Thankful in 2016: A HART Year in Review

With 2017 fast approaching, many are looking towards the New Year as a fresh start. However, we at HART are looking to continue building on the successes of the past year. 

2016: Year in Review

One frequent theme for HART throughout 2016 was partnerships.

HARTPlus Customer Choice Program

Back in January, we announced a partnership with Yellow Cab of Tampa Bay and FDOT to provide same-day paratransit service for HARTPlus riders. The HARTPlus Customer Choice pilot program provides riders with quick and convenient service that is available 24 hours a days, seven days a week. The taxi voucher program has provided over 30,000 trips since January!

Keep TBB Farmers Market has expanded to UATC!

Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful Farmers Market

With our on-the-go riders in mind, HART partnered with Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful by launching a first-of-its-kind Farmers Market at Netp@rk Transfer Center in February. The market allows transit riders and the general public to choose the healthy option, while not having to deviate from their normal routine.

The market will expand to the University Area Transit Center in 2017!  

Free WiFi on all HART Buses

With our commitment to enhancing the rider experience, HART partnered with UDP Technology to provide FREE WiFi on all HART buses, with vans and streetcars coming in 2017. Since April, HART riders have been able to use free WiFi on board to stream music, check emails, and more!

ESMS Program Certified ISO 14001

The organization's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship was recognized in June, when the HART Environmental Sustainability and Management System (ESMS) was certified ISO 14001. ISO certification is an international standard in environmental management. HART is one of only 13 transit agencies in the United States, and the only one in Florida to reach ISO 14001 certification.

HART was 1st U.S. transit agency to launch OBA trip planner

OneBusAway Tampa Grows

OneBusAway Tampa, the hit HART real-time app that launched in 2013, became a one-stop shop for travel information in July, with the launch of the OneBusAway Trip Planner. Customers can now plan their trip and see how close their bus is in real-time, all via the OneBusAway Tampa app! HART is the first U. S. transit agency to launch the dynamic trip planner feature of OneBusAway and third in the nation to launch OneBusAway.

The dynamic trip planner will notify you via the app if the end time of your selected trip has changed by at least 2 minutes, or if your selected trip plan is no longer recommended.

The service has shattered expectations with 208 million hits in a 12 month period.


Launch of Flamingo Fares App

Download the app today!

With the launch of the Flamingo Fares app in September, riders on both sides of the bay can now purchase a single fare for travel between Hillsborough and Pinellas counties! The Flamingo app allows patrons to book a 3-day unlimited regional pass, valid for 3 consecutive days for only $11! Fare options in the Flamingo Fares app will be expanding in 2017 to include various travel lengths (1-day, 31-day, etc.).

The Flamingo Fares pilot is all part of a larger project to bring smart card technology to HART! The implementation of smart cards (the cards, readers, etc.) will take place in 2018.

Download the app today!

HART HyperLINK

HART HyperLINK, the nation's first transit-operated rideshare service, launched to much fanfare in November! The innovative service extends the footprint of the HART network direct to your doorstep, delivering rides to and from local bus stops for passengers in select areas (Brandon, Carrollwood, and the University/Lutz). HART HyperLINK operates 30 minutes before/after service begins/end within the zone. The cost of the service is $3 per trip + the cost of HART Local, Express, Flex, etc.

HART partnered with international transportation provider TransDev, to roll out the service.

Service Expansion

The core of HART service is still our buses and vans, and in 2016, we were able to expand service by 325,795 miles! This includes the expansion of In-Towner service to Saturdays and a host of Local route enhancements. HART also continues to make investments in our fleet with a transition to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and vans.

Not a bad year, eh? 2017 looks to be even better as HART takes Hillsborough County transportation Beyond the Bus!

Ring in the New Year with HART and the TECO Line Streetcar!

The Tampa skyline will light up Saturday night in celebration of the New Year with thousands watching from Channelside and the Riverwalk.

The fireworks can be seen from a number of locations along the river, but the party will be at Channelside. The annual "Light Up Tampa Bay" begins at 7 p.m. with hours of DJs spinning in the courtyard.

The TECO Line Streetcar System is your best bet to avoid expected traffic and parking issues. Park in Ybor City, and take in the Outback Bowl Parade beginning at 5:30 p.m. Following the end of the parade, take the Streetcar to Channelside (Hop off at the Amalie Arena Station) or the Riverwalk (HSBC Station or Dick Greco Plaza). Only park once!

The TECO Line Streetcar will be FREE after 7 p.m.

The Streetcar will be FREE after 7 p.m. and operate until 1:30 a.m. (Channelside fireworks display scheduled to begin at Midnight).

The FREE In-Towner will also be operating throughout Downtown Tampa until 1 a.m. Park in an outlying garage and take the In-Towner to the fireworks!

Click here for a map of the Downtown network of services, including streetcar, and HART local service.

Should you plan on driving to the festivities...

American Automobile Association (AAA) offers a complimentary "Tow-to-Go" service for those that might have had too much holiday "cheer" this year. The service is available to everyone, meaning you don't have to be a AAA member. Call 1-855-286-9246 (you might want to save this number in your phone now) and a tow truck will come out and tow you and your car home safely - for FREE. Click here for more information on the program.

Whether you're enjoying your New Year's Eve with us or not, please be SAFE!

New Year's Eve Service:

HART and the TECO Line Streetcar are operating on a Saturday schedule for New Year's Eve. The TECO Line Streetcar HART Customer Service Centers at University Area Transit Center and Marion Transit Center will be open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. All other HART offices will be closed.

HART Customer Service will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and can be reached at (813) 254-4278.

New Year's Day Service:

HART is operating on a normal Sunday schedule for New Year's Day. HART Customer Service Centers at University Area Transit Center, HART on Franklin and Marion Transit Center will be closed. All other HART offices will be closed.

HART Customer Service will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be reached at (813) 254-4278.

The HART Administrative Office in Ybor will also be closed on Monday in observance of the New Year. HART service will operate on a Sunday schedule (Monday for streetcar service) on January 2nd.

Click here for a full rundown on the HART Holiday Service schedule. 

Safe travels in 2017!

How to Get Around Tampa During The Outback Bowl!

New Year's Eve is coming up and we've got a big time college football bonanza to bring in the New Year!

HART and the TECO Line Streetcar System would like to welcome all the University of Florida and University of Iowa coaches, players and fans to Tampa for the 2017 Outback Bowl!

We understand the difficulties in attempting to navigate the local public transportation scene without an idea on what to see and do and how to get there. So, we created this guide that breaks down some of Tampa's best attractions and how to get there with HART and the TECO Line Streetcar!

Use HART to get to the following Tampa attractions and avoid the parking hassles:

• Busch Gardens - Routes 5, 18, 39
• Lowry Park Zoo - Routes 41, 45
• Florida Aquarium - Route 8, the TECO Line Streetcar
• Channelside Bay Plaza (Dining, retail, Splitsville) - Route 8, the TECO Line Streetcar
• Ybor City Historic District (Centro Ybor) - Routes 8, 5, 8, 9, 12, 18, 46, and the TECO Line Streetcar
• International Plaza (Shopping) - 15, 30
• Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) - Route 6
• Amalie Arena - Route 8, The In-Towner, TECO Line Streetcar
• David A. Straz Jr. Center - 7, 10, 14, The In-Towner
• Tampa Convention Center - Route 4, 19, In-Towner, TECO Line Streetcar
• Tampa Museum of Art - Routes 7, 10, 14, In-Towner
• Tampa Theatre - Route 4, 8, 19, 30, 46, In-Towner
• Glazer's Children Museum - Routes 7, 10, 14, In-Towner
• University of South Florida - Routes 5, 6, 18, MetroRapid
• Westshore Plaza (Shopping) - Routes 15, 30, 45, HARTFlex South Tampa
• Raymond James Stadium (Home of the Outback Bowl) - Routes 7, 32, 36, 41, 45

Only $2.00 for a one-way ride! Planning to travel multiple days? A 3-day Visitor Unlimited HARTride card is your best bet at only $11.75 and valid on all HART local buses, MetroRapid, In-Towner and the TECO Line Streetcar System. Visit www.goHART.org for fares, maps, and schedules.

RIDER TIPS:

Get real-time HART arrival information and trip planning by downloading the OneBusAway Tampa app!

Pay your fare and travel between HART and PSTA (in Pinellas) with the Flamingo Fares app!

In-Towner:  The FREE In-Towner is a rubber-wheel trolley that operates on a 15-minute frequency (30-minute on Saturday), serving popular locations in downtown Tampa. Weekday service operates 6:30 - 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 - 6:00 p.m.; NYE Saturday service from 11 a.m. - 1 a.m.

The TECO Line Streetcar at Dick Greco Plaza

TECO Line Streetcar System: The streetcar line runs on rails that connects Ybor City, The Channel District, and Downtown Tampa. It operates 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday - Thursday, 7 a.m. - 1:30 a.m. on Friday; 11 a.m. - 1:30 a.m. Saturdays; Noon - 8 p.m. on Sunday. Streetcar Operators do not provide change.

FREE* New Year's Eve Service

Spending the New Year in Tampa? The TECO Line Streetcar System will operate until 1:30 a.m. to serve those attending the Fireworks Display at Channelside Bay Plaza. The Streetcar will be FREE to ride on NYE after 7 p.m. Avoid the traffic and parking hassle in the Channel District!

Click here for a map of downtown Tampa's network of public transportation service, including streetcar stops, The In-Towner and HART bus routes.

Flying out? Route 30 runs between downtown and Tampa International Airport every 30 minutes on weekdays and weekends. Service begins at 4:30 a.m. through midnight during the week and 6:30 a.m. to midnight on the weekends.

A 3-day Visitor Unlimited HARTride card is your best bet at only $11.75 and valid on all HART local buses, MetroRapid, In-Towner and the TECO Line Streetcar System.

Have a great time watching the Gators and the Hawkeyes in the New Year's Day showdown and enjoy all that Tampa has to offer!

HART HyperLINK Expands to Brandon on December 6th!

Map of HART HyperLINK Brandon zone

Earlier this month, HART launched HART HyperLINK, the nation's FIRST transit-operated rideshare service, in the University/Lutz and Carrollwood areas. The service connects riders (within a 3-mile zone) to our expansive HART network via the HyperLINK app, or by calling 813-298-0455 to book a trip. HyperLINK trips are $3 one-way, and vehicles are ADA-accessible.
Beginning Tuesday, December 6th, HyperLINK launches in the Brandon area.


HART HyperLINK riders in Brandon will be able to catch a lift to two designated stops within the zone: Westfield Brandon Transfer Center (Routes 8,31,37,46,53LX) and Brandon Regional Hospital (Routes 37 and HARTFlex Brandon).

Live in Seffner or south Brandon and work in downtown Tampa? Catch HART HyperLINK to Westfield Brandon Mall and connect to the route 8 or 46 to downtown!

HyperLINK app is available on Android and iOS

Each $3 ride is payable by cash or credit, so you can pay how you want to pay. Near the end of your journey, book a ride home and a driver will meet you at the bus stop.

Tired of paying for parking at work or tired of finding reliable parking near a bus stop? HyperLINK eliminates the unknowns. We want to encourage the use of public transit and eliminate artery-clogging congestion. Find out if HyperLINK can help you.

The HyperLINK app is available in both Google Play and Apple App Stores.

Give HyperLINK a try. Your first 5 rides are free with promo code hyperlink-5free.

HART Employees are "Flamingo Flocking" for Charity!

Flamingo Insurance protects against being "Flocked"

Flamingo - it's not just an app! It's also a fundraising effort by HART staff to support the Arthritis Foundation. 

From now, until December 16th, HART employees can pay a fee to send a "flock of flamingos" to a co-workers' area.

Employees who do not want this pink, plastic gift can purchase a flamingo insurance policy that protects their work space throughout the fundraiser. All money collected in this effort will be sent to the Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run 2016, to enable the Arthritis Foundation to help people suffering from arthritis conquer everyday battles through information, resources, access to care, scientific advancements and community connections. 

As a corporate sponsor, HART currently has a team of 51 employees and family members ready to take on the Jingle Bell Run 5K on Saturday, December 17th.


HART employees are having fun and raising funds for the Jingle Bell Run to benefit the Arthritis Foundation.

James Fetzer was recently "Flamingo Flocked"!

HART CEO Honored as "Woman of the Year"

We know we have the best, and now the community does too!

The Tampa Chapter of Women's Transportation Seminar (WTS) has selected HART CEO Katharine Eagan as its "Woman of the Year" award recipient.

WTS is an international organization dedicated to building the future of transportation through the global advancement of women. The Woman of the Year award recognizes leadership in transportation and contributions toward the advancement of women and minorities in transportation. The award was presented as part of WTS-Tampa's Annual Holiday Event on Wednesday, November 16, in Ybor City.

Ms. Eagan, a wife to a wonderful husband and mother of two amazing boys, began her nearly 19-year transit career as a transportation planner. She was appointed to HART CEO in May 2014.

Under her leadership, HART has:

• Established HART HyperLINK, a first-in-the-nation transit-operated rideshare service. 
• Launched the first phase of "Flamingo Fares," a regional fare program, allowing patrons to purchase regional three-day fares on their smartphones.
• Greatly expanded public-private partnerships with entities such as MegaBus, RedCoach, Coast Bike Share, Yellow Cab, and TransDev, and is continuing to pursue partnerships that provide travel options beyond traditional buses.
• Kicked off a paratransit-cab service pilot program that provides HARTPlus patrons same day service for the first time.
• Been awarded ISO-14001 certification in environmental management, the first transit agency in Florida to receive this certification.
• Launched  a farmers' market at its busiest transit center, outside of downtown Tampa.

These milestones and innovations have strengthened the agency's service and helped build bridges to community partners throughout the Tampa Bay area.

Additionally, while the transit industry's average percentage of women employees is about 20%, under Ms. Eagan's management and support, 31% of the entire HART workforce and 43% of its senior management are comprised of women.

Onward and upward! Join Mrs. Eagan and HART on our journey to take public transportation Beyond the Bus!

HART Salutes Veterans, Reservists and Active Military!

HART currently employs 114 men and women Veterans and Reservists

With Veterans Day approaching, HART thanks those who have served in the U.S. military in the past, or continue to serve as part of the National Guard.

 

HART is recognizing the service of employees who are military veterans during several appreciation events within the agency throughout the week.

HART employs 114 veterans, reservists and active military from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, representing nearly 10% of the workforce, and in honor of their contributions these employees were presented with a thank you card and a pin to commemorate their service. The pin can be worn on the HART uniform as a visible reminder of the sacrifices the veterans and their family members have endured in the service of their country, reminding transit users and the community at large of the depth of their commitment and dedication.

All 114 Veterans & Reservists at HART are featured on the wall clings.

HART has been recognized by community organizations as a military-friendly employer for its efforts to actively recruit veterans. The current workforce consists of veterans who serve across a number of departments and specialties including vehicle operations, vehicle maintenance, revenue planning, safety/security, customer service, and information technology, just to name a few. To further honor our military employees, HART has displayed the names of all veterans within the agency in creative military silhouettes throughout the authority.

During the November HART Board Meeting, board members issued a proclamation to recognize and honor the men and women at HART that have served in the United States Armed Forces. All 114 employees will receive a copy of the proclamation.

In addition, The agency will once again be offering free rides to U.S. military veterans on Veterans Day, Friday, November 11, 2016. 

Veterans Day HART Service

HART extends this invitation to ride to all members of the armed services, both active and retired, as well as to their family members or dependents. Riders are asked to show a valid military or veterans ID card when boarding any HART bus to qualify for a free ride. This promotion is not valid for use of HARTPlus service or the TECO Line Streetcar System.

On Veterans Day, HART service will operate on a regular Friday service schedule. There will be no service on Veterans Day for Routes 24X and 25LX. Also, the TECO Line Streetcar System will operate on a Friday schedule from 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.

The Tampa Bay area has the largest veteran population in Florida, according to a projection made by the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics. As of September 2015, a combined 178,899 veterans live in Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties.

HART HyperLINK Launches November 14th!

Public Transit: Direct to Your Door

HART is proud to unveil a new first-in-the-nation service that connects riders to our expansive transit system: HyperLINK. The innovative transit solution will extend the footprint of our network direct to your doorstep, delivering rides to and from local bus stops for passengers in select areas (University and Carrollwood areas, with Brandon launching later). HART HyperLINK launches on Monday, November 14th.

HyperLINK helps you eliminate the hassle of unpredictable commutes, providing shorter mobility trips to bus stops that get you where you want to go. This state-funded pilot program means passengers only pay a low fare for each trip.

Access is the Key

Access to public transportation is always a priority at HART. This new first/last mile solution is fully ADA accessible and is designed as a shared-ride service, which reduces transit’s impact on the environment. Based on research, residents who have more accessibility to public transit will take advantage of it.

We have your first and last mile covered with HART HyperLINK!

The door-to-bus smartphone app (also available through call center) makes booking and catching a ride on HyperLINK as easy as possible. Each $3 ride is payable by cash or credit, so you can pay how you want to pay. Near the end of your journey, book a ride home and a driver will meet you at the bus stop.

HART hopes this new feature will make trips more convenient and accessible to residents in select locations. Try HyperLINK on November 14th and share your experience with friends and neighbors.

Expanded Possibilities

• Tired of paying for parking at work or tired of finding reliable parking near a bus stop? HyperLINK eliminates the unknowns. We want to encourage the use of public transit and eliminate artery-clogging congestion. Find out if HyperLINK can help you.
• We always encourage walkability—it’s a staple of a livable city—but also understand a three-mile walk to start or end the day can feel overwhelming. HyperLINK is a low-cost option to get you and your neighbors to a local bus stop and back home at the end of your day.
• Unpredictable weather is a daily reality. See a sudden thunderstorm threatening that walk to the bus stop? HyperLINK is the answer. Dark clouds moving in while your bus approaches your stop? HyperLINK will get you home.

 Features:

• Shared rides to local bus stops
• Low cost: only $3 each way
• Available for IOS and Android
• Wheelchair accessible
• Pay with cash or credit
• No smartphone? No problem! Book a ride by calling 813-298-0455 

Route of the Week: The In-Towner

With a diverse service area roughly the size of Rhode Island, Hillsborough County provides a great mix of urban, suburban and rural destinations for our riders. Think about the destinations that you can see and experience with the HART transportation network!

This week, we (re)feature The In-Towner as our Route of the Week!

The In-Towner is FREE!

The In-Towner is a shuttle service looping through Tampa's Downtown! The In-Towner provides rush hour service Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

The In-Towner is FREE and operates on a loop every 15 minutes. The service is great for connecting residents, workers, and tourists to/from downtown businesses, hotels, parking garages, and more! Riders can even connect to the HART network with a stop at Marion Transit Center.

HART recently changed the In-Towner route to better serve outlying Downtown Tampa parking garages and destinations.

Here are just some of the destinations the In-Towner serves!

USF CAMLS is just one of the businesses served by the In-Towner!

Businesses:

• Bank of America Plaza
• 100 North Tampa
• Rivergate Tower 
• Wells Fargo Center
• One Tampa City Center
• SunTrust Financial Centre
• Tampa City Hall
• Hillsborough County District Courthouse
• Amalie Arena
• USF CAMLS
• Tampa Convention Center  

Hotels:

• Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel
• Aloft Tampa
• Sheraton Riverwalk
• Embassy Suites
• Marriott Waterside
• The Barrymore Hotel
• Floridan Palace Hotel
• Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marriott

Parking Garages: In-Towner connects remote parking to the business core!

• William F. Poe Garage
• Fort Brooke Garage
• Tampa Convention Center Garage
• City Hall Lot
• Twiggs Garage
• Whiting Garage

Entertainment:

• Tampa Museum of Art
• Straz Center for the Performing Arts
• Glazer Children's Museum
• Curtis Hixon Park
• Channelside Bay Plaza
• Tampa Theatre
• The Florida Aquarium
• Tampa Bay History Center
• Amalie Arena
• Florida Museum of Photographic Art

Sometimes it's work. And sometimes it's just for fun. Whatever brings you to downtown Tampa, the In-Towner gets you around while you're here!

From business to leisure, HART Takes You There.

Route of the Week: The TECO Line Streetcar System

Map of the TECO Line Streetcar System

With a diverse service area roughly the size of Rhode Island, Hillsborough County provides a great mix of urban, suburban and rural destinations for our riders. Think about the destinations that you can see and experience with the HART transportation network!

This week we highlight one of the nation's smallest light rail systems, the TECO Line Streetcar System. That's right, the Streetcar! The system follows all of the same standards and guidelines as all of the rest of the nation's light rail systems.

The TECO Line Streetcar is a 2.7 mile line connecting the employment, dining, and entertainment destinations in Ybor City, the Channel District (including Port of Tampa Bay and Channelside Bay Plaza,) and Downtown Tampa. The TECO Line Streetcar features 11 stations, each equipped with Ticket Vending Machines.

Streetcars actually have deep roots in Tampa's history. Tampa's first electric streetcar lines built in 1892 quickly became an essential part of everyday life as workers took the streetcar downtown and to the cigar factories of west Tampa. And families climbed aboard for a picnic or ball game in DeSoto and Macfarlane parks. Reaching the peak of its popularity in the 1920s with almost 24 million passengers in 1926, Tampa's streetcar system rolled to a stop in August 1946 following World War II.

The Tampa Streetcar was reborn via a grassroots effort and on October 19, 2002, streetcars once again rumbled down the cobblestone streets of Ybor City.

Weekday service extended until midnight for Arena events!

Today, the Streetcar serves a number of entertainment and dining options. Here is just a sampling:

• The Florida Aquarium
• Amalie Arena  (Weekday service extended until midnight for Arena events)
• Tampa Convention Center
• Centro Ybor
• The Columbia Restaurant
• Tampa Bay Brewing Company
• District Tavern
• The Tampa Riverwalk
• Tampa Bay History Center
• The Bricks Ybor
• Port Tampa Bay

Visitors will also appreciate the access to hotels along the route:

• Le Meridien
• Hilton Tampa
• Marriott Waterside
• Embassy Suites by Hilton
• Aloft Hotel
• Sheraton Riverwalk
• Hampton Inn & Suites - Ybor
• Hilton Garden Inn Tampa

In September 2016, the TECO Line Streetcar System expanded weekday service (as a pilot) to begin operating at 7 a.m. With the launch of this pilot project, the Streetcar became a viable commuting option for those living and working along the line. The Streetcar serves a variety of employment centers in Downtown Tampa and Ybor City including:

• One Tampa City Center
• University of South Florida CAMLS
• SunTrust Corporate Center
• Ashley Furniture E-Commerce Facility
• Amalie Arena
• Tampa City Hall
• Rivergate Tower
• Bank of America Plaza
• Hillsborough Community College - Ybor Campus

20-Ride Pass

Live or work along the streetcar line? Residents and workers can purchase a special 20-ride pass for only $25! That's 50% off the regular fare. Click here for a list of sales outlets.

Looking Ahead

Currently, the City of Tampa is working with the Florida Department of Transportation to study a possible extension and modernization of the streetcar line.

From Amalie Arena, to the Aloft Hotel, HART Takes You There.

HART to Partner with FDOT on Downtown Autonomous Circulator!

Downtown Autonomous Circulator will operate along Marion Transitway

HART has teamed up with FDOT to address current mobility needs in Downtown Tampa

FDOT has indicated that up to $1 million in funding will be available to fund an Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Circulator Service connection between Marion Transit Center (MTC) to Downtown Tampa along the low speed, controlled access Marion Street Transitway. This project would be one of the first of its kind in the U.S. utilizing autonomous technology and has the potential to solve local transportation issues.

"FDOT is working together with our communities to promote the use of autonomous technologies," FDOT District Seven Secretary Paul Steinman said. "Our mission is to help solve the transportation needs of our area utilizing all transportation modes, while maximizing the use of the funding sources available. We are very excited about this project."

This funding gives HART the opportunity to take the first step in a major technology project and, working with third party providers, to bring Autonomous Vehicle Technology to the Tampa Bay region. For the next two years, HART will receive $500,000 each year from FDOT to fund the project. Funding for a third year will depend on the success of the program.

"We want to thank FDOT Secretary Paul Steinman for his leadership in helping HART receive up to $1 million in funding from the Florida Department of Transportation for this service," HART Chief Financial Officer Jeff Seward said. "We will utilize our experience in multi-modal solutions to work with our partners to provide much-needed relief to address mobility needs in Downtown Tampa."

 

This project is part of a larger vision that HART has to bring innovative technology to the Tampa Bay area while diversifying its array of options to deliver service to the Tampa Bay region. Autonomous vehicles can supplement the HART transit network with first-mile last-mile service, or enhance options to underserved areas.

In late November, HART plans to conduct an Industry day for interested parties, which will coincide with the fourth Annual Florida Automated Vehicles Summit in Downtown Tampa, an event dedicated to highlighting Florida's progress in preparing for automated vehicles.

The Downtown Autonomous Circulator Service project will complement local service provided by existing routes.

HART is committed to innovative solutions to solve our region's transportation issues!