HART HyperLINK is Changing!

HART HyperLINK is changing on October 8th!

Changes are coming to HART HyperLINK on October 8th!

Quick refresher. HART HyperLINK started as a pilot program with TransDev, an international transportation operator, in November 2016. Heralded as the nation's 1st "transit-operated rideshare" service, HyperLINK extends the footprint of HART and provides a valuable "First Mile, Last Mile" connection to riders within HyperLINK zones.

HART HyperLINK blurs the line between rideshare and transit, in that customers dial up a ride on the HyperLINK app (via GPS) much like Uber and Lyft. HyperLINK riders also have the added bonus of being able to book a ride by calling 813-298-0455.Another bonus is that HyperLINK is also ADA-accessible, unlike Uber and Lyft.

Currently, HyperLINK connects you to the HART network via designated stops (University Area Transit Center, Westfield Brandon Transfer Center, etc.) for a flat $3.00 fee within the zone. On October 8th, HyperLINK will also add the option of direct trips (see below).

Being a pilot program, we have continuously reviewed rider feedback and are now ready to implement a few changes to the service.

Temple Terrace will now be served by HyperLINK!

The following changes are coming to HyperLINK on October 8th:

• Carrollwood will no longer be served by HyperLINK, due to low usage.
• Temple Terrace will now be served by HART HyperLINK. Designated stops include: University Area Transit Center, Temple Terrace City Hall, and others.
• The HyperLINK fare is changing for all zones. Riders taking HART HyperLINK to designated stops will now only pay $1.00 each way. Those taking HyperLINK to/from ANY point (not connecting to transit) within the zone, will only pay $3.00.

The Brandon and University area HyperLINK zones will not change. However, fares for both zones will reflect the new pricing of $1.00 each way to a designated HART stop; $3.00 each way to ANY point (not a designated stop) within the zone.

The future of transportation just got even better! Download the HART HyperLINK app today!

HART and TransDev to Partner on Innovative First Mile, Last Mile Solution

The HART Board voted during the March 7th meeting to partner with TransDev, an international transportation company, on a pilot program aimed at providing a solution for what is known in the industry as the "First Mile, Last Mile Problem".

How does a potential rider get to/from the bus stop when a stop is not within reasonable walking distance to one? "First Mile, Last Mile" is an industry-wide barrier to potential riders trying transit for the first time.

Enter the TransDev First Mile, Last Mile pilot program.

Brandon, Carrollwood and University area are pilot areas

Here are the basics. HART and TransDev have identified 3 initial zones: Brandon, Carrollwood and the University Area/North Tampa. The selected areas are under-served areas with a large population, making it a great opportunity to be more relevant to people's lives and hopefully bring more riders into the HART network. TransDev's service will connect users to HART transit hubs within 3 miles of pickup.

TransDev will operate Minivans with roughly 27% of the vans being ADA-accessible.

Here is how it works.

Riders will be able to book their trip via an Apple IOS/Google Android smartphone app or a traditional call center. The app will act similarly to current rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft, locating you via your phone's GPS.

Riders will be able to choose the next available van or schedule a pickup via advance booking.

The app will be integrated with trip planner technology, and will be able to determine which bus route riders need to connect with and plan their trip, anywhere in the area. The app will provide the pickup that best ensures the customer arrives at the bus stop before the bus departs.

TransDev's drivers will have pre-employment drug screen, background check, driving record/reference check and training in Customer Service, HART rules, etc. Riders will also be able to rate the driver for enhanced transparency.

The "First Mile, Last Mile" solution pilot will be a flat $3 fee, with HART picking up the remaining $7 cost of the up-to 3-mile trip.

The pilot project is expected to launch in summer 2016. Should the pilot be successful, the goal is to expand this pilot to other HART services.