Storm Season is Here! HART Ready to Operate Emergency Service

In the event of a declared emergency, the Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) will operate its Emergency Evacuation Service at the direction of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

The Emergency Service level is a modified service designed to assist residents in safely reaching designated evacuation shelters. HART buses will transport passengers to four key transfer centers: Netpark, Northwest, Yukon, and the University Area Transit Center. From these locations, Hillsborough County Public Schools will provide transportation to county-approved evacuation shelters.

In low-lying areas, residents in need of transportation to a designated transit center can request HART’s on-demand zone service by calling (813) 254-4278. This service connects individuals to the nearest transit center, where they can then transfer to routes serving designated evacuation meeting points, if necessary.

Emergency Evacuation Service concludes once sustained winds reach 35 mph or if road conditions become unsafe for continued operations. HART urges the public to monitor local news outlets for real-time updates.

Both the Emergency Evacuation and on-demand zone services are free of charge.

“Preparedness is key when severe weather approaches, and HART stands ready to serve our community when called upon,” said Richard Campbell, HART Chief Safety Officer. “As we saw last hurricane season, our team is committed to providing safe and reliable transportation to help residents reach shelter and stay out of harm’s way.”

All HART buses are ADA-accessible and equipped to accommodate up to two wheelchairs per vehicle, ensuring inclusive transportation for all residents.

Residents are encouraged to review the Emergency Service maps and schedules in advance by visiting www.goHART.org.

Don't Get Caught in the Storm! Plan Ahead

HART provides Emergency Evacuation Service

With Tropical Storm-force winds possible in the next 48 hours, it's a great reminder of the importance of having a severe weather plan BEFORE a storm hits. Unlike earthquakes or tornadoes, which can happen in an instant, hurricanes tend to give a lot of warning.

Know your plan

For the safety of our riders and employees, normal HART service will cease if sustained winds reach 39 mph. HART is working closely with the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center (EOC).


HART service will also cease if the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) instructs HART to begin operation of Emergency Evacuation service, after shelters have opened. Our emergency routes are designed simply to move people from low-lying areas to higher ground. Because of this, if a major storm threatens our area, you should plan for the possibility of service interruptions.

To minimize inconvenience to our customers, we will announce the need to interrupt service as early in the day as possible, and will work to restore service just as soon as it is safe to do so. The main thing for you is to be prepared and have a plan. Don't wait until the last minute to make arrangements or you may find yourself stranded.

Know your evacuation route ahead of time!

HART Emergency Evacuation service is not limited to hurricane evacuation. The EOC can call on HART as an official evacuation partner of Hillsborough County to implement evacuation service in any emergency evacuation situation in which it is safe to carry out service.

For more detailed information on the service and service plans in case of emergency, please click here.

Moving You to Safety...

Did you know that HART is an official Hurricane Evacuation Partner for Hillsborough County?  Learn how HART is here for Hillsborough County residents should a hurricane threaten.


















For more information on HART Emergency Evacuation Service, click here.