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.