collection. Comparable state-level toll authority with significant capital programs, electronic toll collection leadership, and active participation in IBTTA alongside THEA.
• Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission: Operates the Pennsylvania Turnpike system with E-ZPass electronic toll collection. Direct peer as a legacy toll authority managing a major statewide toll corridor with active ITS modernization and significant capital programs.
• E-470 Public Highway Authority: Operates the E-470 toll road in the Denver metro area with ExpressToll electronic toll collection. Comparable as a regional toll authority with self-sustaining operations, no tax dollar funding, and reinvestment-focused governance similar to THEA.

Emerging players

• TransCore: Major provider of tolling and traffic management technology solutions used by many US toll authorities including systems similar to THEA's SunPass integration, V2X, and ATMS infrastructure. Comparable as a technology vendor enabling THEA's core tolling and ITS operations.

Broad incumbents

• Metropolitan Transportation Authority (NY): Largest transportation authority in North America, operating toll bridges and tunnels in the New York metro area. Comparable in operating model as a public-benefit toll authority but significantly broader in scope, including transit operations beyond toll roads.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses1 record

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/THEASelmon
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCNFl4QVHuqyXNyjcEFTh17Q
• Facebookfacebook.com/TampaHillsboroughExpresswayAuthority
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tampa-hillsborough-expressway-authority
• Instagraminstagram.com/theaselmon

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority