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.
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