TECO Line Streetcar Service Extended Until 1 a.m. for New Year's Eve!

Credit: Visit Tampa Bay

The Tampa skyline will light up Sunday night to celebrate the New Year with thousands watching from multiple locations along the Tampa Riverwalk.

Regardless of where you celebrate downtown, the TECO Line Streetcar System is your best bet to avoid expected traffic and parking issues! Park in Ybor City, and take in the Reliaquest Bowl Parade beginning at 5:30 p.m. Following the parade's end, you can take the Streetcar downtown (hop off at Dick Greco Plaza) and only park once!

The Streetcar is FREE and operates until 1 a.m. The NYE firework displays are scheduled to begin at Midnight.

Click here for a map of the Downtown network of services, including streetcar, and HART local service.

Should you plan on driving to the festivities...

American Automobile Association (AAA) offers a complimentary "Tow-to-Go" service for those who might have had too much holiday "cheer" this year. The service is available to everyone, meaning you don't have to be a AAA member. Call 1-855-286-9246 (you might want to save this number in your phone now) and a tow truck will come out and tow you and your car home safely - for FREE. 

Whether you enjoy your New Year's Eve with us or not, please be SAFE!

New Year's Eve Service:

HART is operating on a Sunday schedule for New Year's Eve. The TECO Line Streetcar will operate from 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 a.m. The TECO Line Streetcar will operate every 12-15 minutes.

HART Customer Service will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and can be reached at (813) 254-4278.

New Year's Day Service:

HART is operating on a Sunday schedule for New Year's Day. The TECO Line Streetcar System will operate 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. HART Customer Service Centers and HART offices will be closed.

HART Customer Service will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and can be reached at (813) 254-4278.

Safe travels in 2024!

 

HART to Implement Service Changes on Sunday, December 10, 2023

HART is implementing service changes to several HART routes on Sunday, December 10, 2023, to improve efficiency and the customer experience.

Service with Routing Changes / Servicio con cambios de ruta: Routes 8 and 9

• Map (English / Spanish)

Minor Schedule Changes / Nuevos horarios: Routes 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 30, 31, 34, 36, 48, and HARTFlex Port Tampa

• Minor time point changes

Service with Reduced Frequency / La frecuencia se está reduciendo: Routes 19, 33

• Route 19 - Frequency reduced to hourly
• Route 33 - Frequency reduced to hourly to improve connections at UATC.

Increased Late Night Service (extra evening trip): Route 33

HART customers can visit goHART.org to view the service changes or contact Customer Service at (813) 254-4278 for more information.

FLAMINGO FLASH SALE - 50% Off HART 31-Day Passes!

Black Friday turns into #FlamingoFriday this week with a special offer on HART 31-Day passes via the Flamingo Fares app!

Flamingo Fares users can use promo code BLKFR31DR on the mobile app for 50% off a HART 31-Day Pass!

Discount passholders can use BLKFR31DD for 50% off a HART 31-Day Discount Pass.

The Flamingo Flash Sale is exclusively available on Flamingo Fares. The promotion is valid from November 24, 2023 - November 27, 2023.

The Winter Village Express Returns for the Season!

Winter Village Express operates Sundays through Dec. 17!

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

The Tampa Downtown Partnership is once again holding its 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 17 - January 1.

Along with the Winter Village comes the transformation of the TECO Line Streetcar System into the Winter Village Express! Launching November 17, the Winter Village Express offers a festive experience aboard a holiday-themed Streetcar. Enjoy treats, music, and fun while onboard!

The Winter Village Express will operate every Sunday through December 17. You can pick up the Winter Village Express at Whiting Station in Downtown Tampa (Station #11).

The Winter Village is open 11/17-1/1

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 www.wintervillagetampa.com/.

Happy Holidays!

HART Welcomes Commissioner Cameron-Cepeda to the Board of Directors!

Commissioner Donna Cameron-Cepeda

Please join us in welcoming Commissioner Dr. Donna Cameron-Cepeda to the HART Board! Commissioner Cameron-Cepeda was appointed by the Hillsborough County BOCC and will represent Hillsborough County on the Board.

Commissioner Cameron-Cepeda is an Army Veteran, and Author. She has worked as a Financial Analyst for a multi-billion-dollar corporation.

She has also served as an Associate Professor at Life Christian University. Dr. Donna has touched many lives through her life of service as a licensed and ordained minister, pastoral counseling people that have life trauma, PTSD, drug and alcohol addictions and other spiritual issues. She has a great love for people and is involved in the community extensively.

Commissioner Cameron-Cepeda will replace Commissioner Patricia "Pat" Kemp, who has served on the HART Board since 2018.

HART would like to thank Commissioner Kemp for her service on the HART Board of Directors and her commitment to the Agency during her tenure.

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The HART Board is responsible for setting policy and making decisions for the Authority on matters ranging from system operations, service planning, fare structure, finance, customer service, and is made up of 14 volunteers who are appointed to represent Hillsborough County (seven seats), City of Tampa (four seats), State of Florida (two seats) and City of Temple Terrace (one seat). Officers of the HART Board (chair, vice-chair and secretary) are elected every year.

HART Honors Military with Free Rides on Veterans Day

In appreciation for the contributions of the men and women who have served in our nation's armed forces, the Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) is offering free rides to U.S. military veterans on Veterans Day, Saturday, November 11, 2023.      

HART extends this invitation to ride to all members of the armed services, both active and retired, as well as to their family members or dependents. Riders are asked to show a valid military or veteran ID card when boarding any HART bus to qualify for a free ride.

"This is a token of our gratitude to all veterans, the silent heroes, who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedoms," said Scott Drainville, HART CEO. "We also recognize the veterans within HART who have served across various branches of the armed forces and who work diligently to carry out the Agency's mission."

  

HART is proud to actively hire veterans, who constitute a vital part of our HART team. The HART organizational family currently includes more than 60 employees who are veterans, each with a special story of bravery and sacrifice.

Almost 13% of the HART current workforce consists of veterans who serve across several departments and specialities including vehicle operations, vehicle maintenance, revenue planning, safety/security, customer service, and information technology.

Hiring former military personnel brings to our team a unique blend of qualities that are essential for success in any organization: discipline, dedication, leadership, and a strong sense of duty. Their unwavering commitment to their mission and the ability to work effectively under pressure make them an invaluable asset to Team HART.

Veterans Day Service

HART service will operate on a regular Saturday service schedule for Veterans Day. The TECO Line Streetcar System will operate on a Saturday service schedule from 8:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.

HART Customer Service will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and can be reached by calling (813) 254-4278 or TDD (813) 626-9158. HART Customer Service Centers at the University Area Transit Center and the Marion Transit Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All other HART offices will be closed.

HART Board Appoints Scott Drainville as Permanent CEO

HART CEO Scott Drainville

The HART Board of Directors appointed Scott Drainville as the Authority's new Chief Executive Officer at the November 6, 2023, Board Meeting.

Mr. Drainville has been serving as the HART Interim CEO since April 2023.

  

The decision to promote Mr. Drainville was announced after a vote by the HART Board of Directors to approve his contract as permanent CEO.

            

HART hired Mr. Drainville in 2018 as Deputy Chief of Maintenance, overseeing the Authority's core business in maintenance, facilities, inventory control and the communications/electronics divisions and responsible for directing the overall funding, environmental, design, permitting, construction, and project close-out of capital construction projects. He would go on to serve as Chief of Maintenance and Transportation.

 

“Scott Drainville is a partner with our Board in bringing more transparency to HART, said HART Chair Councilman Luis Viera. "I and our Board of Republicans and Democrats enthusiastically gave Mr. Drainville a unanimous approval for a reason - because he is the right person with the right values and for the right time for HART.”

 

"I appreciate the confidence the Board of Directors has placed in my ability to lead HART," said HART CEO Scott Drainville. "My focus is on bringing stability to the organization and continuing to maximize our resources to deliver the best possible transportation service for Hillsborough County."

      

Mr. Drainville is a native of East Providence, Rhode Island who brings more than thirty years of public transportation and fleet maintenance experience to the organization. He started his career as a diesel technician in the late '80s.

Before coming to HART, Mr. Drainville served as the Director of Transportation and Maintenance for CitiBus located in Lubbock, Texas. He has also held transit leadership positions at the D.C. Circulator in Washington D.C. and served as a Mechanical Foreman with the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority for more than eighteen years.

BOCC Appoints Two New Board Members; Reappoints One

Please join HART staff in welcoming Gary Hartfield and John King Jr. as newly-appointed HART Board members, representing Hillsborough County. We are also excited to announce that Director Marvin Knight was reappointed for another term and will continue his tenure on the Board.

Gary T. Hartfield is an award-winning serial entrepreneur, leader, author, and philanthropist. He is the president and CEO of six Residential Group Homes throughout Florida, delivering personalized and therapeutic healthcare services for the elderly and developmentally disabled. Gary is also the founder and CEO of Serenity Village Insurance & Consulting, a full-service agency providing insurance solutions to clients throughout Florida and Georgia. Mr. Hartfield's key business roles and accomplishments extend to the nonprofit realm, where he serves as the CEO and Chairman of Empower Florida, Inc., an association representing the needs of more than 20,000 business owners who serve the intellectually and developmentally disabled throughout Florida. He also serves on multiple boards and councils, including the Tampa Bay Chamber, Career Source Tampa Bay, the CEO Council, the Nonprofit Leadership Center, The Skills Center, Live Tampa Bay, and the Tampa Organization of Black Affairs.

Gary T. Hartfield

John King, Jr., is a native Floridian and resided in Hillsborough County since 2008. Mr. King graduated from Florida State University and retired from the United States Navy after serving for 22 years as a military intelligence officer. Prior to his military service, Mr. King worked as a risk management consultant for MG Consulting in Atlanta, Georgia, restructuring Commercial General Liability, and Commercial Property and Casualty loss portfolios and reinsurance contracts. Mr. King currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Carrollwood Village Homeowners Association. Mr. King is a former aide to Congressman Charles E. Bennett of Florida.

John King, Jr.

Marvin Knight, a current HART Board member, has been reappointed for his third term on the HART Board of Directors. Mr. Knight has a degree in electronic technology and computer electronics. Mr. Knight is very active in the community; he is Hillsborough County Honorary Deputy, a member of NAACP, and Freddie Solomon Boys and Girls Club. Marvin Knight has been a member of the HART Finance and Audit, Operations and Safety Committees, and Revenue Alternatives Ad Hoc Committee.

Marvin Knight

We are looking forward to your input and active involvement in support of HART’s mission “to take people to the places that enhance their lives”.

New appointees replace the previous Hillsborough County appointees Rena Frazier and Eric Johnson. HART would like to thank them for their service on the HART Board of Directors and commitment to the Agency during their tenure.

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The HART Board is responsible for setting policy and making decisions for the Authority on matters ranging from system operations, service planning, fare structure, finance, customer service, and is made up of 14 volunteers who are appointed to represent Hillsborough County (seven seats), City of Tampa (four seats), State of Florida (two seats) and City of Temple Terrace (one seat). Officers of the HART Board (chair, vice-chair and secretary) are elected every year.

The TECO Line Streetcar Hits All-Time Annual Ridership Record

The TECO Line Streetcar smashed the all-time annual ridership record in FY2023 (October 1, 2022 - September 30, 2023) with 1,315,103 passenger trips.

It was the highest annual ridership in over 20 years of TECO Line Streetcar service.

The TECO Line Streetcar has broken several monthly ridership records over the past year including the best month in the Streetcar's modern history with 127,863 passenger trips reported in March 2023.

The record ridership is attributed to an increase in frequency to every 12 minutes during peak hours, population growth along the streetcar line, and near-record tourism to Tampa.

"We are elated to be celebrating another year of record ridership on the Streetcar," said Scott Drainville, Interim CEO, Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART). "The success of the Streetcar is a result of our community coming together to invest in public transportation."

The TECO Line Streetcar is a partnership between HART, the City of Tampa, and Tampa Historic Streetcar, Inc. October 2023 marks 21 years since the iconic yellow streetcars returned to Tampa streets.

HART Receives FDOT Grant to Keep the TECO Line Streetcar Fare-Free

Streetcar operating near Centro Ybor in Ybor City

HART is pleased to announce the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has awarded HART a Commuter Assistance grant totaling $700,000. The FDOT grant will permit the TECO Line Streetcar to remain fare-free for an additional year.

The TECO Line Streetcar has routinely broken ridership records since FDOT awarded HART a $2.7 million Innovation Grant in 2018 allowing the Streetcar to go fare-free and expand service - increased frequency and service hours.

"HART is very excited to receive this FDOT grant to keep the TECO Line Streetcar fare-free," said Scott Drainville, Interim HART Chief Executive Officer. "HART appreciates the continued support of Secretary Gwynn and FDOT staff in identifying grant funding for the Streetcar."

In addition to FDOT, the TECO Line Streetcar is funded by the City of Tampa, the Downtown Community Redevelopment Areas (CRAs), and the Tampa Downtown Partnership. HART will work with the partners to hopefully identify funding to keep the Streetcar fare-free for the foreseeable future.

The TECO Line Streetcar System has carried 1,249,511 passenger trips so far in FY2023.

HART Hurricane Idalia Update

 

LATEST HART HURRICANE IDALIA NEWS

HART) is returning to regular weekday service on HART buses (local, limited express), vans (HARTFlex and HARTPlus) and the TECO Line Streetcar on Thursday, August 31, 2023.

Customers should be advised that select trips may be delayed, due to operator staffing level and possible road detours.

The TECO Line Streetcar System will operate from 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.

HART Retail Sales windows at Transit Centers will be open regular hours (6 a.m. - 6 p.m.) and Customer Service is currently closed but will be available Thursday from 5 a.m. - 9 p.m. Customers can call 813-254-4278 with any questions or concerns or to book HARTPlus paratransit reservations.

Riders should continue to monitor HART's In-Transit Blog, Facebook and Twitter or contact the HART InfoLine at 813-254-4278 for the latest service information.

Customers can visit www.goHART.org for maps, schedules and more.

CURRENT SERVICE STATUS - 8.30.23

HART to Suspend All Service on Wednesday, August 30, 2023

For the safety of our riders and employees, the HART plans to cease all bus, van, and streetcar service on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.

With potential overnight impacts to the Tampa Bay area from Hurricane Idalia, HART staff will spend Wednesday conducting damage assessment, moving buses back to the Operations Center from higher ground, checking routes for debris, etc.

Riders should continue to monitor HART's In-Transit Blog, Facebook and Twitter or contact the HART InfoLine at 813-254-4278 for the latest service information. Customer Service Centers are CLOSED on Tuesday.

HART Hosts First Pathways to Business Expo!

Prospective businesses network with local government agencies

Networking

HART DBE/SBE staff hosted the first Pathways to Business Expo on August 17, 2023, at the C. Blythe Andrews Library. This event was held in an effort to connect small and disadvantaged businesses within the Tampa Bay Area with the information and resources needed to do business with government agencies. 

Staff was on hand to help small businesses register to do business with HART. Small businesses were able to network with other local government agencies that can help with DBE & SBE certifications, help find small business loans, offer training on completing bid proposals and help with finding contract opportunities with local and federal government entities.

Comm. Gwen Myers

Forty-three prospective businesses attended the expo, along with special guest Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers and community leader Marvin Knight. Prospective businesses met with 16 representatives as they networked and learned about current opportunities. Participants could get their passport card stamped at each table for a chance at a drawing for a gift card. Brocato’s Sandwich Shop, which is a small minority-owned business, provided bagged lunches for all participants and vendors and donated (20) $15.00 gift cards for the raffle.

HART’s ICEO Mr. Scott Drainville was in attendance and gave a warm welcome to the participants and vendors in attendance. 

St. Pete Office of Supplier Diversity

Pathways to Business Expo Participant List:

• HART (procurement, facility maintenance, asset management, marketing, project management)
  
• Tampa International Airport
• Hillsborough County (Minority, Women, & Small Business Certification)
• Hillsborough County Department of Procurement
• City of Tampa Equal Business Opportunity
• Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce
• Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) @ USF
• Pinellas County SBDC
• City of St. Petersburg SBE Program
• Hillsborough SBDC
• Prospera (Advancing Hispanic Business)

Thanks to everyone for joining us! 

Interested in working with HART? View current HART opportunities.

HART to Implement Service Changes on Sunday, August 20, 2023

HART is implementing service changes to several HART routes on Sunday, August 20, 2023, to improve efficiency and the customer experience.

Minor Schedule Changes: Routes 10,16, 30

• Minor time point changes

Minor Route Changes: Routes 12, 30

• Route 12 detour (routing to serve Encore better) will become permanent
• Route 30 detour (new weekday travel pattern due to Westshore Social Security office closure) will become permanent

HART customers can visit goHART.org to view the service changes or contact Customer Service at (813) 254-4278 for more information.

HART Needs Input on Proposed Program of Projects for FY2023

HART receives federal funding annually through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) which is used for operating expenses and capital projects. HART staff has developed a proposed FY 2023 Program of Projects (POP) to utilize this funding. 

A Public Hearing is scheduled for June 1, 2023, from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM; 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM at the Marion Transit Center (1211 N Marion St, Tampa, FL 33602) to give individuals and/or groups the opportunity to present their views and comments regarding HART’s proposed application for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Urbanized Area formula funds.

The public may also provide comment via:

• HART Website - Comments/Suggestions
• Mobile - OneBusAway Tampa app
• Mail - HART, attention to Community Engagement, 1201 E. 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605
• Phone - HART Customer Service (813) 254-4278

HART welcomes all comments on or before June 1, 2023. 

If no material changes are made, this will be the final HART Program of Projects for FY 2023.

HART to Implement Service Changes on Sunday, May 14, 2023

HART is implementing service changes to several HART routes on Sunday, May 14, 2023, to improve the customer experience.

The biggest change in service will be the introduction of HARTFlex to three new areas - Port Tampa (replacing Route 17), East Fletcher (replacing the Hidden River portion of Route 33), and Brandon (replacing the Route 46). Initially, the services will operate like a normal fixed-route service, but in the near future (most likely the end of summer), HARTFlex customers will be able to book via an app (like Uber/Lyft) on-demand HART stop to stop trips. The ultimate goal will be to provide the ability for point-to-point trips within the zone!

New HARTFlex Service

• HARTFlex Port Tampa (former Route 17)
• HARTFlex East Fletcher (former Route 33 - Hidden River portion)
• HARTFlex Brandon (former Route 46)

Minor Route and Schedule Changes

• Route 7
• Route 32
• Route 45
• Route 360LX
• HARTFlex South County

Service with Only Schedule Changes

• Route 1
• Route 5 (improved frequency)
• Route 6
• Route 10
• Route 12
• Route 16
• Route 19 (improved frequency)
• Route 32 (improved frequency)
• Route 33
• Route 34
• Route 36
• Route 39
• Route 42
• Route 45
• Route 400 (MetroRapid)

HART customers can visit goHART.org to view the service changes or contact Customer Service at (813) 254-4278 for more information.

HART Board Statement on Action to End CEO Le Grand's Employment

HART Board Statement on Tuesday's board action to end CEO Adelee Le Grand's employment:

“In light of the agreement between the HART Board and CEO Adelee Le Grand to end her employment with HART effective May 2, 2023, we welcome the closure that Tuesday's settlement brings. We remain committed to transparency and exceeding the expectations of taxpayers who fund our mission.  

HART can now move forward to continue to focus on the outstanding 800+ hard-working men and women throughout the agency as well as the thousands that rely on them and our service daily."

HART Board Statement on the Vote to Suspend HART CEO Adelee Le Grand with Pay

Official statement of the HART Board regarding the board action on Monday, March 27, 2023, to suspend HART CEO Adelee Le Grand with pay:

"The HART Board voted on Monday to suspend CEO Adelee Le Grand with pay following the final report of the investigative attorney David Adams. The Board is expected to make a decision on Ms. Le Grand’s future with the agency at a special board meeting to be determined in the near future. We remain as a Board committed to transparency and the expectations of taxpayers who fund our mission.  In the meantime, Scott Drainville, Chief of Maintenance and Transportation, has been named as Interim CEO.

Despite our current circumstances, HART remains fully committed to our mission.  And we remain committed to the hard-working men and women who give all they have on the job for our mission."

TECO Line Streetcar Service to Increase Frequency Starting Sunday

Starting this Sunday, March 19, 2023, the TECO Line Streetcar System is increasing peak hour service Friday through Sunday. The TECO Line Streetcar currently operates every 15 minutes. However, starting on Sunday, service frequency increases to every 12 minutes during peak hours to accommodate the large, standing-room-only crowds the Streetcar experiences on the weekends. The Streetcar continues to break ridership records and carried over a million riders in FY2022. The new enhanced streetcar service will be effective Friday through Sunday, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. The enhanced streetcar service is possible thanks to increased funding from the Downtown, Channel District and Ybor City Community Redevelopment Areas (CRAs) and the Tampa Downtown Partnership. "The TECO Line Streetcar continues to show what an investment in public transportation can provide with enhanced connectivity in the area and increased foot traffic to businesses," said Tampa Historic Streetcar, Inc. President Michael English. "The TECO Line Streetcar provides a viable transportation alternative for residents, workers and visitors in downtown and historic Ybor City". The TECO Line Streetcar System operating hours beginning Sunday, March 19, 2023: Monday - Thursday: 7 a.m. - 11 p.m., every 15 minutes Friday: 7 a.m. - 1 p.m., every 15 minutes 1 p.m. - 9 p.m., every 12 minutes 9 p.m. - 2 a.m., every 15 minutes Saturday: 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., every 15 minutes 1 p.m. - 9 p.m., every 12 minutes 9 p.m. - 2 a.m., every 15 minutes Sunday: 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., every 15 minutes 1 p.m. - 9 p.m., every 12 minutes 9 p.m. - 11 p.m., every 15 minutes The TECO Line Streetcar is an agreement between HART, the City of Tampa, and Tampa Historic Streetcar, Inc. and includes the Florida Department of Transportation, the Downtown, Channel District, and Ybor City CRAs and the Tampa Downtown Partnership as funding partners. For more information on the TECO Line Streetcar, visit TECOLineStreetcar.org.

 

HART Operators Compete in Tampa Bay Regional Roadeo!

HART, MCAT and PSTA held the annual Regional Roadeo last weekend at PSTA's Operations and Maintenance Facility. Bus operators from HART, MCAT and PSTA showcased their driving skills in various challenges.

Almost 40 operators were judged on a rigid, scored course, consisting of different obstacles. Operators were evaluated on 16 criteria including a pre-trip inspection of their vehicle, uniform compliance, 11 different driving challenges, smoothness of operation, and safety habits - all on a timed course. 

Participants also had to conduct a vehicle inspection to locate pre-set defects that would render the vehicle inoperable and/or unsafe.

HART Bus Operator Crystal Edwards placed #2 out of 37 HART, MCAT and PSTA operators and was among seven HART operators competing in the Roadeo. 

Joining these competitors were employees and vendors from both agencies who volunteered as judges and assessed contestants driving skills, knowledge of safety rules, time performance and maintenance skills. 

HART's first, second and third place winners

Roadeo Results (Among HART operators)

• 1st Place - Crystal Edwards - 2nd place overall
• 2nd Place - Guarionex Falero Ramos
• 3rd Place - Tia Allen

Crystal Edwards now advances to the State Roadeo held in Orlando. Winners from the State competition move on to the APTA International Bus Roadeo.

HART Riders Can Now Pay Via Debit, Credit, Google Pay and Apple Pay!

Tampa Bay transit riders (HART/PSTA/The Bus) can now tap to ride across the region using credit and debit cards, digital wallets (Google Pay or Apple Pay), as well as the Flamingo Fares smartcard or mobile app.

"We are excited to offer our customers another way to pay their fare,” said Adelee Le Grand, Chief Executive Officer, HART. “Contactless payments on Flamingo Fares not only provide our customers with greater ease of access, removing another barrier from riding transit, but also assists in speeding up the boarding process, improving travel times.”

The Flamingo Fares system has fare capping implemented, meaning passengers always receive the lowest price as the system automatically caps prices whenever riders reach the daily or monthly thresholds. Riders using contactless payments (debit/credit/Google Pay/Apple Pay) will be able to take advantage of daily fare capping. 

Please note: Discount fare riders must use their Flamingo Fares smartcard or mobile app to receive the reduced fare. 

Attempts to use the same contactless payment multiple times (multiple riders) upon boarding will result in a failed transaction.

Flamingo Fares Tampa Bay launched in 2020.

To learn more about contactless payments and Flamingo Fares, visit www.FlamingoFares.com

HART CEO Adelee Le Grand Named To Power 100 List For 2nd Consecutive Year

The Tampa Bay Business Journal has named HART CEO Adelee Le Grand, AICP, as one of Tampa Bay’s most influential business leaders.

On February 1, the publication released its annual Power 100 List, recognizing Le Grand amongst a host of other prominent local business leaders, including the owners of the local sports franchises, as well as the CEOs of Publix, the University of South Florida and Tampa International Airport.

The Power 100 list recognizes individuals for their leadership qualities, and how their work helps to "shape the paths and fortunes" of the regional business community. 

This marks Le Grand’s second consecutive year on the influential list.

Inclusion on this list demonstrates how Le Grand has been strategic in building relationships with business and civic leaders whose support of public transit is key to expanding customer-focused mobility options in Hillsborough County.

Since her arrival at HART in January 2021, Le Grand has been laser-focused on creating a new vision for the organization by establishing trust and transparency, cultivating a culture of operational excellence and building meaningful strategic partnerships. 

You can read the article here. 

HART CEO Adelee Marie Le Grand, AICP

The TECO Line Streetcar Hits All-Time Ridership Record

Credit: Visit Tampa Bay

The TECO Line Streetcar smashed the all-time monthly ridership record in December 2022 with 118,575 trips.

It was the highest monthly ridership in over 20 years of TECO Line Streetcar service.

The TECO Line Streetcar has broken several ridership records over the past year with the previous monthly record achieved in March 2022 with 107,956 trips reported. The Streetcar also ended Fiscal Year 2022 (October 2021 - September 31, 2022) with all-time annual ridership of over a million trips taken.

The record ridership is attributed to population growth along the Streetcar line, visitors in town for events such as the ReliaQuest Bowl, and an overall return in Hillsborough County tourism.

"When we opened the streetcar system, there were very few people living in downtown and Ybor City," said Michael English, President, Tampa Historic Streetcar, Inc. "Now, people are riding it, not just for fun, now they're riding it to get to work, to go to school. It has just been astounding. The Streetcar is a viable transportation option in downtown and Ybor City."

The TECO Line Streetcar is an agreement between HART, the City of Tampa, and Tampa Historic Streetcar, Inc. and includes the Florida Department of Transportation, the Community Redevelopment Areas along the Streetcar line, and the Tampa Downtown Partnership as funding partners.

The HART HCC Semester Pass Has Flocked to Flamingo Fares!

Welcome back, Hillsborough Community College (HCC) Hawks! The HART HCC Semester Pass has migrated to Flamingo Fares.

HCC students can purchase a full semester pass for only $110. The pass provides students with four months of rides for roughly the price of two! HCC students can now purchase a pass at all HCC Bookstores or by bringing their Student ID to the Customer Service window at the Marion Transit Center or University Area Transit Center for verification of HCC status

Upon boarding, simply tap your Flamingo Fares card on the Flamingo reader and wait for a green check.

Please note: The HCC Semester Pass is NOT valid on HARTPlus service. 

First time riding HART? 

Make sure you Ride with Respect to maintain a great experience for everyone on board! 

New to public transportation? HART Travel Training is a GREAT way to learn the ropes of riding public transportation. The service is FREE with trainers providing step-by-step instructions on how to understand the HART system (reading a map, signage, etc.) and figure out the best route that will take you to your destination.

HART Board Elects New Leadership for 2023

Councilman Viera

At its January 9 meeting, the Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) Board elected Councilman Luis Viera as Chair, Commissioner Michael Owen as Vice-Chair and Director Melanie Williams as Secretary of the HART Board of Directors for 2023.

Councilman Viera takes over as HART Chair from Commissioner Patricia Kemp, who served in the role for the past year. Chair Viera will serve a 1-year term.

Councilman Viera has been a HART Board member since 2020 and has served on the Tampa City Council since 2016.

The HART Board is responsible for setting policy and making decisions for the Authority on matters ranging from system operations, service planning, fare structure, finance, and customer service, and is made up of 14 volunteers who are appointed to represent Hillsborough County (seven seats), City of Tampa (four seats), State of Florida (two seats) and City of Temple Terrace (one seat). Officers of the HART Board (chair, vice-chair and secretary) are elected every year.