HART's Route 1 Goes Fare-free for a Year!

HART is excited to announce that its most popular route, Route 1, is now fare-free for one year. The pilot, which launched Sunday, January 5, 2025, is possible thanks to Tampa City Council allocating $1.65 million in city funds to support free fares and increasing peak service frequency to every 15 minutes.

Route 1, which serves nearly 3,000 daily customers, operates between the University area and downtown Tampa, providing vital transportation services to thousands of residents.

Approximately 32,000 residents and 56,000 jobs within a quarter mile of Route 1. Notably, 18% of the population in this area does not own a car, more than a quarter live below the poverty line, 14% have a disability, and 64% are minorities.

“We are thrilled to work with the City of Tampa to provide this essential service to the community, which will not only ease the financial burden on our riders but also increase service on the route, supporting those who rely on HART to access jobs, education, and healthcare,” said HART CEO Scott Drainville. “This initiative represents a meaningful step toward making transit more equitable and accessible for all.”

The initiative also includes an additional $150,000 in paratransit services, ensuring that transportation remains accessible to those with disabilities.

"This is a major win for mass transit in our Tampa community," said HART Chair Councilman Luis Viera. "I thank the Council members who helped us move past the acute gridlock and, in particular, I salute Councilwoman Lynn Hurtak for her leadership. This proposal will make a difference in the lives of everyday working families. I am proud to work with the public servants, both Republican and Democrat, on our HART board. We work together for the families that HART serves and the workers who make HART function.”

Click here for background on the Route 1 Fare-Free Pilot.

Route of the Week: Route 18

With a diverse service area roughly the size of Rhode Island, Hillsborough County provides a great mix of urban, suburban and rural destinations for our riders. Think about the destinations that you can see and experience with the HART transportation network!

This week we explore the Route 18! The Route 18 operates 30 minute weekday service and hourly weekend service from The University area to Downtown Tampa.

Route 18 serves a number of USF student housing

Operating near The University of South Florida (USF), Route 18 serves a number of student housing complexes, including (but not limited to): Campus Lodge, The Livingston, The Social at South Florida and Reflections Apartments.

Transversing the northwest corner of The USF Tampa campus, Route 18 is a great option for non-emergency medical trips with a trio of Hospital/Medical Centers served: Florida Hospital - Tampa, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and, the Veteran's Administration (VA) Hospital. Seniors, ages 65+, and those with disabilities, are eligible for 50% off normal fare.

Botanical Gardens features over 3,000 plants, animals & more

A somewhat hidden gem on the USF campus, The USF Botanical Gardens, is 16 acres of gardens, with over 3,000 plants, animals and natural habitats. Admission to the gardens is only $5.00 for adults, and free for children under the age of 6.

Continuing our southward trek, Route 18 operates on the western side of Busch Gardens, with only a short walk to the park entrance. "Race" a cheetah at 60 mph, or feel the fury of a falcon, with a 300-ft drop at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay!

Whether it's racquetball at Alfred "Al" Barns, Jr. Park, or soccer (and hopefully soon, swimming) at Cuscaden Park, Route 18 has your outdoor activity needs covered.

On our way into Ybor City, Hillsborough Community College (HCC) students will be happy to see Route 18 connects to the Ybor Campus at 15th St. and 11th Ave. HCC students receive discounts on a 31-day pass, and the HCC Semester Pass provides four months of unlimited rides for $110. This deal breaks down to roughly four months of rides, for the price of two months.

Soon after, we are back in Downtown Tampa at Marion Transit Center, with connection to 25+ routes, including inter-city connections via PSTA, Megabus, and RedCoach!

From campus to coasters, HART Takes You There.