HART COVID 19 UPDATE: HART Announces Temporary Reduction of Service Hours for Transit Service

Beginning April 1, 2020, HART is reducing bus and van service levels due to closures along routes, reduced demand for service, and in support of Hillsborough County's 'Safer-at-Home' order.

HART Operating Service for Essential Trips:

HART will be operating all modes of transit on a Sunday service schedule with regular fares beginning April 1, 2020. HART Administrative Offices and Customer Service Centers will remain open. It is recommended riders travel for essential or emergency purposes only. Any adjustments will be made as needed based on changing conditions.

• Route(s) 20X, 24LX, 25LX and Route 31 will operate regular weekday service (no service reduction).

• Route 75LX will not operate.

• Route(s) 60 and 360 LX will operate regular weekday service, and a Sunday service schedule on weekends.

• Route 275LX will operate regular daily service (no service reduction).

Los servicios de autobús, tranvía, HARTPlus y HARTFlex seran reducidos a partir del miércoles, primero de abril del 2020 debido a la reducción en la cantidad de pasajeros a causa del COVID-19 y para apoyar la orden del condado de Hillsborough "Safer at Home".

el aviso

HARTPlus Operating Regular Service for Essential Trips:

It is recommended that HARTPlus customers cancel any rides that are not necessary, and prioritize reservations for essential or emergency purposes only. Trips can be canceled by calling Customer Service (813) 254-4278 at least two hours in advance. Please call your destination to confirm they are open before boarding, as many community facilities and events have been canceled or closed.

Streetcar Reduced Hours:

The TECO Line Streetcar System service will continue to operate the regular Weekday and Weekend schedule, however, service will end at 9:00 PM nightly.

FREE Rides for Youth 18 and Under:

As of Monday, March 23, 2020, HART is offering free rides to youth 18 and under until regular classes resume. Hillsborough County School District has designated 23 'Grab-and-Go' locations for pickup of nutritious meals during school closures from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM. HART asks students to take only ESSENTIAL trips on transit.

No Public Meetings:

HART has canceled all public meetings (including committee meetings and board meetings) through Monday, April 13, 2020.

HART's number one priority is the health of our employees and customers. As such, HART has implemented an enhanced disinfection regime to reduce the spread of COVID-19, which includes disinfecting frequent touch-points such as: vehicle entry ways, steering wheels/controllers, operator seats, protective shields, modesty panels, stanchion bars, customer seat backs and hand rails on buses, vans and streetcars. All HART facilities surfaces, door knobs, sinks, faucets, hand rails and other common areas are also being disinfected.

We ask customers to practice good hygiene and social distancing and for those that may be sick, to look at other commuting options, such as telecommunication. If you do not have to travel, please don't.

HART will continue to operate service as long as possible, as public transportation is a vital resource for many needing to stock up on supplies, get to work, or to the doctor.

However, HART remains in constant communication with our local, state, and national partners and will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation.

Visit www.goHART.org for the latest HART service information.

HART COVID-19 UPDATE: FREE Rides on HART for Youth 18 and Under

HCPS "Grab-and-Go" Food Locations

Beginning Monday, March 23, HART will offer free rides to students with a school ID or HART Youth ID on regular routes service Hillsborough County Schools. These designated 'Grab-and-Go' locations are pickup sites nutritious meals as the Hillsborough County School District opens.

Many of HART's fixed bus routes provide service to the 147 designated "Grab-and-Go" locations across Hillsborough County. These locations will serve as pick-up sites for breakfast and lunch pre-packaged meals to make sure students have accessibility to nutritious food during school closures and virtual learning.

From March 23rd through April 15th, each designated location will serve food to students 18 years old and younger from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m according to the District.

Parents and caregivers can drive or walk-up to these sites but HART is collaborating with the Hillsborough County School District to make sure all students have the chance to pickup meals. 

Free rides should only be used for essential travel such as the "Grab-and-Go" program. Please stagger seating and practice social distancing while on board.

Customers can use the HART Trip Planner to navigate to "Grab-and-Go" locations throughout Hillsborough County.

For more information, visit www.goHART.org or call HART customer service at (813) 254-4278.

HART service to "Grab and Go" Food Locations

HART COVID-19 UPDATE: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

CUSTOMER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

In coordination with the Hillsborough County Office of Emergency in response to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) HART’s goal is to maintain as much service with the minimum inconvenience to customers. The top priority is to protect employees while minimizing inconvenience to customers.

What is HART doing to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 when using public transit services?

HART is disinfecting its fleet help reduce the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19. Our enhanced regimen includes additional disinfecting of frequent touchpoints such as disinfecting vehicle entry ways, fare boxes, steering wheels, operator seats, protective shields, modesty panels, stanchion bars, customer seat backs and hand rails on buses, vans and streetcars. All HART facilities’ surfaces, door knobs, sinks, faucets, hand rails and other common areas are being disinfected as well as customer amenities. 

The cleaning agents used in this effort are deemed effective for these purposes and contain anti-viral components such as bleach/water mixes and other disinfectant sprays.

HART is working in coordination with the Hillsborough County's Office of Emergency Management, in support of the public health response to slow the spread of COVID-19.

We are recommending that all HART employees and customers stay vigilant with good hygiene practices as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and stay home if you are sick. On-board signage and announcements have been installed to encourage seat staggering while riding.

We also ask that customers limit use of the HART systems for trips that are essential and necessary.

Has HART changed service yet?

As of Wednesday, April 1, 2020, HART will temporarily reduce service hours and operate all modes of transit on a Sunday service schedule with regular fares, due to closures along routes, reduced demand for service, and to support Hillsborough County's “Safer-at-Home” order. HART will also operate service Monday through Friday for Routes 20X, 24LX, 25LX, 31, and 60LX on their regular weekday schedule. There will be no HARTFlex service.

• All HART public meetings are cancelled until April 13, 2020
• TECO Streetcar will have abbreviated operating hours beginning March 20, 2020.
  The abbreviated service hours reflect the recent shutdown of bars and other entertainment activities, and the limiting of restaurant hours due to COVID-19.
  
  
  Temporary streetcar service hours:

§  Monday - Friday: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

§  Saturday - Sunday: 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

How does the current Hillsborough County "Safer-at-Home" order and 9 PM - 5 AM curfew impact HART service?

The curfew currently does not apply to essential workers or essential trips. Public transportation is exempt from the order, as we continue to serve essential workers.

What if a HART vehicle has transported someone with COVID-19?

If a vehicle has been identified that a suspected or confirmed case of a patron or HART employee tested positive for COVID-19, the vehicle will be quarantined and disinfected by HART's HAZMAT vendor, Bio 1. The vehicle is safe for service 90 minutes after it has been disinfected.

What can I do to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

It is recommended that customers travel for emergency or essential purposes only. If you are sick, we ask you not to ride HART. People riding on public transit are encouraged to practice social distancing by allowing enough space from each other. It is recommended for everyone to stay vigilant with good hygiene practices as outlined by the CDC: 

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw it in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow to avoid contaminating your hands.

Is HART limiting the number of riders per bus?

We are encouraging social distancing to customers. Staggered seating signs, encouraging riders to sit in every other row, are posted on all buses. We ask customers who are sick to stay home and to limit their travel to essential trips.

What is HART’s service plan to deal with COVID-19?

As of Wednesday, April 1, 2020, HART will temporarily reduce service hours and operate all modes of transit on a Sunday service schedule with regular fares, due to closures along routes, reduced demand for service, and support of the Hillsborough County “Safer-at-Home” order. HART will also operate service Monday through Friday for Routes 20X, 24LX, 25LX, 31, and 60LX on their regular weekday schedule. There will be no HARTFlex service.

What if Pandemic conditions require the complete quarantine of Hillsborough County?

If pandemic conditions require a complete quarantine of Hillsborough County, all regularly scheduled bus, paratransit and streetcar service will be discontinued. All rolling stock and facilities will be properly secured. 

Restoration of service will require up to three (3) days to complete. Restoration will happen in the reverse order of the service reduction:

• Step 1: Staff requirements will be assessed.
• Step 2: Operator for all modes of transit will be contacted by Operations Control Center.
• Step 3: Vehicles will be inspected for service readiness.
• Step 4: Customer Service representatives will begin contacting subscription customers for Paratransit reservations.
• Step 5: Begin service delivery

How will I know when HART reduces service?

Continue to check www.GoHART.org or call Customer Service (813) 254-4278 for the latest updates. 

Will HART give employees masks to address their fears of contracting the COVID-19?

HART is providing gloves, facemasks, and sanitizer to service workers daily as supply numbers permit. The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, such as avoiding touching your eyes or nose, and covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue. HART is reminding front line employees of these preventive measures.

HART COVID 19 UPDATE

UPDATE: 7.8.2020:

Four additional bus operators and a van operator have tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). This brings the total number of cases of HART employees testing positive for the coronavirus to 22 – including 11 bus operators, 2 van operators, 1 streetcar motorperson, and 8 other employees.

UPDATE: 7.6.2020: 

One Streetcar Motorperson has tested positive for the Coronavirus. The Streetcar motorperson last worked June 16-17. 

This brings the total number of cases of HART employees testing positive for the coronavirus to 15 – including 5 bus operators, 1 van operator, 1 streetcar motorperson, and 8 other employees.

UPDATE: 7.2.2020:

All HART employees are now being tested for COVID-19. Currently, 12 HART employees have tested positive since March 2020.

UPDATE: 6.19.2020:

By City of Tampa Executive Order 2020-27, HART customers are now REQUIRED to wear face coverings on public transit vehicles and inside HART facilities. 

Two additional employees have tested positive for the coronavirus. This brings the total number of cases at HART to seven. Both employees are not bus operators or in public-facing roles. 

UPDATE: 6.18.2020:
A fifth HART employee has tested positive for the coronavirus.

UPDATE: 6.12.2020: 

The TECO Line Streetcar is now operating until 11 PM, seven days a week. This is the first step in our transition back to regular service.

UPDATE: 5.11.2020: 

Learn more about HART's COVID-19 response efforts.

UPDATE: 4.30.2020:

A second HART operator has tested positive for COVID-19. There are now two confirmed cases of COVID-19 at HART.

4.20.2020:
In an effort to maintain service reliability during the COVID-19 pandemic, HART is announcing an additional reduction of transit service beginning Wednesday, April 22, 2020.

ALERTA DE SERVICIO: Para mantener un nivel de servicio fiable durante la Pandemia de #COVID19, HART anuncia reducciones adicionales de servicios de tránsito. Estos cambios temporales son efectivos el miércoles 22 de abril del 2020.  el aviso

4.14.2020: 

HART has received confirmation that one of our team members has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). This is the first confirmed case of a HART employee testing positive for the coronavirus.

3.30.2020:

HART has announced a reduction of bus, van, and streetcar service levels, beginning April 1, 2020. These service changes reflect closures along routes, reduced demand for service, and in support of Hillsborough County's 'Safer-at-Home' order.

Los servicios de autobús, tranvía, HARTPlus y HARTFlex seran reducidos a partir del miércoles, primero de abril del 2020 debido a la reducción en la cantidad de pasajeros a causa del COVID-19 y para apoyar la orden del condado de Hillsborough "Safer at Home".

el aviso

3.20.2020: 

A COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is now available. Have a question not covered in the FAQ? Reach out to our social channels or call Customer Service at 813-254-4278.

Beginning on Monday, March 23, 2020, HART service will be FREE to youth 18 and under with valid School or HART Youth ID until regular classes resume. The Hillsborough County School District has designated 23 'Grab-and-Go' locations for pickup of nutritious meals during school closures and virtual learning. 

Many of HART's fixed-bus routes provide service to designated "Grab-and-Go" locations across Hillsborough County. These locations will serve as pick-up sites for breakfast and lunch which are packed and distributed. 

3.19.2020: 

Service hours on the TECO Line Streetcar System are being reduced beginning March 20, 2020. The abbreviated service hours reflect the recent shutdown of bars and other entertainment activities, and the limiting of restaurant hours due to COVID-19. These hours will be in effect indefinitely.

New temporary streetcar service hours:

• Monday – Thursday: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
•  Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Saturday – Sunday: 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Public transportation is a vital resource for many needing to stock up on supplies, get to work, or to the doctor.

3.17.2020: 

The health and safety of our customers and employees is our highest priority. We are writing to update you on the many precautions we are taking in response to the coronavirus, or COVID-19.

HART continues to follow guidelines from the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Hillsborough County Health Department to try and slow the spread of COVID-19.

HART and TECO Line Streetcar service levels remain normal at this time. However, HART continues to monitor the situation. We understand public transportation is a vital resource for many needing to stock up on supplies, get to work, or to the doctor.

All common areas are being disinfected

HART has increased the frequency in our cleaning/disinfecting regime, which includes the following:

• HART Vehicles: entryways, fare boxes, steering wheels, seats, safety barriers, and handrails

• HART Facilities: door knobs, sinks, faucets, hand rails and other common areas

Please remember to continue to take the following personal precautions:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw it in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow to avoid contaminating your hands.

Please practice social distancing. We ask that if you are ill, please stay home, or look at other options such as telecommuting. If you are on board, please be mindful of other customers.

Stay tuned for updates and thank you for riding HART.

We are all in this together.