Friday, August 25, 2017

What is Mission MAX?

Mission MAX launches October 8, 2017!
Beginning Sunday, October 8, 2017, HART will implement a comprehensive schedule change - Mission MAX.

Through Mission MAX, we are Modernizing the system to deliver more efficient service and higher frequencies on high-demand routes. We are Aligning routes to provide shorter trip times and better connections.  And we strive for eXcellence by designing a network that lays a strong foundation for future expansion.

This redesign of the bus system includes route and schedule modifications based on an extensive period of research, operational considerations, and public input.

How does Mission MAX Modernize the HART network?

The last time HART conducted a system redesign was back in 2003. Hillsborough County and commuting habits have changed quite a bit since then. That's why Mission MAX provides new connections such as all-day service between Brandon (FY18), and the University of South Florida (FY19), to Downtown and Tampa International Airport.

Mission MAX transitions HART to more of a "grid" network, focusing less on transfer centers, and more on direct, at-stop connections. This may mean the rider having to transfer more, however, with routes coming more frequently and schedules better entwined, riders should see overall quicker trips. The final plan means roughly 85% of customers will see service improve!

Mission MAX Aligns routes to operate in a way that makes more sense. No more long, winding, routes, with buses traveling out of direction, or off of main roads. This system redesign is backed by route data analysis, including stop-by-stop ridership data, to maximize HART efficiency.

Mission MAX provides a great foundation for future expansion
Long term, the most important aspect of Mission MAX is that it provides a service network that is sustainable for HART, but also provides a great foundation for expansion in our 10-year Transit Development Plan. Based on current funding projections, we plan to roll out 10 routes operating at 15 minute frequency, or better within roughly 5-6 years. Five of those routes would operate north-south, and five operating east-west.

We are also looking at expanded weekend service on a number of routes, adding and restoring routes, and expanding HART HyperLINK zones, for better connections throughout Hillsborough County.

Mission MAX is just one piece of a plan toward eXcellence, as HART continues to grow and evolve over the next 10 years.

Still have questions about Mission MAX? You can visit the Mission MAX FAQ, or interact with HART on Facebook and Twitter!

HART CEO Katharine Eagan recently went LIVE on Facebook from HART Dispatch to talk Mission MAX!

Monday, August 14, 2017

Receive HART Detour and Service Alerts with Everbridge!

Sign up for HART service alerts from Everbridge!
You're at the bus stop and OneBusAway Tampa swears your bus just passed your stop.

*Cue anger, frustration, sadness, etc.*

Turns out your bus was on detour due to a water main break a couple blocks away from your stop. Unfortunately, the bus was routed around your stop and now you're late for work.

This situation is a thing of the past with Everbridge!

Everbridge is a rider notification system that allows members of the public to subscribe to alerts for transit routes. These alerts are sent by HART when an issue is impacting a route. Examples of typical usage include service delays due to weather or construction. Everbridge is a completely opt-in system, meaning that you select the notifications that you wish to receive.

Click "Sign up" to register for the service

Getting Started

Simply sign up for an account with your email and log in. Once logged in, click "Sign up" next to "Don't Have an Account". Select the routes that you wish to receive service notifications for and you're done.

Want text notifications? Add you phone number and service provider when registering your account.

Additional Questions?

If you still have questions regarding Everbridge, contact HART on Facebook or Twitter, or call HART Customer Service at 813-254-4278.