Thankful in 2018: A HART Year in Review

With 2019 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.

Year in Review

February Service Changes

In 2017, HART "reset" the system network with Mission MAX, establishing a stable foundation for expansion. February 2018 marked a significant step toward HART's five-year goal of ten routes with 15-minute service or better.

Flamingo Fares testing is underway

Flamingo Fares Testing

Our regional transit fare app and smart card payment system took a giant leap in 2018 with the start of public testing! While HART and PSTA have been testing the first generation of the Flamingo Fares app since 2016, this is the first test involving the Flamingo Fares smart card and web-based accounts.

Since the launch of testing in March, thousands of taps have been recorded and the second generation of the Flamingo Fares app is now in the testing phase. Flamingo Fares will fully launch to the public in 2019.

Route 275LX

Summertime typically means a slower pace with vacation-filled offices and schools out. However, summer 2018 saw the launch of HART's FIRST seven-day-a-week inter-county service, the Route 275LX. The new all-day, limited-stop service launched on July 1st, operating between Wesley Chapel and Tampa International Airport, with stops in New Tampa, the University area, and downtown Tampa. The Route 275LX has seen an 83% increase in monthly ridership (10,910 rides in October) since launching in July.

MVP Express

After years of requests for express/shuttle service to local sporting events, HART launched the MVP Express in November! This premium service allows Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans to park at four convenient park-and-ride locations and hop on the MVP Express to Raymond James Stadium. All for only $10 round-trip, per person! The MVP Express is currently a pilot and will be evaluated and possibly expanded to other local sports after the NFL season has ended.

New Era of Transit

Free fares launched on Oct. 7, 2018

Streetcar Fare-Free and Enhanced Service

It's possible no other individual route or transit mode in Tampa Bay has seen as drastic a change as the TECO Line Streetcar System in 2018.

In June, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced a game-changing $2.7 million grant to make the TECO Line Streetcar FARE-FREE with enhanced morning/late night service and increased frequencies for three years. The new service kicked off on October 7 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a fresh new marketing strategy that represents HART's vision for the Streetcar - Free. Fun. Frequent. Totally Tampa!

It has been well received, with ridership up over 120% from last year!

InVision: Tampa Streetcar - Streetcar Extension and Modernization Study

The future looks even brighter as HART is currently partnering with the City of Tampa and FDOT on a study evaluating possible extension alignments and the feasibility of modernizing the current
heritage streetcar system. The City completed the first phase in Spring 2018 by identifying two north/south extension alignment options - a combination of Tampa St./Franklin St. and Florida Ave. The line would stretch through the core of downtown, near HART's main transit hub in Marion Transit Center, and north to Tampa Heights.

In June, the City received approval from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to enter Project Development phase to select a preferred alternative and refine improvement plans and strategies. The City will submit a Small Starts request for federal funding in September 2019.

Transit Referendum

Yes, we definitely saved the best for last! It's no secret that transportation has been on the minds of most in Hillsborough County for quite some time. The Tampa Bay region as a whole being seen more to put plans on shelves, than pen to paper.

However, that changed on Election Day as voters (overwhelmingly) approved a 1-cent sales tax increase to support transportation, including a mix of roads, public transportation, pedestrian, cycling, etc.

All of us at HART are incredibly humbled by this level of support and have already released our proposed short-term service improvement plan, which features speeding up the implementation of the first three years of the FY2019-2023 Transit Development Plan to 2019.

HART as an agency in 2017, revisited our infrastructure and established a blueprint for an improved transportation network in Hillsborough County.  This strategic plan allowed HART to overhaul its route system and build up that foundation in 2018, as we aligned for the future. 

The agency turns 40 in 2019, with the year poised to be HART's most celebrated yet, as we enter a new era of excellence. 

We look forward to seeing you on board one of our buses, vans, or streetcars in the New Year!

Happy Holidays!

HART to Give Free Rides for Joy of Giving on Dec. 22!

HART is giving the gift of transportation to the 9th Annual Joy of Giving by providing FREE rides on Saturday, December 22. The event at Raymond James Stadium features entertainment, food, and games, for children and families who deserve gifts and smiles.

Free rides on HART include HARTPlus and Express service.

For more information about the Joy of Giving, such as attending as a volunteer, or conducting a toy drive, visit www. JoyOfGivingTampa.com.

HART and TECO Line Streetcar Featured in "Connected Vehicle" Demo

The Tampa Connected Vehicle Pilot project team

The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) and HART recently invited industry peers and media to a demonstration showcasing connected vehicle technology on HART buses and the TECO Line Streetcar System. This was the first-ever demonstration of how connected vehicle safety applications on transit vehicles can help prevent crashes between cars, transit vehicles, and even pedestrians.

Attendees had the opportunity to ride in the vehicles and witness situational demonstrations of the technology, which allows the transit vehicles to "talk" wirelessly to the roadway and other connected vehicles.

Below is video of a simulated situation featuring a car turning in front of the Streetcar:

Tampa is one of the first cities in the nation (one of just three) to deploy connected vehicle technology through the Tampa Connected Vehicle Pilot, which THEA is spearheading. 

As part of the project, THEA is equipping 10 HART buses and 10 streetcars, and the cars of 1,600 individual volunteers with this exciting new technology to make downtown Tampa a safer, smarter place to walk, ride and drive.

The Tampa Connected Vehicle Pilot will also equip buses with Transit Signal Priority (TSP), which will enable them to communicate with streetlights on their routes. Downtown congestion can back up travel, causing buses to become late. When necessary, TSP can prioritize bus movements to speed up service.

The pilot has recently been featured on Discovery Channel Canada's Daily Planet!

The Tampa Connected Vehicle Pilot is a $21-million project funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

HART Service Changes Go Into Effect December 2

Service changes go into effect Dec. 2.

As part of our continued commitment to providing ease of access and convenience for patrons, HART is implementing minor service changes effective Sunday, December 2. HART makes regular service adjustments three times a year in response to public feedback and also to improve safety and efficiency. Routes are primarily selected for adjustment based upon demonstrated ridership and input via the customer service database.

The following HART service changes go into effect on Sunday, December 2:

Route and Schedule Adjustments:

• Route 45 is being modified to serve Busch Blvd., between North Blvd. and Florida Ave.
• Routes 60LX and 360LX will no longer serve Westfield Brandon Mall. 
• Route 60LX will be extended to serve Culbreath at Bloomingdale Park-n-Ride.
• Route 360LX is being extended to serve J.C. Handly Park-n-Ride.

Schedule Adjustments:

• The TECO Line Streetcar will have minor "last trip of the night schedule adjustments.

Route 60LX will now operate along U.S. 301 to Bloomingdale Ave., ceasing at the Bloomingdale Park-n-Ride. This will provide the Valrico area with all day limited-stop service to Tampa International Airport and the rest of the HART service network.

Route 360LX will operate along Lumsden Rd. before turning on Kings Ave. (entering the J.C. Handly Park-n-Ride) and looping back on Bloomingdale Ave. and finally Providence Rd.

Riders wishing to connect between routes 60LX or 360LX and routes 37, 46, 75LX, or HARTFlex Brandon should transfer using routes 8 or 31 (at Providence Rd. and Bloomingdale Ave, and at Westfield Brandon Mall).

HART in the Community

HART staff will be out in the community at the Marion Transit Center and Westfield Brandon Mall bus stop over the next two weeks talking to riders about the service changes.

You can view the new route schedules on goHART.org or contact HART customer service at (813) 254-4278 for more information.

HART MVP Express Passes are Now on Sale!

MVP Express passes are now available!

Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans will soon have a new way to get to Ray Jay! Launching November 11, the HART MVP Express will provide express service from four designated Park-N-Ride locations to Raymond James Stadium for only $10, round-trip, per person.

Eager pirates can get a jump on the crowds, by locking up their MVP Express passes early!



Here's how to secure your MVP Express pass.

If you don’t already have an account, you must create one prior to purchasing your MVP Express Pass. You can do so in one of the following ways:

Left: Adding MVP Pass to cart. Right: MVP Pass after activating

1. Download the Flamingo Fares app for iOS or Android
2. Click on “Buy Tickets,” then add your purchase
3. You will be prompted to confirm your selection to continue, then select “Purchase Tickets”
4. You’ll be asked to sign in with Facebook, Google or email to create an account
5. You’ll be prompted to confirm your purchase and then asked to add your credit card information

Your purchased tickets will appear in “Use Tickets” and can be selected for activation!

Once activated, your ticket will display "1 MVP Express 1-Day Pass" and the expiration date and time.

The MVP Express will operate for the following Bucs home games: 

• 11/11/18 vs. Washington Redskins
• 11/25/18 vs. San Francisco 49ers
• 12/02/18 vs. Carolina Panthers
• 12/09/18 vs. New Orleans Saints
• 12/30/18 vs. Atlanta Falcons

Be the MVP of your tailgate on the MVP Express!

Visit goHART.org/MVPexpress for more information.

HART Launches New "Safe HART" Campaign

As the HART transit systems evolves, so must our programs to keep safety as our number one priority.  

Recently, HART launched a multi-faceted effort involving operations, safety and security, and our communications departments, emphasizing safety through various communication platforms - what we call SAFE (Stay Accident Free Everywhere).

HART is committed to ensuring the safety of our community and continuing the conversation about safe travel, including the potential dangers associated with entering a bus when the doors are closed.

The safety of our customers, operators and the general public remains HART's top priority and an active focus of our services, programs, and initiatives. Part of our ongoing commitment to safe travel in the region includes providing helpful information to emphasize the importance of safety guidelines.

This new "Safe HART" campaign provides a simple, effective way to communicate an important safety message: Ensuring the safety of the traveling public requires a community effort. HART asks its customers and the community to share the important safety message. 

Follow HART on Facebook, Twitter for rider alerts and service information. Use #SafeHART and share helpful safety information.

Help spread the message so that entering the bus when the doors are closed becomes something that we, as a community, don't ever do.

As we work to achieve our mission of taking people to the places that enhance their lives, we do so fully dedicated to safety. It is among the many areas in which we hold ourselves accountable for setting the highest standards.  

We want your experience with HART to be efficient, friendly, and most importantly, SAFE.

HART Operator Wins Third Place from Industry Association!

HART bus operator Jimmy Suarez

Jimmy Suarez, a 15-year bus operator at HART, is being honored with the distinction of third place Operator of the Year by the Florida Public Transportation Association (FPTA).

Suarez's nomination and win celebrates his exemplary customer service and impeccable safety record, including 14 consecutive years of safe driving, and more than 1.5 million miles behind the wheel.

"I have been doing this for a long time. I take pride in my driving and taking care of my customers," said Suarez. "I take my job very seriously because I have a responsibility to protect my customers. When I notice a new customer boarding my bus, I consider them a new family member. I do my best to make them feel comfortable and give them a good experience with HART."

The award is presented annually to operators whose service has "enriched and enhanced" public transportation in the community.

Recently, Suarez was honored with the Million Mile Award and has received numerous rider commendations. He is known for his enthusiastic attitude, excellent driving skills, good judgment, and first-class customer service to our passengers.

"It is dedicated professionals like Jimmy Suarez, and our Million Miles honorees who make it possible for HART to receive accolades from our peers for our hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence, said HART Interim CEO, Jeff Seward. "We could not be more proud of our outstanding bus operators, and are grateful for the loyalty and focus they bring to their work each day."

Way to represent HART, Jimmy!

HART Partners with CREW Tampa Bay for Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

HART and the Crew Tampa are partnering to create awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to help fight Breast Cancer, HART is partnering with the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Tampa Bay to shine a light on Breast Cancer Awareness.

HART is using the TECO Line Streetcar System uniquely to garner the attention of the downtown core this month. 

HART goes PINK in October!

For launch, HART is transforming a streetcar pink as a means to bring attention to Breast Cancer. The uniquely designed pink streetcar, affectionately coined as " Pinkee" will be an attention-getting transportation mode that will hopefully not only attract, but will also help raise the consciousness of the community about the disease and support the CITY IN PINK campaign during October.

In addition to the pink streetcar, HART plans to illuminate the administrative building in Ybor City and the streetcar stations with pink lights.

"We are proud to partner with Crew Tampa Bay on this important issue," said HART Interim CEO Jeff Seward. "We all know someone who has been affected by this disease. For that reason, we wanted to join forces with Crew Tampa Bay and use our transit network to create awareness and uniquely educate the public."

For the fourth consecutive year, CREW Tampa Bay has developed a tradition in the community by lighting the CITY IN PINK. The program encourages commercial properties to show their commitment to breast cancer awareness by displaying pink during the month of October. CREW Tampa Bay started the initiative as a way to connect the organization with the community at a more impactful level.

"I hope the displays of PINK during October will remind women to be proactive in their health, early detection can save lives," says CREW Board Member and City in Pink Committee Chair, Katie Gower of Ed Taylor Construction. "The CITY IN PINK Streetcar is an exciting opportunity to increase our impact on the community." 

The CITY IN PINK committee members utilized their connections within the commercial real estate industry to unify the community as a reminder to stay vigilant in the fight for a cure. CITY IN PINK fosters awareness and is a touching tribute to those lives who have been affected by the disease.