Ring in the New Year with Extended Streetcar Service

To support a safe and convenient alternative to driving on New Year’s Eve, the Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) is extending TECO Line Streetcar System service by two additional hours, operating until 1 a.m. on Thursday, January 1, 2026.

On New Year’s Eve, the TECO Line Streetcar will run from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m., providing frequent service every 15 minutes between historic Ybor City, Water Street Tampa, and downtown Tampa—making it easy to celebrate responsibly and get home safely.

HART fixed-route bus service will operate on a Wednesday schedule on New Year’s Eve.

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New Year’s Day Service – Thursday, January 1, 2026

On New Year’s Day, the TECO Line Streetcar will operate on its regular Thursday schedule, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
HART fixed-route bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule.

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Customer Service & Retail Sales Center Hours

Customers should note the following holiday service hours:

New Year’s Eve – Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Marion Transit Center (MTC): 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
University Area Transit Center (UATC): 6 a.m. – 5 p.m.
HART Customer Service Hotline (813-254-4278): 5 a.m. – 1 a.m.

New Year’s Day – Thursday, January 1, 2026
Retail Sales Centers at UATC, MTC, and all HART offices: Closed in observance of the holiday
HART Customer Service Hotline (813-254-4278): 6 a.m. – 1 a.m.

HART offices will return to regular business hours on Monday, January 5, 2026.

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HARTPlus Holiday Service

HARTPlus subscription customers who wish to travel on holidays must make a reservation by calling HART Customer Service at 813-254-4278.

Be Fare Ready: Route 1 Fares Return January 5, 2026

After a year of record-breaking ridership and improved mobility, the City of Tampa-funded Route 1 Fare-Free Pilot is coming to an end. Beginning January 5, 2026, fares will return on Route 1 — but the service improvements riders love will stick around (and expand to evenings and weekends).

A Pilot That Delivered Real Results

The Route 1 Fare-Free Pilot has been a massive success. As of December 2025, year-to-date ridership on Route 1 increased 45%, reaching 1,459,366 trips — over 445,000 more rides than the previous year. Average weekday ridership now exceeds 5,000 riders, and faster boarding helped improve on-time performance by 7%.

On an average weekday, Route 1 now carries more than 5,300 riders, far surpassing ridership seen on comparable previously fare-free services in the region. Faster boarding without fares also helped improve on-time performance by 6.2%, keeping buses moving efficiently through one of Tampa’s most active corridors.

Perhaps most importantly, Route 1 riders depend on the service:

• Nearly 70% ride three or more days per week

• Most trips support work, shopping, and healthcare

• 81% of riders say they will continue riding once fares return

• 63% connect to other routes, where they benefit from Flamingo Fares fare capping

Service Improvements Are Here to Stay

While the fare-free portion of the pilot is coming to an end, enhanced service will remain — and expand. Based on rider feedback and stakeholder input, City of Tampa funding was prioritized to maintain and grow service frequency rather than extend free fares.

What riders can expect starting January 5, 2026:

• Every 15 minutes on weekdays

• Expanded evening service

• Every 20 minutes on weekends

That means quicker trips, better reliability, and easier connections — every day of the week.

How to Pay When Fares Return

HART encourages riders to sign up for Flamingo Fares, the easiest and most affordable way to pay.

With fare capping, Flamingo Fares ensures you always pay the lowest possible price, whether you ride once a day or multiple times a week.

Ways to pay on Route 1:

• Flamingo Fares app or Flamingo smart card

• Contactless credit or debit card

• Apple Pay, Google Pay, or other digital wallets

• Cash (exact change only) for a one-way fare

Simply tap your phone, card, or payment method when boarding.

More Than a Bus Route

The Route 1 Fare-Free Pilot did more than boost ridership — it expanded access and introduced transit to new riders. With seamless connections to the also fare-free TECO Line Streetcar, riders enjoyed a frequent, no-cost link from USF to Ybor City.

The pilot also sparked community activity, with new riders organizing group trips to restaurants, retail, entertainment, and even walking tours — proof that reliable transit fuels economic activity and neighborhood connection.

HART is grateful to the City of Tampa for initiating and funding this pilot. What began as a one-year experiment has grown into a continuing partnership focused on delivering the greatest benefit to the most riders.

Have Questions?

HART Customer Service is here to help:

• Call 813-254-4278 or visit us in person at the Marion Transit Center or University Area Transit Center

• Learn more at goHART.org

• Follow HART on social media for updates

Be Fare Ready on January 5, 2026!

HART Seeks New Member for ADA Accessibility Committee

HART is actively seeking dedicated Hillsborough County residents to join its ADA Accessibility Committee. This voluntary role allows members to serve the community by assisting HART in ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and improving accessibility for people with disabilities across Hillsborough County. Committee members serve without compensation.

Application Process and Deadline

Interested residents must complete and submit an Application for HART Committee Appointments to be considered. Fillable application forms are available on the HART website at www.goHART.org/ADAcommittee. To be eligible, applications must be signed, dated, and fully completed. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Submission Deadline: Close of business on January 5, 2026

Submission Methods:

• Mail or Delivery: 1201 East 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605
• Email: ChavarriaC@gohart.org

About the ADA Accessibility Committee

The ADA Accessibility Committee serves in an advisory capacity to HART and plays a crucial role in advancing accessibility initiatives. Its duties include:

1. Reviewing HART’s priorities and projects to advise on disability-related issues.
2. Acting as a liaison between HART and individuals with disabilities, addressing accessibility concerns or complaints about HART services or facilities.
3. Providing insights to HART on issues affecting people with disabilities.
4. Advocating for accessible transit options for people with disabilities.

There are two new positions open on the Committee, with a term length of three years. Committee meetings are held quarterly on the third Thursday from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

HART Awarded $32 Million FTA Grant for CNG Buses

Historic News for HART!

We’re proud to announce that HART has been awarded $32 million through the FTA’s Low or No Emission and Bus & Bus Facilities Program — the largest federal grant in HART’s history, the largest in Florida, and one of the top awards in the entire nation this funding cycle.

This investment will allow us to:

• Replace 33 aging diesel buses averaging 688,000 miles — well beyond their useful life
• Reduce annual maintenance costs by over $1 million
• Improve reliability, on-time performance, and reduce service interruptions
• Cut harmful emissions across Hillsborough County
• Expand technician training and apprenticeship programs to strengthen our workforce

With this award, HART is now positioned to become Florida’s first transit agency with a 100% low-emission CNG fixed-route fleet — a major milestone in our Fleet Transition Plan and a big step toward cleaner, more reliable mobility for our community.

This isn’t just an investment in buses. It’s an investment in our riders, our employees, and the future of transportation in Hillsborough County.

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Statement from HART CEO Scott Drainville

“Today’s announcement represents a major step forward for reliable transit in Hillsborough County. This investment will help us improve service for riders, reduce costly breakdowns, strengthen our workforce pipeline, and continue transitioning our fleet to cleaner, low-emission technology. 

We are profoundly grateful to the more than two dozen partners who stood with us—elected leaders, community advocates, educational institutions, businesses, and industry. Their voices made clear that modern, reliable transit is essential to our region’s growth.”

Statement from Congresswoman Kathy Castor

“This grant is a big win for our Tampa Bay neighbors. Reliable, accessible transit is essential to a healthy local economy—helping people get to work, school, medical care, and the grocery store without added stress,” said Rep. Kathy Castor. “With these new investments to modernize HART’s fleet and expand mobility options, we’re opening the door to more job opportunities, supporting local businesses and ensuring families across Hillsborough County can move around safely and affordably. I’m proud to help secure these federal resources so every neighbor—regardless of zip code—has the freedom to move, connect and thrive in our community.”

Statement from Congresswoman Laurel Lee

“This federal investment is a significant step forward for transit in Hillsborough County. With the addition of 33 new CNG buses, HART will be able to improve reliability, lower operating costs, and better serve the riders who depend on these routes every day. I was proud to support HART’s application and am grateful to Secretary Duffy and Administrator Molinaro for prioritizing this project. These upgrades will make a real difference for families, workers, and students across our community.” 

Statement from HART Chair/Councilman Luis Viera


“This $32 million grant for HART is a huge leap forward thanks to our federal partners. HART provides such a pivotal lifeline for our working families – our seniors, those with disabilities, our veterans and so many others. I am so thankful for the work ethic, tenacity and determination of our Congresswoman Kathy Castor, who always champions transit. This grant allows us to move forward in a manner that is productive and is consistent with sustainability.”

HART Operator Reunites Lost Child with Mother

HART is celebrating the heroic actions of Bus Operator Barbara Baker, whose quick thinking and compassion helped reunite a lost child with his family.

As captured in a recent onboard video, Operator Baker demonstrated remarkable initiative when she spotted a small child in the middle of a busy roadway. Without hesitation, she safely pulled her bus to the side, exited the vehicle, and brought the child out of harm’s way. She remained with the child until officers from the Tampa Police Department arrived. Thanks to her quick and heroic actions, the child was safely reunited with his family shortly after being discovered.

“This is a powerful reminder that our Operators do far more than drive buses — they also serve as guardians of the community every single day,” said HART CEO Scott Drainville. “Operator Baker’s courage and attentiveness exemplify the dedication and heart that define our team.”

HART vehicles are designated as a Hillsborough County Safe Place, and HART Operators are trained to remain vigilant and situationally aware for instances such as a lost child, human trafficking, etc. This incident highlights the vital role they play in protecting and serving the residents and visitors of Hillsborough County.

Well done, Operator Baker — your heroism inspires us all!

HART Has You Covered: New Bus Stop Upgrades Improve the Customer Experience

The Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) is making significant strides to improve the customer experience in East Tampa. Since January 2025, HART has completed construction on seven upgraded bus stops and installed 17 new bus shelters, with an additional six stops currently in the engineering and design phase. These improvements represent a $908,013 investment in District 3 as part of HART’s FY25 Basic Transit Infrastructure (BTI) program.

Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers joined HART CEO Scott Drainville in Riverview on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, to celebrate the opening of the newest bus shelter with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Bloomingdale Avenue and Simpson Road. The bus stop serves Routes 8 and 31, connecting Riverview with Ruskin and Downtown Tampa.

“Investments like these in District 3 not only modernize our transit system but also show our commitment to the customers who rely on HART every day,” said District 3 Commissioner Gwen Myers. “Better bus stops and shelters mean a more comfortable and accessible travel experience for everyone in our community.”

The upgrades aim to enhance the customer experience by offering greater comfort, safety, and accessibility. New shelters provide shade and protection from the weather, improved seating, and ADA-compliant features, creating a more reliable and pleasant environment for daily customers.

Overall, HART is investing roughly $5 million into HART’s BTI program countywide, thanks to a Community Investment Grant secured by Representative Kathy Castor.

The Community Investment Grant is funding:

• Design and construction of 50-60 bus stops that need improvement ($2.7 millio
• Further developing shelter program with the purchase and installation of 60 shelters ($1.2 million)
• Launch of a new Bus Stop Technology program ($1.1 million)
• "Next bus" real-time display information
• ADA-accessibility
• Braille / push button “next bus” announcements at stops

These capital investments also support broader community goals, including economic development, sustainability, and equitable access to public transportation.

TECO Line Streetcar Track Maintenance to Affect Service Sept. 22-26

The TECO Line Streetcar will replace all wooden cross ties on ballasted track between Harbor Street and McCay Street from Monday, Sept. 22, through Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. The track maintenance will impact streetcar service, resulting in a shuttle bus operating between Cadrecha Plaza Station (#4) and Port Tampa Bay Station (#5).

Streetcar Service plan during track closure:

• Streetcar operations: One car will serve Stations #1–#4 in Ybor City; two cars will operate in the downtown area Stations #5–#11
• Bus bridge: Running during regular streetcar hours between the closure points, with pickups north of Station #4 on 8th Avenue in Ybor and at McCay Street next to Station #5.
• Rider information: Signage with service details will be posted at stations; please allow extra travel time.

Project completion is targeted for Friday, Sept. 26, 2025.

Customers with questions can contact HART Customer Service at 813-254-4278 or visit TECOLineStreetcar.org for more information.

Streetcar Track Closure Service Map - Sept. 22 - Sept. 26