HART Seeks Public Input on Route 1 Fare-Free Pilot

HART is inviting customers to participate in a new survey to help gather feedback on the City of Tampa-funded Route 1 Fare-free Pilot. The customer survey is open through Sunday, June 15, 2025.

The survey will gather critical community input on the fare-free Route 1 pilot and overall transit needs.

The Route 1 Fare-free pilot was launched in January 2025 to explore the benefits of fare-free service on one of Tampa’s key transit corridors. The pilot removed the fare on Route 1 and increased frequency on Route 1 from every 20 minutes to every 15 minutes during peak hours. The Pilot is scheduled to end in January 2026.

Community members who ride Route 1 are encouraged to participate and help inform long-term planning, including service expansion and evaluating the success and future of fare-free options like the Route 1 Pilot.

The survey is quick to complete and available in English and Spanish.

Survey Links:

• English: Route 1 Rider Survey
• Spanish: Encuesta para pasajeros de la Ruta 1

Storm Season is Here! HART Ready to Operate Emergency Service

In the event of a declared emergency, the Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) will operate its Emergency Evacuation Service at the direction of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

The Emergency Service level is a modified service designed to assist residents in safely reaching designated evacuation shelters. HART buses will transport passengers to four key transfer centers: Netpark, Northwest, Yukon, and the University Area Transit Center. From these locations, Hillsborough County Public Schools will provide transportation to county-approved evacuation shelters.

In low-lying areas, residents in need of transportation to a designated transit center can request HART’s on-demand zone service by calling (813) 254-4278. This service connects individuals to the nearest transit center, where they can then transfer to routes serving designated evacuation meeting points, if necessary.

Emergency Evacuation Service concludes once sustained winds reach 35 mph or if road conditions become unsafe for continued operations. HART urges the public to monitor local news outlets for real-time updates.

Both the Emergency Evacuation and on-demand zone services are free of charge.

“Preparedness is key when severe weather approaches, and HART stands ready to serve our community when called upon,” said Richard Campbell, HART Chief Safety Officer. “As we saw last hurricane season, our team is committed to providing safe and reliable transportation to help residents reach shelter and stay out of harm’s way.”

All HART buses are ADA-accessible and equipped to accommodate up to two wheelchairs per vehicle, ensuring inclusive transportation for all residents.

Residents are encouraged to review the Emergency Service maps and schedules in advance by visiting www.goHART.org.

HART Launches Customer Survey to Evaluate Transit Network

HART is asking for public input as it launches a Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) — a full review of the HART transit network aimed at improving service based on how, when, and where people travel.

The COA will help HART better understand current community travel patterns, identify where service is most needed, and determine how to provide a more reliable and efficient transit experience. This is HART’s first systemwide review in several years, and community participation is critical to its success.

Riders and community members are encouraged to take a short survey by Sunday, May 25, 2025. As a thank you, participants will be entered into a drawing for a $150 gift card.

“The Comprehensive Operational Analysis is an important check-in to see how well HART is currently serving our community,” said Sean McCarthy, HART Chief Operations Officer. “We want to ensure our transit system reflects the real needs of the people who rely on it daily. Your feedback is essential to helping us improve efficiency and shape the future of service in Hillsborough County.”

The survey is quick and easy to complete and is available in both English and Spanish. Community input will directly inform recommendations for potential service changes, network improvements, and long-term planning.

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HART está solicitando la opinión pública mientras lanza un Análisis Integral de Operaciones (COA), una revisión completa de la red de tránsito de HART destinada a mejorar el servicio en función de cómo, cuándo y dónde viajan las personas.

Se anima a los pasajeros y miembros de la comunidad a realizar una breve encuesta antes del domingo 25 de mayo de 2025. Como agradecimiento, los participantes participarán en un sorteo de una tarjeta de regalo de $150.

HART Honored with National Award for Excellence in Budgeting

HART has been awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its Fiscal Year 2025 budget—marking a major achievement in public sector financial management.

The recognition is the highest form of acknowledgment in governmental budgeting, and reflects HART’s strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public funds.

“The GFOA recognition reflects HART’s strong commitment to transparency and accountability,” said Chief Financial Officer Loretta Kirk. “It’s a proud moment for our team and a clear validation of our continued efforts to be responsible stewards of public resources while building trust with our community.”

To receive the award, HART’s budget document was evaluated against nationally recognized guidelines that assess how well it serves as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and communications tool. The budget was required to rate “proficient” in all four categories and meet 14 mandatory criteria to qualify.

Participation in the GFOA’s Budget Awards Program includes over 1,700 government agencies across North America. HART’s inclusion in this distinguished group underscores the agency’s leadership and best practices in budgeting within the transit industry and the broader government sector.

HART Extends TECO Line Streetcar Hours for Lightning Playoff Games

HART is extending TECO Line Streetcar service until midnight in support of the Tampa Bay Lightning's playoff push! Streetcar service will be extended for all weeknight playoff home games. The TECO Line Streetcar operates until 2 A.M. on Friday and Saturday.

Streetcar Hours – Lightning First Round Playoff Series:



• GAME 1: Tuesday, April 22: 7:00 A.M. – MIDNIGHT (Extended service)
• GAME 2: Thursday, April 24: 7:00 A.M. – MIDNIGHT (Extended service)
• GAME 5*: Wednesday, April 30: 7:00 A.M. - MIDNIGHT (Extended service - *if necessary)
• GAME 7*: Sunday, May 4: 8:30 A.M. – MIDNIGHT (Extended service- *if necessary)

The TECO Line Streetcar offers a fare-free, convenient way to explore Tampa with its 2.7-mile route connecting downtown Tampa, the Channel District, and historic Ybor City. Streetcars operate every 12-15 minutes with a stop at Amalie Arena— home of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Officials recommend parking in Ybor City and taking the Streetcar to avoid game traffic.

For more information or to track your streetcar in real-time, visit www.TECOLineStreetcar.org.

TECO Line Streetcar carries almost 25k During Final Four Weekend!

The Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) is proud to announce that almost 25,000 trips were taken on the TECO Line Streetcar during the 2025 NCAA Women’s Final Four weekend. As fans from across the country descended on downtown Tampa for the championship festivities, the streetcar played a vital role in helping people move safely, quickly, and efficiently between key destinations.

Final Four Streetcar Ridership:

• Thursday, April 3, 2025: 3,666
• Friday, April 4, 2025: 5,472
• Saturday, April 5, 2025: 9,071
• Sunday, April 6, 2025: 6,484

HART extended service hours on Thursday and Sunday to meet increased demand, ensuring fans had reliable, late-night access to and from the festivities. Streetcars operated fare-free every 12–15 minutes across the 2.7-mile route connecting downtown Tampa, the Channel District, and historic Ybor City—with convenient access to Amalie Arena, the centerpiece of the Final Four action.

In addition to the Streetcar, Route 1 operated fare-free with service every 15–30 minutes, linking downtown with Tampa Heights and Armature Works. Route 1 is fare-free until January 2026 thanks to the City of Tampa.

“We were thrilled to help showcase Tampa as a vibrant, accessible city during one of the biggest weekends in college sports,” said HART CEO Scott Drainville. “The TECO Line Streetcar provided a smooth and scenic way for thousands of fans to experience all our downtown has to offer.”

HART Operator to Compete on International Stage at Bus ROADeo This Weekend

HART is gearing up to cheer on Operator Guarionex Falero Ramos as he represents Florida at the International Bus ROADeo in Austin, TX, this weekend (April 4-8)!

After securing 1st place overall in the Fixed Route Bus category at the prestigious Florida Triple Crown ROADeo, Guarionex is ready to take on the best bus operators from across the U.S. and Canada. His exceptional performance also earned him 1st place in the Fixed Route Bus Pre-Inspection competition, showcasing his technical expertise and commitment to excellence.

The Florida Triple Crown ROADeo, held in February, put participants to the test with a rigorous driving course, a written exam, and a comprehensive bus pre-inspection. Guarionex’s impressive skills secured his spot on the international stage, and now, it's time for him to compete for top honors in Austin!

“We are incredibly proud of Guarionex for his commitment to driving excellence,” said Scott Drainville, HART CEO. “Guarionex’s achievements at the Florida Triple Crown ROADeo are a testament to his expertise, safety, and service. We’re all rooting for him this weekend at the International Bus ROADeo in Austin!”

HART is dedicated to enhancing public transportation by continuously investing in operator training and professional development. Accomplishments like these showcase the expertise and commitment of our outstanding workforce.

Join us in wishing Guarionex Falero Ramos the best of luck as he represents Florida and HART on the international stage!