Art on HART is Back!

Art on HART is BACK!

HART and the Tampa Bay Foundation for Architecture & Design (TBFAD) are providing another talented local artist the opportunity to showcase their work on a unique (and mobile) canvas - a HART bus!

In September, TBFAD put out a call for local artists to provide artwork to be wrapped around a bus for an entire year. After narrowing the list to three "finalists," HART employees are now being given the opportunity to vote for their favorite artwork.

Public transportation and art are sewn into the fabric of communities across the world. HART and TBFAD hope this collaboration can forge future opportunities to further marry the local art scene with transit and promote artistic expression throughout Hillsborough County.

All three Tampa Bay area artists, whose exceptional designs captured the theme of "Tampa culture," earned the chance to have their designs showcased.

The winner will have their canvas/bus publicly unveiled in January.

HART and TBFAD are excited to have the opportunity to showcase a local artist and transform an ordinary bus into an extraordinary mobile work of art.

Stay tuned!

TOP LEFT: Benjamin Donnell; TOP RIGHT: Jennifer Kosharek

BOTTOM LEFT: Mishou Sanchez 

Video recap of the 2019 Art on HART unveiling. 

Stuff a HART Bus for WILD 94.1 Orlando's 8th Annual Toy Drive!

HART has partnered with WILD 94.1's Orlando (from Orlando and the Freakshow) to Stuff-a-Bus for the Children's Home Network!

For the past 8 years, Orlando has collected toys and donations while spending over a week in a tent 30 feet in the air!

This year, HART is providing an alternative for those that can't make it out to the main drop off location in the Metro By T-Mobile parking lot - 2907 N Dale Mabry Hwy.

A HART bus will be stationed daily (12/9/19 - 12/13/19) from 12:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. at two Hillsborough County Walmart locations:

• Brandon Walmart: 11110 Causeway Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511 (Route 8, HARTFlex Brandon)
• Citrus Park Walmart: 6192 Gunn Hwy., Tampa, FL 33625 (Route 39, HARTFlex Town 'n Country)

Help HART and WILD 94.1 Stuff-a-Bus for the Children's Home Network this holiday season!

Click here for more information on Orlando's 8th Annual Toy Drive.

HART Awarded $4.3 Million FTA Grant For New Buses

HART has been awarded a $4.3 million Bus and Bus Facilities Program Grant by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to replace diesel buses with new Compressed Natural Gas buses!

"HART is very excited to be the recipient of this grant," said Cyndy Stiglich, Interim HART Chief Financial Officer. "It will allow us to replace diesel-fueled buses with Compressed Natural Gas buses to improve our services to major employment centers in the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County."

Demand for FTA's Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program far exceeded available funds, as FTA received applications for 318 eligible projects totaling approximately $1.9 billion in funding requests, from a total of 270 applicants in 43 states and territories. Only 94 projects received grant funding. Project proposals were evaluated based on criteria outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

"Public bus systems throughout the country provide millions of Americans access to jobs, healthcare, grocery stores, and other vital services," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

HART would like to thank the Hillsborough County congressional delegation for their support with special thanks to Rep. Kathy Castor, Sen. Marco Rubio, Sen. Rick Scott and Rep. Ross Spano.

HART service carries roughly 35,000 daily trips with a service area of 1,266 square miles and a bus fleet of 180 buses.

HART's FY2020 Program of Projects Certified by Independent Oversight Committee

The Independent Oversight Committee (IOC) that oversees the spending of the All for Transportation sales tax unanimously voted on November 21 to certify that HART's FY2020 Program of Projects list complies with the existing charter.

In our inaugural year, HART staff has developed a comprehensive program of projects that accounts for two full years of funding. The projects include a number of service and capital expenditures primarily aimed at preparing the agency for expansion and improved customer services. 

Included in the strategy moving forward is a goal of resetting the baseline of the system through an operational assessment and establishing a 30-year vision via a new major Transit Development Plan update. 

HART FY2020 Program of Projects Highlights:

HART FY2020 Highlights

• Restoring service:
• Routes: 4 (South Tampa), 41 (Sligh Ave.), 44 (University area), 46 (Palmetto Beach)

• Improve Weekend Frequency:
• Routes: 9 (30th St.), 15 (Columbus), 31 (So. County), 32 (MLK), 42/45 - University

• Improve Weekday Frequency:
• Routes: 12 (22nd St.), 30 (Kennedy), 32 (MLK Blvd.), 42/45 (University)

• Expanding Transit Options (Fixed-guideway):
• Corridor assessments, future streetcar extensions, CSX corridor evaluation, InVision Tampa Streetcar: Project partner, project development, Marion Transitway Corridor Assessment
• Customer Amenities, HART Facilities, etc.:

• Bus shelter and transit center upgrades, replacement and renovation of HART maintenance facilities, rolling stock purchases (electric and Compressed Natural Gas buses)

All for Transportation Background:

In November 2018, the residents of Hillsborough County voted for a 1% surtax to fund Transportation projects. Of the 1% surtax, 45% of the new surtax funded was designated for transit specific projects and that funding was designated to go directly to HART. 

In addition, as part of the referendum, an Independent Oversight Committee (IOC) was required to be created and an annual program of projects from each recipient of the 1% surtax funding must be submitted by September 30th each year for the IOC to review.

HART Offers Free Rides to Cross-Bay Ferry Riders!

HART is providing free bus, van, and streetcar rides to passengers of the newly relaunched Cross-Bay Ferry! Riders simply need to show their ferry ticket to the operator and enjoy the ride.

In Hillsborough County, passengers can board any HART fixed-route bus or van service (HARTPLUS excluded), or the TECO Line Streetcar System for free. Ferry riders can pick up the TECO Line Streetcar at Dick Greco Plaza Station, just across the street from the Ferry Terminal.

Catch free streetcar service to Ybor across from Ferry Terminal

Streetcar service operates every 15 minutes, with weekday service (Monday through Thursday) from 7 AM - 11 PM, with extended hours on Friday until 2 AM. In addition, Saturday service operates every 15 minutes, from 8:30 AM – 2 AM and Sunday 8:30 AM – 11 PM.

Ferry riders can also connect to HART’s robust transit network to enjoy the sights and sounds of Busch Gardens, the shopping of International Plaza, and more. The HART Route(s) 8 and 19 are just a short walk from the Cross-Bay Ferry dock.

HART's central transit hub, Marion Transit Center, is located in downtown and provides a connection to roughly 15 HART routes. Riders can use the HART Trip Planner to map out their trip!

To enjoy the free ride, passengers are required to present a same-day Ferry ticket to the bus, trolley or streetcar operator upon boarding. The Cross-Bay Ferry runs from November 1, 2019, through April 22, 2020. The Ferry will operate seven days a week, except for holidays. Please check the schedule on the Cross-Bay Ferry’s website for the latest information.

All Aboard the Winter Village Express!

Winter Village Express operates Sundays through Dec. 22!

The holiday season is so close, we can almost feel Jack Frost nipping at our nose - 65° at night. Brr! ❄

The Tampa Downtown Partnership is once again holding their Winter Village, featuring an ice rink, a cafe with warm beverages, and a holiday marketplace with local boutiques! The winter wonderland is located in Curtis Hixon Park and will take place from November 22 - January 5.

Along with the Winter Village, comes the transformation of the TECO Line Streetcar System into the Winter Village Express! Launching November 24, the Winter Village Express offers a festive experience aboard a holiday-themed Streetcar. Enjoy treats, music, and fun, while on board!

The Winter Village Express will operate every Sunday through December 22. You can pick up the Winter Village Express at either Whiting Station in Downtown Tampa (Station #11) or Centro Ybor Station (#2) in historic Ybor City.

The Winter Village is open 11/22-1/5

Winter Village Express Operating Schedule:

Whiting Station in Downtown Tampa:

• 3:25 p.m.
• 4:25 p.m.
• 5:25 p.m.
• 6:25 p.m.
• 7:25 p.m.

The cost of the Winter Village Express is $10.00 for a roundtrip ticket. Tickets are ONLY available online. All trips are first-come, first-serve, due to limited availability. Arrive early!

For more information on Winter Village, or the Winter Village Express, visit http://www.wintervillagetampa.com/.

Happy Holidays!

HART AT WORK: TECO Line Streetcar Station Closures

Streetcar track construction will begin Nov. 4 through February 2020

UPDATED 3/02/20: Phase 1 of streetcar trackwork has been COMPLETED. The TECO Line Streetcar is once again serving ALL stations.  

UPDATED 2/24/20: TECO Line Streetcar customers will see station closures, due to ballast replacement along the Streetcar right-of-way.

Track construction is anticipated to begin November 4, 2019, and is expected to last through February 2020.

During this time, the TECO Line Streetcar is currently not operating between Cadrecha Plaza Station #4 and Cumberland Avenue Station Monday - Friday. 

Service will operate regular service (no closures) on:

• Weeknights (expected after 6 PM)
• Saturday/Sunday
• Holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve)
• Major events (Outback Bowl Parade, Gasparilla, etc.)

A free HART bus shuttle will operate from Stations #5 and #7

A free HART bus bridge will operate from Publix Station and Cumberland Avenue Station to connect streetcar customers.

We apologize for any inconvenience the track work may cause.

Streetcar Station Closure / Bus Shuttle Map

HART Board Approves FY2020 Budget

Every $1 invested in transit provides $4 return!

The HART Board of Directors voted unanimously to adopt the Authority's FY2020 Budget, which will take effect on October 1, 2019.

The $121.5 million spending plan is comprised of capital program and operating tactics that focus our HART's to deliver those Outcomes.

The FY2020 Budget is The Starting Line of the TRANSitFORMATION of HART, focusing on excelling in four key areas:

• Customer Experience: Customer-centric initiatives, increasing customer satisfaction
• Key FY2020 Projects: Service improvements, Bus Shelter Improvements and Expansion, Farebox Technology Upgrades, Vehicle Safety Surveillance Modernization & Expansion, Computer-Aided Dispatch/ Automated Vehicle Locator (CAD/AVL) Solution for Paratransit
• Community Value: Community sentiment, partnerships
• Key FY2020 Projects: Fleet expansion (including the purchase of 10 electric buses, Compressed Natural Gas buses, Vans, etc.), InVision: Tampa Streetcar Project Development & Engineering / Phase IV Study, Marion Transit Center Facade Repair
• Employee Success: Organization realignment, engagement, talent development

• Key FY2020 Projects: Marion Transit Center Renovation, Replacement of Immersion Washing System, Expanding HART Auto Body Capabilities, Administrative Policy Modernization
• Financial Performance: Financial sustainability, improving service productivity

• Key FY2020 Projects: Wheel Alignment Equipment, Vehicle Fluid Tracking Software, Diagnostic Technologies for Vehicle Repair, HVAC Replacement

"HART is building a Culture of Excellence," said Benjamin Limmer, HART CEO. "This budget reflects the beginning of that transformation, with an over $121 million investment in public transportation in Hillsborough County".

The Adopted FY2020 Budget does not include All for Transportation Sales Tax Funding. Once AFT funds become available, HART can amend the FY2020 Budget to reflect the additional funding.

Adopted FY2020 Budget "By the Numbers"

• 8.9% growth in Ad Valorem = $3,970,378
• Operating Budget is $83,491,758
• $4,564,016 or 5.8% higher than FY19 Adopted Budget
• Capital Budget is $37,961,026
• $5,333,853 or 16.3% higher than the FY19 Adopted Budget 

If you are unable to attend any of the meetings, they now can be viewed live on HART YouTube channel.

Click here to view video recordings from recent HART Board/Committee meetings. 

HART and TBFAD Release Call for Artists for "Art on HART" Program

Michael O' Connell's "Soundwaves"

HART is proud to once again partner with the Tampa Bay Foundation for Architecture & Design (TBFAD) on the "Art on HART" program, which transforms a HART bus into a rolling art canvas.

HART and TBFAD have put out a Call for Artists to all Tampa Bay area artists with a passion for architecture, design, and music.

The project is one of TBFAD's community outreach programs, which places artists' one-of-a-kind designs in highly accessible and visible public spaces. 

This year's theme touches on how music influences the world around us while encouraging respect for others. Artists are encouraged to incorporate Tampa Bay's wide diversity of design, architecture, and musical culture into their submission.

Interested artists are requested to register their intent to submit prior to September 27, 2019, by sending an email to TampaBayFAD@gmail.com. The deadline for artwork submissions is Friday, November 15, 2019, at 5:00 p.m.

Entries will be judged by an expert panel of judges and the TBFAD "ART on HART" Committee. HART's 800+ employees will select the winning entry. Submissions will be evaluated based on concept, originality, layout and marketing adaptability.

The winning artist will receive:

• Their artwork wrapped on a HART bus for a year
• A $2,000 cash award from program sponsors
• Featured bio in the TBFAD 'ART on HART' printed program
• Recognition on TBFAD & participating organizations social media sites.

The partnership between HART and TBFAD injects art, music and public transportation onto the streets and into the communities of Hillsborough County.

The "Art on HART" bus will be unveiled during a public event at a later date.

ART on HART program sponsors:

HART is Prepared for a Storm. Are You?

HART operates Evacuation service. Know your route!

As Floridians, we are all aware of the threat of hurricanes from June-November. It's a part of the "charm" of living in the Sunshine State!

Should a hurricane threaten the Tampa Bay area, it is vital that residents heed any warnings and prepare for the worst of the storm.

Just as residents and their families need to prepare, so does HART. Have you ever wondered how an organization with over 800 employees and 200+ vehicles plans for a major storm?

Let's take a look at what it takes to prep the HART network for a major hurricane.

Should a storm threaten the Tampa Bay area, the Hillsborough Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be activated. Once activated, a HART representative will be located at the center to keep the agency abreast of storm developments and coordinate evacuation service.

When instructed by the EOC, HART will cease normal service and begin Emergency Evacuation service to move residents from lower ground to higher ground. For the safety of our riders and employees, normal HART service will cease once the EOC and HART Emergency Management determine that conditions are unsafe to continue service. 

When word is received that landfall is eminent in Tampa Bay within 72 hours, our volunteer Emergency Response Team (ERT) will activate.

The organization then begins the process of securing HART facilities. This includes:

• Securing windows and outside objects
• Shutting off water, electricity, gas, etc.
• Disconnecting computerized equipment and covering with plastic sheeting
• Backing up computer data to multiple sources
• Ensuring all vehicles are fueled

If a hurricane threatens, HART will relocate vehicles to higher ground

If the Tampa Bay area is forecasted to take a direct hit from a Category 3 or greater storm, HART may split the vehicle fleet up. You may have seen something similar in Houston, when Harvey hit. Our designated locations are the Hidden River Park-n-Ride lot and the University of South Florida. The remainder would remain at the 21st Avenue Operations Facility.

The TECO Line Streetcar System will house the fleet in the Ybor Streetcar Barn. However, depending on the severity of the storm, streetcars may be moved to an off-site storage location on the bed of a tow truck.

Following the passing of the storm, three phases will occur:

1. Recovery - Damage assessment for facilities, vehicles, and other property
2. Communication - Call back/contacting HART personnel
3. Restoration - Delivery of service

HART will work to the best of our ability to get the network back up and get back to our daily job of moving Hillsborough County!

Rest assured though, HART is prepared for a storm. Make sure you are too!

Ride HART FREE to the 2019 Back to School Bash!

HART is partnering with WWE wrestler (and overall amazing Tampaian) Titus O' Neil's Bullard Family Foundation to provide FREE rides on HART on Saturday, August 3, for the 2019 Back to School Bash & Kickoff Classic at Raymond James Stadium.

The 2019 Back to School Bash & Kickoff Classic is a FREE event for Hillsborough County K-12 Students. Parents and guardians can register their child online at BullardFamilyFoundation.org to receive FREE school supplies, food, school physicals, eye exams, and more!

All HART services will be FREE throughout the day.

HART CEO Statement on Judge Barbas' Decision Upholding Transportation Tax Funding

"The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) welcomes Judge Barbas' decision upholding expanded funding for public transportation in the region.

Fifty-seven percent of the voters were very clear in their support of a transportation formula that would support the needs of a best-in-class transportation network. We look forward to working with the Hillsborough County Board of County Commission (BOCC) to ensure the best use of the transformational investment that will the improve the transit experience for Hillsborough County; our goal is to partner with the BOCC to fulfill the taxpayers vision."

- Benjamin T. Limmer, HART Chief Executive Officer

HART to Install Driver Safety Barrier on all Buses and HARTFlex Vans

HART stands United

HART with the support of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1593 is installing driver safety barriers on all HART buses and HARTFlex vans.

"HART has been working with the ATU over the past few weeks to enhance the safety of the driver compartment and implement a solution that works for our employees. I am happy to announce that we have reached an agreement," said HART CEO Ben Limmer. "The safety and security of our employees remains a priority at HART as they serve our customers with the highest level of professionalism."

The ATU and HART have mutually agreed to a custom-fit protective barrier with extended tempered glass to cover the operator space.

"Following the senseless passing of one of our own, we voiced our concerns, and would like to thank HART leadership for listening to us," said ATU International Vice President Curtis Howard. "We are working together to take immediate action to ensure that our members are safe and that a tragedy like that never happens again."

HART has allocated $1,000,000 towards the driver safety barrier project with each installed barrier estimated to cost $5,000.

The HART Summer Blast Pass is BACK!

The HART Summer Blast Pass is BACK with an exciting twist!

From June 1 through August 31, Hillsborough County students, ages 5-18 can enjoy their independence, save cash, and "go green" on HART buses with the FREE Summer Blast Pass.
The HART Summer Blast Pass provides unlimited rides on HART Local, Limited Express, MetroRapid and HARTFlex services.

The Summer Blast Pass can be picked up at any of the following three HART locations:

• Downtown Tampa: Marion Transit Center, 1211 N. Marion St., Tampa, FL, 33602
• University Area: University Area Transit Center, 13110 N. 27th St., Tampa, FL, 33612 
• Ybor City: HART Administrative Offices, 1201 E. 7th Ave., Tampa FL, 33605

*Proof of age is required to receive the Summer Blast Pass

"The HART Summer Blast Pass provides younger riders the key to their independence and is designed to be a tool to help them get to a summer job, the mall, and beyond," said Benjamin Limmer, HART Chief Executive Officer. "Learning to use public transportation is a skill that serves students well throughout their lives."

HART has introduced a variety of technology improvements over the years to make service more attractive to tech-friendly students, including:

• Free WiFi on buses
• Real-time travel information via a smartphone app, OneBusAway Tampa, and the Google Trip Planner to make mapping trips a breeze.

HART also offers a FREE Travel Training program, to help new riders learn how to use the system. 

For more information, visit www.goHART.org.

HART Establishes Support Funds in Memory of Thomas Dunn

HART has established two financial support funds for Operator Thomas Dunn's family.

Donations for the family fund can be provided at any Tampa Bay Federal Credit Union branch or mailed to: Tampa Bay Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 7492, Tampa, FL

Donations to the family fund should include the following:

• Name of Fund: The Thomas Dunn Memorial Fund
• Memorial ID #: 563719

In addition to the family fund, HART has also created the Thomas Dunn Memorial Scholarship for the children of Mr. Dunn for educational scholarships.

Donations to the Thomas Dunn Memorial Scholarship Fund can be provided online at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/tdmf/.

The HART family stands UNITED following the senseless and tragic passing of Operator Thomas Dunn.

HART CEO Statement to Operator Attack

"We are devastated by the tragic events that took place today involving our HART bus operator. We are working with the Tampa Police Department as they conduct their investigation into this horrific matter," HART Chief Executive Officer Benjamin Limmer said. "We offer our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of the bus operator, as well as to all of our HART colleagues."

City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor to Serve on HART Board

PHOTO: City of Tampa

We are honored to welcome our newest member of the HART Board of Directors, newly elected Tampa Mayor, Jane Castor!

HART CEO Benjamin Limmer announced, "I am honored to welcome Mayor Castor to our Board of Directors. Mayor Castor's presence and leadership will shape the opportunity HART has to provide innovative and sustainable transportation solutions for decades to come.  Mayor Castor will be an asset to the HART Board of Directors and to the organization as a whole."

Mayor Castor's commitment to connect businesses large and small with the communities they serve through increased walkability, bike-ability, rapid-transit buses, and an extension of streetcar routes and innovative solutions are all key to providing our citizens with the frequent, reliable, and convenient public transportation they deserve.

"With the passage of the All For Transportation sales tax, HART has an unprecedented opportunity to invest in our future now" said Mayor Castor. "Our communities in West Tampa, East Tampa, and Sulphur Springs need reliable bus service they can count on. As Mayor, I will use my seat on the HART board to fight for every neighbourhood to have the dependable bus system they deserve through upgrading existi0ng transfer stations and building multi-modal hubs with fixed transit lines that connect riders from Westshore to New Tampa."

HART Employee Inducted into Hillsborough County Women's "Hall of Fame"

Carolyn House Stewart, HART Director of Risk and Legal Services, has been inducted into the Hillsborough Co. Women’s "Hall of Fame". She has earned numerous distinctions throughout her 40-year legal career, becoming the first African-American female from Hillsborough appointed to the Florida Board of Bar Examiners and later the National Bar Association Hall of Fame. Having developed the “Emerging Young Leaders” program, she’s helped over 15,000 girls build leadership skills within their homes, schools, and communities. 

Way to go, Carolyn!

Get on Board with Public Transportation on April 25!

HART joins other public transportation systems nationwide participating in National Get On Board Day on Thursday, April 25.

Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the 2019 National Get On Board Day is a day that encourages people to support public transportation and showcases the benefits it brings to communities. Each weekday in the U.S., 34 million people board public transportation. Locally, HART covers a service area roughly the size of Rhode Island (over 1,000 sq. miles) and carries 34,000 passenger trips daily.

HART will be participating in Get on Board Day by displaying public transportation facts at HART facilities and gathering signatures from customers and employees in support of transit.

Additionally, public transportation is a cornerstone of local economies in urban, suburban, and rural communities. Public transportation helps to make a community economically prosperous and competitive. According to APTA, every $1 invested in public transportation generates approximately $4 in economic returns, powering community growth and revitalization.

With a unified voice, the transportation industry will come together on April 25, 2019 to highlight the many benefits public transit provides to communities.

Please show your support and Get on Board on Thursday!

Ride HART FREE on Earth Day!

Public transportation takes cars (and their pollution) off the road!

The ultimate green initiative is public transportation!

Consider yourself environmentally conscious? Have energy-efficient light bulbs, low-flow shower-heads, and recycle bins in your house, but then drive a gas guzzler to work? There is still work to be done! Use Earth Day as a chance to give the ultimate green initiative a try - public transportation! You just might find out how easy it is to go on a car-free diet.

According to APTA, public transportation reduces energy consumption to the tune of 4.2 billion gallons of gas a year, or the equivalent to 320 million cars filling up - 900,000 times a day. A household's biggest carbon footprint contributor is their car. One person switching their 20-mile commute to public transportation can also reduce their carbon footprint by 4,800 pounds of CO2 annually. CO2, or carbon dioxide emissions have been linked to global climate change.

Ride Free on Earth Day

Ride FREE on Earth Day!

Still not convinced? How about a FREE ride on HART in celebration of Earth Day? Grab a friend, make a day of it, and try HART. We are providing FREE rides on all services on Monday, April 22.

We believe you will be pleasantly surprised at how affordable, clean, and convenient it is to get around with HART.

The cherry on top? There is a good chance that you'll be riding in a clean-burning, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus or van, as HART transitions our fleet away from diesel. HART currently operates 70 CNG buses.

Try transit! Your planet (and wallet) will thank you!

To calculate your carbon emissions savings by switching to transit, visit APTA's Carbon Emissions Savings Calculator.

More Frequent Service is Coming to the TECO Line Streetcar!

Since October 2018, the TECO Line Streetcar has operated fare-free with weekday service every 15 minutes from 7 AM - 7 PM. "Off-peak" service - weekdays after 7 PM and on weekends - remained at every 20 minutes. 

However, that is about to change!

Since the launch of free fares, streetcar ridership has tripled, particularly on the weekends. Weekend service now regularly sees packed cars, with patrons standing. While this is a great "problem" to have, it's still an issue regardless.

To solve the overcrowding, the TECO Line Streetcar is moving to 15-minute service will expand to nights and weekends starting on April 21, 2019! 

Weeknight dinner date in Ybor? We have you covered! Saturday Lightning game? Check!

Leave the wait (and your worries) behind and relax!

Thanks again to the Florida Department of Transportation for assisting us in our continued commitment to meeting the needs of the community we serve!

Visit www.TECOLineStreetcar.org for a live map of the streetcar system and station schedules.

Take Transit to the Women's College Basketball Championship!

Transit service during Championship weekend

The most exciting time in college basketball is here! Tampa plays host to the Women's College Basketball Semi-Final and Championship at Amalie Arena. HART would like to offer a big welcome to all the athletes, students and fans that are in town to see a champion crowned! Tampa has a number of attractions and things to do while in town.

Use HART to get to the following Tampa attractions:

• Busch Gardens - Routes 5, 9, 39
• Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park - Routes 45
• Florida Aquarium - Route 8, the TECO Line Streetcar, Downtowner
• Sparkman Wharf (Dining, retail, Splitsville) - Route 8, the TECO Line Streetcar, Downtowner
• Ybor City Historic District (Centro Ybor) - Routes 5, 8, 9, 12, the TECO Line Streetcar
• International Plaza (Shopping) - 15, 30, 32
• Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) - Route 48
• Amalie Arena (Home of the Final Four) - Route 8, TECO Line Streetcar, Downtowner
• David A. Straz Jr. Center - 1, 7, 19, 30, 60LX, 360LX, Downtowner
• Tampa Convention Center - Route 19, 360LX, TECO Line Streetcar, Downtowner
• Tampa Museum of Art -  Routes 1, 7, 19, 30, 60LX, 360LX, Downtowner
• Tampa Theatre - Routes 1, 7, 8, 19, 30, 60LX, 360LX, Downtowner
• Glazer's Children Museum - Routes 1, 7, 19, 30, 60LX, 360LX, Downtowner
• University of South Florida - Routes 5, 6, 9, 33, 42, 48
• Westshore Plaza (Shopping) - Routes 15, 30, 45
• Raymond James Stadium - Routes 7, 32, 36, 45

HART service to/from Tampa International Airport

Five HART routes serve Tampa International Airport

Flying out? HART has five routes serving Tampa International Airport, seven days a week. Plan your trip on HART!

Visitor Pass

A 3-day Visitor Unlimited HARTride card is your best bet at only $11.75 and valid on all HART local buses and vans.

Real-time Service Information

OneBusAway Tampa provides real-time arrival for HART bus and TECO Line Streetcar service. The free app is available in Android/Apple stores, as well as, on mobile browsers and via text message and touch-tone phone.

The 2.7-mile streetcar serves Ybor, the Channel District and downtown

TECO Line Streetcar Service

The TECO Line Streetcar System is FREE to ride and operates on 2.7 miles of rails, connecting historic Ybor City, the Channel District (Sparkman Wharf, Florida Aquarium), and downtown Tampa.

Streetcar hours during NCAA Final Four:

Friday - 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Saturday - 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Sunday - 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Click here for a map of downtown Tampa's public transportation service.

Need additional assistance? Call 813-254-4278 or visit www.goHART.org for more information.

Have a great time taking in the MADNESS of the Tourney and enjoy all that Tampa has to offer while you're here!

Carolyn House Stewart Honored with "Women on the Move" Recognition

HART's very own Staff Attorney, Carolyn House Stewart, ESQ was recently honored as ONYX Magazine's "Women on the Move" . Stewart is among 22 of Florida’s most impactful and influential women of color who have demonstrated their commitment to excellence, responsible leadership, and service. The recognition highlights women who have shattered the glass ceiling in their professions and persevered against all the odds, according to the magazine’s leaders.

Ms. Stewart has almost 40 years of legal experience and became the first African-American partner at Macfarlane Ferguson & McMullen, one of Florida's oldest law firms.

Ms. Stewart also served as the 28th International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Inc. During that time, she was responsible for guiding policy, developing programs, and setting the leadership tone for 250,000 AKA members in 975 chapters worldwide.

HART is no stranger to ONYX Magazine's "Women on the Move," as HART Vice Chair Melanie Williams is also being recognized this year.

Carla Williams, HART Manager of Community Engagement, was recognized for the award in 2018.

Spot the "Art on HART" Bus for a Chance at a 31-day Pass!

Spot the Art on HART" bus in public? Take a photo & tag #GoHART, #AIATampaBay, #TBFAD for chance at 31-day pass!

HART and the Tampa Bay Foundation for Architecture and Design (TBFAD) partnered in January 2019 to unveil a rolling canvas to be displayed on HART routes throughout Hillsborough County. The project is part of a TBFAD initiative, which places artists' one-of-a-kind designs in highly accessible and visible public spaces. Michael O' Connell's "Soundwaves" was selected after a poll of over 800 HART employees. The 40-ft. moving art canvas brings together art, music and public transportation onto the streets of Hillsborough County! Spot the "Art on HART" bus out in the community? Take a photo and tag #GoHART, #GMFTampa, and #TBFAD on either Facebook or Twitter to enter a monthly raffle for the chance to win a FREE 31-Day Unlimited Ride Pass!