HART Has You Covered: New Bus Stop Upgrades Improve the Customer Experience

The Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) is making significant strides to improve the customer experience in East Tampa. Since January 2025, HART has completed construction on seven upgraded bus stops and installed 17 new bus shelters, with an additional six stops currently in the engineering and design phase. These improvements represent a $908,013 investment in District 3 as part of HART’s FY25 Basic Transit Infrastructure (BTI) program.

Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers joined HART CEO Scott Drainville in Riverview on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, to celebrate the opening of the newest bus shelter with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Bloomingdale Avenue and Simpson Road. The bus stop serves Routes 8 and 31, connecting Riverview with Ruskin and Downtown Tampa.

“Investments like these in District 3 not only modernize our transit system but also show our commitment to the customers who rely on HART every day,” said District 3 Commissioner Gwen Myers. “Better bus stops and shelters mean a more comfortable and accessible travel experience for everyone in our community.”

The upgrades aim to enhance the customer experience by offering greater comfort, safety, and accessibility. New shelters provide shade and protection from the weather, improved seating, and ADA-compliant features, creating a more reliable and pleasant environment for daily customers.

Overall, HART is investing roughly $5 million into HART’s BTI program countywide, thanks to a Community Investment Grant secured by Representative Kathy Castor.

The Community Investment Grant is funding:

• Design and construction of 50-60 bus stops that need improvement ($2.7 millio
• Further developing shelter program with the purchase and installation of 60 shelters ($1.2 million)
• Launch of a new Bus Stop Technology program ($1.1 million)
• "Next bus" real-time display information
• ADA-accessibility
• Braille / push button “next bus” announcements at stops

These capital investments also support broader community goals, including economic development, sustainability, and equitable access to public transportation.

TECO Line Streetcar Track Maintenance to Affect Service Sept. 22-26

The TECO Line Streetcar will replace all wooden cross ties on ballasted track between Harbor Street and McCay Street from Monday, Sept. 22, through Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. The track maintenance will impact streetcar service, resulting in a shuttle bus operating between Cadrecha Plaza Station (#4) and Port Tampa Bay Station (#5).

Streetcar Service plan during track closure:

• Streetcar operations: One car will serve Stations #1–#4 in Ybor City; two cars will operate in the downtown area Stations #5–#11
• Bus bridge: Running during regular streetcar hours between the closure points, with pickups north of Station #4 on 8th Avenue in Ybor and at McCay Street next to Station #5.
• Rider information: Signage with service details will be posted at stations; please allow extra travel time.

Project completion is targeted for Friday, Sept. 26, 2025.

Customers with questions can contact HART Customer Service at 813-254-4278 or visit TECOLineStreetcar.org for more information.

Streetcar Track Closure Service Map - Sept. 22 - Sept. 26

HART Welcomes Councilman Alan Clendenin to the Board of Directors

HART announces that Councilman Alan Clendenin has been appointed to the HART Board of Directors, representing the City of Tampa. His appointment follows the unexpected passing of Councilwoman Gwen Henderson, who previously represented the City of Tampa on the Board.

Councilman Clendenin brings decades of public service and operational experience to the HART Board. He served 32 years with the Federal Aviation Administration as an air traffic control specialist, gaining extensive labor-management experience in a safety-critical environment.

He is Chairman of the Tampa City Council representing District 1 (citywide) and serves on the Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, Tampa Sports Authority, and the Tampa Bay Committee on Foreign Relations, with prior service on the City of Tampa Civil Service Board.

A Tampa resident since 1985, he and his partner raised two children in the city’s public schools.

HART welcomes Councilman Clendenin to the Board of Directors and looks forward to his stewardship!

Councilman Clendenin