HART Board Elects Councilman Schisler Chair

Councilman Gil Schisler

At its January 5 meeting, the Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) Board elected Councilman Gil Schisler as Chair, Director Gary Hartfield as Vice Chair, and Commissioner Gwen Myers as Secretary of the HART Board of Directors for 2026.

“I’m grateful to my fellow Board members for the trust they’ve placed in me to serve as Chair,” said HART Chair Gil Schisler. “Public transportation plays a critical role in strengthening our community, and I look forward to working together to push HART forward, advocate for increased investment, and ensure we’re delivering the reliable service our residents deserve.”

HART Board Service History:

• Councilman Schisler has been a HART Board member since December 2018
• Director Gary Hartfield was appointed to the Board in October 2023.
• Commissioner Gwen Myers was appointed in November 2020.

 

The HART Board is responsible for setting policy and making decisions for the Authority on matters ranging from system operations and service planning to fare structure, finance, and customer service. It is comprised of 14 volunteers who are appointed to represent Hillsborough County (seven seats), the City of Tampa (four seats), the State of Florida (two seats), and the City of Temple Terrace (one seat).

Officers of the HART Board (chair, vice-chair, and secretary) are elected annually.

HART Needs Input on Proposed Program of Projects for FY2023

HART receives federal funding annually through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) which is used for operating expenses and capital projects. HART staff has developed a proposed FY 2023 Program of Projects (POP) to utilize this funding. 

A Public Hearing is scheduled for June 1, 2023, from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM; 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM at the Marion Transit Center (1211 N Marion St, Tampa, FL 33602) to give individuals and/or groups the opportunity to present their views and comments regarding HART’s proposed application for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Urbanized Area formula funds.

The public may also provide comment via:

• HART Website - Comments/Suggestions
• Mobile - OneBusAway Tampa app
• Mail - HART, attention to Community Engagement, 1201 E. 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605
• Phone - HART Customer Service (813) 254-4278

HART welcomes all comments on or before June 1, 2023. 

If no material changes are made, this will be the final HART Program of Projects for FY 2023.

The HART HCC Semester Pass Has Flocked to Flamingo Fares!

Welcome back, Hillsborough Community College (HCC) Hawks! The HART HCC Semester Pass has migrated to Flamingo Fares.

HCC students can purchase a full semester pass for only $110. The pass provides students with four months of rides for roughly the price of two! HCC students can now purchase a pass at all HCC Bookstores or by bringing their Student ID to the Customer Service window at the Marion Transit Center or University Area Transit Center for verification of HCC status

Upon boarding, simply tap your Flamingo Fares card on the Flamingo reader and wait for a green check.

Please note: The HCC Semester Pass is NOT valid on HARTPlus service. 

First time riding HART? 

Make sure you Ride with Respect to maintain a great experience for everyone on board! 

New to public transportation? HART Travel Training is a GREAT way to learn the ropes of riding public transportation. The service is FREE with trainers providing step-by-step instructions on how to understand the HART system (reading a map, signage, etc.) and figure out the best route that will take you to your destination.

Ring in the New Year with the TECO Line Streetcar!

Credit: Visit Tampa Bay

The Tampa skyline will light up Saturday night in celebration of the New Year with thousands watching from multiple locations along the Tampa Riverwalk.

Regardless of where you celebrate downtown, the TECO Line Streetcar System is your best bet to avoid expected traffic and parking issues! Park in Ybor City, and take in the Reliaquest Bowl Parade beginning at 5:30 p.m. Following the parade's end, you can take the Streetcar downtown (hop off at Dick Greco Plaza) and only park once!

The Streetcar is FREE and operates until 2 a.m. The NYE firework displays are scheduled to begin at Midnight.

Click here for a map of the Downtown network of services, including streetcar, and HART local service.

Should you plan on driving to the festivities...

American Automobile Association (AAA) offers a complimentary "Tow-to-Go" service for those that might have had too much holiday "cheer" this year. The service is available to everyone, meaning you don't have to be a AAA member. Call 1-855-286-9246 (you might want to save this number in your phone now) and a tow truck will come out and tow you and your car home safely - for FREE. 

Whether you're enjoying your New Year's Eve with us or not, please be SAFE!

New Year's Eve Service:

HART is operating on a Saturday schedule for New Year's Eve. The TECO Line Streetcar will operate from 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 a.m. 

The TECO Line Streetcar will operate every 15 minutes until 2:00 a.m.

HART Customer Service will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and can be reached at (813) 254-4278.

New Year's Day Service:

HART is operating on a Sunday schedule for New Year's Day. The TECO Line Streetcar System will operate 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. HART Customer Service Centers and HART offices will be closed.

HART Customer Service will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and can be reached at (813) 254-4278.

Safe travels in 2023!

Roll to the Polls with HART on November 8!

HART wants to help you Roll to the Polls on Election Day!

All riders displaying their valid voter information card will receive a FREE lift on HART on November 8.

The Roll to the Polls promotion is valid on all HART services, including HARTPlus.

Riders are encouraged to locate their nearest precinct before leaving the house. You can check your voting status by visiting the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections website. 

Find your nearest precinct and then plan your trip on HART

Exercise your right to VOTE!

Be Prepared this Hurricane Season!

HART provides Emergency Evacuation Service

With the Atlantic hurricane season officially beginning on June 1st, 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 provide a lot of warning.

HART buses run special evacuation routes for people who need transportation to shelters. HART and the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) urge you to make arrangements now for the safety of your family, should a storm force you from your home.

HART Emergency Evacuation service is not limited to hurricane evacuation, however. The EOC can call on HART as an official evacuation partner of Hillsborough County to implement service in an emergency evacuation situation, providing it is safe to do so.

Know your plan

Map of Hillsborough County Evacuation Routes

For the safety of our riders and employees, regular HART service will cease if sustained winds reach 39 mph. HART was forced to cease service prior to Tropical Storm Elsa last year.

HART service will also cease if the EOC instructs HART to begin operation of Emergency Evacuation service after shelters have opened.

Our emergency routes are designed to transport 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 primary goal is to be prepared and have a plan. Don't wait until the last minute to make arrangements or you may find yourself stranded.

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

For information on Hillsborough County shelters, weather alerts, etc. please visit Hillsborough County Emergency Management page.

Celebrate National Bike Month with Bikes on Buses!

All HART buses and vans feature bike racks!

May is National Bike Month and HART makes connecting to the bus by riding a bike a breeze!

Discover how easy (and quick!) it is to Bike & Bus. HART has bike racks on every bus and van so you can experience the ease of riding HART with your bike year-round. National Bike Month is a great opportunity to give it a try!

At HART, we're dedicated to getting our riders to their destination as quickly and efficiently as possible. We see bikes as complementary to our service and that's why we added racks to our buses over 20 years ago. More recently, bike racks have also been added to all of our HARTFlex vans.

Need a bike for just the first or last mile of your trip? Coast Bike Share stations are set up at a number of HART locations, including Marion Transit Center, and Dick Greco Plaza Station.

Have a folding bike? HART also permits them in carrying bags aboard all HART buses and HARTFlex vans. Users of bicycles with larger wheels should continue using the bicycle rack. Each HART bus and HARTFlex van accommodates two bicycles. Only single-seat, two-wheel bicycles are permitted on buses; no tandems or three-wheelers.

Heading to Pinellas County? The Bikes on Buses program also enables riders to take their bikes with them and transfer from a HART bus to the PSTA network without a special permit.  

Four easy steps to loading your bike on a HART bus

Bike-friendly transit provides customers with quicker commutes and additional commuting options.

Customers might not view a 30-mile round trip bike ride to downtown as an attractive commute. However, pair a quick 1-2 mile bike ride with a HART route to pick up the majority of the miles and you have some serious pedal power.

Cycling HART riders (almost 20,000 monthly trips) find that bikes not only speed up their commutes but also provide them greater exercise, ground coverage, and route options. 

Want to learn the ropes of cycling around town? Find a "bike buddy"! TBARTA helps match cycling commuters together.

Click here to learn more about the HART Bikes on Buses program, including how to secure your bike on the bus bike rack.

Every Day is Earth Day at HART!

Over 50 years ago, the first Earth Day was held around the country with over 20 million people participating in the event to create awareness and appreciation for the Earth's natural beauty. One day out of 365 days to appreciate the Earth and protect it. Shouldn't the Earth be a concern... every day? That's the thought process at HART. What we do naturally has a connection with "green", through taking cars off the road, reducing carbon emissions and providing for more walkable communities. 

In fact, the American Public Transportation (APTA), shows that public transportation saves the United States 4.2 billion gallons of gas annually and saves the U.S. $13.7 billion in congestion each year! As an organization, we feel it's necessary to be a responsible organization focused on environmental sustainability. That's why we don't just rest on the numbers above. HART has taken a number of steps to ensure that as an organization we are doing our part for the planet. With over 800 employees and 200+ vehicles, the meat and potatoes are in the waste that HART recycles during our day-to-day maintenance and operating of our organization.

Here are some of the steps that HART takes in regards to our fleet vehicles:

• The entire fleet is EPA-certified
  

• 

  HART operates 85 CNG buses

  Began fleet transition to cleaner-burner Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in 2014; currently operating 85 CNG vehicles
• Since 2014, the HART fleet has reduced Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 20%, the equivalent of removing over 3,000 cars off the road!
• Waste oil, used non-crushed oil filters, coolant, scrap metal, aluminium is all recycled
• Freon is reused after being captured by a reclaim system
• HART purchases recycled and environmentally-friendly coolants
• Use of synthetic oils, which extends the life of the oil and minimizes the number of times we have to drain it
• 80% recyclable vehicle wash systems

Steps HART takes in regards to our transit facilities:

• Waterless urinals and low-water consumption equipment are in place
• Solar film was installed at Marion Transit Center to improve cooling efficiency
• Motion sensor lights in restroom facilities
• Electric hand dryers
• Fluorescent bulbs are crushed; glass remains and mercury are recycled
• All chemicals and cleaners are green-certified
• Use of non-aerosol sprays
• No-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints that can have pretty serious health effects (liver/kidney damage)
• Bus shelters utilize solar panels for lighting
• All office paper, batteries, copier toner cartridges and electronic circuit boards are recycled

With over 800+ employees, 200+ vehicles, and 7.7 million miles traveled by our service vehicles last year, you can imagine just how much waste is recycled. 

HART also took the "LEED" during the renovation of our HART Operations Facility into a Leadership into Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified building. The redesign introduced a slew of new windows into the building, taking advantage of natural lighting. Light-emitting diode (LED) lighting (consuming 50% less electricity than fluorescent lighting) also features throughout the building. 

The name of the game is sustainability. Using public transportation is one of a variety of possible sustainable commutes, but know that beyond the buses, vans and streetcars, HART is doing its part for the environment! 

Find out how much you can reduce your carbon footprint by using the Carbon Savings Calculator.

HART SMART AV Service Launches Near the Tampa Riverwalk!

HART has launched a new route for HART SMART AV, Tampa Bay's first, fully electric autonomous vehicle.

The free shuttle, operated by HART and BEEP Inc., an Orlando-based autonomous solutions provider, will now operate along the Tampa Riverwalk, following a looping route on City of Tampa streets, originating at Armature Works in Tampa Heights, running southbound near the Tampa Riverwalk, to the Barrymore Hotel and the David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts.

HART SMART AV will serve riders at three stops: Armature Works, Water Works Park and the Straz Center operating Monday – Sunday 9 am to 10 pm. The new pilot service consists of 2 NAVYA autonomous shuttles and will operate until January 1, 2022.

The shuttle can travel up to 15 mph in autonomous mode while along the route and has varying speeds based on the environment such as crosswalks, approaching stop signs or navigating intersections. 

The driverless shuttle is 100% electric and costs less than $30 per month to charge. HART SMART AV operates without a steering wheel and uses a pre-programmed, fixed route with a combination of localization techniques, involving state-of-the-art sensor technology. The shuttle uses eight sensors on the outside of the vehicle providing a 360-degree view of the environment. An on-board shuttle attendant serves as an ambassador for the riders to learn more about the technology and oversee the high-quality passenger experience. 

"HART is proud to be the regional leader in a new era of transportation innovation in Tampa Bay," said Adelee Le Grand, HART Chief Executive Officer. "We are looking at HART SMART AV to provide valuable data and insight to assist decision-making in the delivery of transit service in the future."

The first HART SMART AV first pilot route along the Marion Transitway allowed the agency and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to collect baseline data for the technology which operated alongside HART fixed-route buses, over a railroad crossing, and through traffic lights. The additional route allows local and state agencies to test the technology in a different environment which includes movement alongside the public and connecting activity centers on City of Tampa streets.  

HART SMART AV is funded by the Florida Department of Transportation and is operated in partnership between BEEP, Inc. and HART.

 

For more information on HART SMART AV, visit goHART.org/AVpilot.

Hop on HART and the TECO Line Streetcar to Boom by the Bay!

HART is joining in on the Boom by the Bay festivities with a FREE shuttle service from the Marion Transit Center to the event!

Boom by the Bay will feature fireworks, live music, and more in six different locations along downtown Tampa's waterfront:

• Armature Works - Routes 1, 5, 6
• Bayshore Blvd. - Route 14
• Curtis Hixon Park - TECO Line Streetcar, Routes 1, 7, 8, 9, 10, 19, 30, 360LX
• Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park - Routes 7, 10
• Sparkman Wharf - TECO Line Streetcar, Route 9
• Tampa Convention Center - TECO Line Streetcar, Route 19

Event-goers will be able to pick up the free shuttles from the HART Marion Transit Center (MTC) in downtown. The event shuttles will operate every 15 minutes from 3 PM - 11 PM.

HART and the City of Tampa are encouraging event-goers to hop on the fare-free TECO Line Streetcar or one of the FREE HART shuttles at MTC. Thirteen HART routes will also serve MTC on Independence Day.

Please note: HART will be operating on a Sunday service level, which means a number of routes operating to/from MTC will cease operating around 10 PM. Check www.goHART.org for specific route information.

Use this convenient trip planner to plan your route to Boom by the Bay!

Public Transportation to Boom by the Bay

HART Bus Shuttle

Cost: FREE
Hours: 3 PM - 11 PM; service every 15 minutes

Routes: 

• North Shuttle - MTC to the Straz Center and Curtis Hixon Park with access to Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park via Tyler St. and Doyle Carlton.
• South Shuttle - MTC to Whiting Street Station to connect with the TECO Line Streetcar for service to Sparkman Wharf

TECO Line Streetcar

Cost: FREE

Hours: 8:30 AM - 12 AM;  service every 10 minutes

Route: 

• Streetcar service will operate between historic Ybor City, the Channel District (Sparkman Wharf), and downtown Tampa (Curtis Hixon Park).

NOTE: Coolers and alcohol are NOT permitted on HART and the TECO Line Streetcar System.

With FARE-FREE TECO Line Streetcar service and a FREE HART event shuttle on Independence Day, it's hard to find a better BOOM for the buck! Event-goers can enjoy a stress-free trip to downtown, take in the festivities and get home safely.

For more information on Boom by the Bay, visit www.tampagov.net/boom.

HART Boom by the Bay Service Map

HART Celebrates Black History Month!

UPDATE: The submission deadline has been extended until March 7, 2021!

HART’s annual Black History Month campaign is an outreach effort targeted to local schools every February to educate students about African Americans who have changed history. 

The theme for 2021 is the representation, identity, and diversity of “The Black Family.” An educational video produced by HART will cover topics about The Black Family, including heads of the family, types of family relationships, and various family backgrounds. 

Black History Month bus

The presentation also introduces public transportation to youth at an early age with a virtual tour around and inside a specially-wrapped bus. 

Youth are invited to enter HART’s Black History Month Contest with their own video, essay, or drawing to apply what they learned from the video.

Student can use this form to submit their entry. All entries must be received by Sunday, February 28, 2021, and will be entered into a raffle to win a HART 31-day pass. Four winners will be chosen.

The option is available for teachers to have HART staff present the video live to their virtual classrooms to allow for interaction.

All submissions may pick up a special Black History Month commemorative giveaway with a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Marion Transit Center (1211 N. Marion St.) or University Area Transit Center (13110 N. 27th St.) during window hours as a 'thank you' for entering our contest and encouraging civic involvement. 

Customers and the general public will see HART's Black History Month celebration shared through multi-media elements including bus stop shelter ads, on-board the bus, goHART.org and HART's social media channels.

HART Recognized for Financial Reporting Excellence

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to HART.

The GFOA Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

"We are honored by the recognition because it showcases HART's commitment to transparency," said Interim Chief Financial Officer Cyndy Stiglich. "Our goal is to be a good financial steward of taxpayer money and the award highlights these efforts."

The award recognizes HART's comprehensive, annual financial report for the fiscal year ending September 30th, 2019.

An impartial panel judged the report concluding it meets the high standards of the program, which include demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.

The GFOA advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for more than 21,000 members and the communities they serve.

HART SMART AV Expands to All-Day Service!

HART SMART AV operating along the Marion Transitway

HART SMART AV, Tampa Bay's first, fully electric automated vehicle pilot, is expanding service hours. The autonomous shuttle, operated by the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) and BEEP, an Orlando-based autonomous shuttle service provider, is now operating 6 AM - 7 PM; an additional five hours daily from the initial schedule of 6 AM -  10 AM; 3 PM - 7 PM.

The service expansion is possible due to the recent addition of a second shuttle operating along the route, which allows one of the vehicles to charge while the other is operating.

"The expansion of service hours positions HART SMART AV as a great lunchtime transportation option for downtown workers and residents, who don't want to move their car or search for parking," said Adelee Le Grand, HART Chief Executive Officer. "We are excited to be able to provide all-day service along the corridor".

Funded by the Florida Department of Transportation, and in partnership with BEEP, HART launched the one-year HART SMART AV autonomous vehicle pilot on October 12, 2020. The free shuttle offers first mile, last-mile connection between the TECO Line Streetcar and the Marion Transit Center, along North Marion Street in downtown Tampa.

The driverless shuttle is 100% electric and costs less than $30 per month to charge. HART SMART AV operates without a steering wheel and uses a pre-programmed, fixed route with a combination of localization techniques, involving state-of-the-art sensor technology. The shuttle uses eight sensors on the outside of the vehicle providing a 360-degree view of the environment. An on-board shuttle attendant serves as an ambassador for the riders to learn more about the technology and oversee the high-quality passenger experience. 

The route includes four stops at Marion Transit Center's Bay F, Kennedy Boulevard, Washington Street and Whiting Street, with the option for a future stop at Tampa City Hall. The autonomous shuttle will operate at a maximum speed of 15 mph as part of the one-year pilot.

For more information on HART SMART AV, visit goHART.org/AVpilot.

HART Service Changes Go Into Effect on January 24!

Summary of service changes effective Jan. 24, 2021

New HART service changes are going into effect on Sunday, January 24, 2021. 

HART makes regular service adjustments three times a year in response to public feedback and also to improve safety and efficiency. Routes are primarily selected for adjustment based upon demonstrated ridership and input via the customer service database.

The following HART service changes go into effect on Sunday, January 24, 2021:

• Service with Route Changes:
  
• Routes 5, 7, 8, 9, 14, 16, 30, 33, 38, 42, 45, 48, 275LX, 360LX
  
  

• Service with Reduced Frequencies:
  
• Routes 6, 24LX, 33, 34, 46
  
  
• New Service:
  
• Routes 10 (Cypress St.), 44 (Sinclair Hills Connector) 
  
  
• Removed Service:
  
• Routes 20X, 35 (merged with 30), 60LX, 75LX, HARTFlex Brandon/Northdale/South Tampa/Town 'N Country
  
  

• Service with Stop Changes: 
  
• Routes 14 and 34 stops will be reduced to improve on-time performance, travel time, and safety
  
  
• Service with Minor Schedule Changes:
  
• Routes 1, 17, 19, 25LX, 31, 36, 37, 400 (MetroRapid)
  
  
• Service with NO CHANGES:
  
• Routes 12, 15, 32, 39, HARTFlex South County, TECO Line Streetcar

JANUARY 24 SERVICE CHANGES RESOURCE CENTER:

English

• Patron notice 
• Summary packet - detailed description of individual route changes
• Route maps
• Schedules
• System map - Effective Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021

Spanish

• Aviso al cliente
  
• Resumen de Modificaciones al Servicio

Still have questions? Contact HART customer service at (813) 254-4278 for more information.

HART Plans to Restore Service Following Tropical Storm Eta

HART is preparing to restart service on all bus routes, the TECO Line Streetcar and HART SMART AV service beginning at NOON, THURSDAY, November 12, following Tropical Storm Eta and weather permitting. 

In preparation of sustained high winds and for the safety of our customers, employees and to safeguard equipment, transit service ended at 12 NOON today. 

Hillsborough County has declared a State of Emergency. HART will continue to keep you updated on service restorations as official weather updates become available.

Customers can follow HART on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates. 

Ms. Adelee Le Grand Selected as New HART CEO

The HART Board of Directors selected Adelee Le Grand as the next HART CEO during its board meeting on November 2nd, 2020. Ms. Le Grand delivered a powerful public presentation introducing her vision of a transportation network to unite and offer the community immediate access and opportunity.

"It was evident to the entire Board of Director that Ms. Le Grand will rebuild and revision HART by building trust through transparency and respect with employees, customers and the community," said Commissioner Mariella Smith, HART Chair, Board of Directors. "As we look to the future, we're confident Ms. Le Grand is the right person to lead HART and create a long legacy of providing the highest level of service equitably and to openly drive Hillsborough County forward."

Next Steps:

Recruiting firm GovHR USA and HART General Counsel with negotiate contract terms with Ms. Le Grand.  A contract for approval will be placed on the December agenda at the regular meeting of the Board.

Professional Biography:

Adelee Le Grand is a leader, with over two decades of experience, who is passionate about utilizing mobility as a tool to create and sustain vibrant equitable communities. Her area of speciality is developing and communicating strategies into the implementation of business solutions and innovations. 

Adelee has served as a member of the executive team for two transit agencies. She has served as the Chief Mobility Officer for the Atlanta-region Transit Link Authority (ATL), working closely with the Executive Director and Planning Division to develop a strategic plan to document the new state authority's suite of services and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders and regional partners. Adelee also served as the Chief Strategy Officer in service to the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority, where her responsibilities included developing the first Strategic Mobility Plan for the New Orleans Region and rebuilding the Planning Department. 

She empowers her team to view their portfolio of projects as opportunities to improve the lives of the community they serve. Her motto is, "it is not about the project, it is about how the project improves the community".

Ms. Adelee Le Grand

HART Restores Weekday Service to 95% of Pre-COVID Levels

HART will be restoring regular service schedules for all local routes and the TECO Line Streetcar System beginning on Sunday, November 15, 2020. HART continues to disinfect daily and continues to require face coverings onboard and stagger seating onboard. The restoration brings HART up to 95% of pre-COVID service levels.

"It is critically important to restore frequency on local routes throughout Hillsborough County to ensure that our customers and the communities we serve continue to rely on HART to take them to places that enhance their lives," said Interim Chief Executive Officer Ruthie Reyes Burckard. "HART has delivered over 3.5 million essential trips since March 1, 2020. Restored frequency will provide our customers confidence to ride knowing local route schedules will return to pre-COVID levels." 

Summary of Service Restoration:

• All local routes will operate on their regular service schedule beginning November 15, 2020
• Route 275LX will continue to operate between the Wiregrass Park-and-Ride and the University Area Transit Center only 
• Route 360LX is operating on a regular schedule
• There is no service for all other Express and Limited Express routes and HARTFlex routes. 
• The TECO Line Streetcar System is returning to regular hours.

Visit www.goHART.org for the latest service information or call Customer Service at 813-254-4278.

Ruthie Reyes Burckard Named Interim HART CEO

New HART ICEO Ruthie Reyes Burckard

The HART Board of Directors appointed HART veteran Ruthie Reyes Burckard as its Interim Chief Executive Officer (ICEO), effective immediately, at the October 14, 2020 Special Board meeting. Reyes Burckard will be receiving a salary of $195,000, until the permanent CEO joins HART.

Reyes Burckard brings 30-years of public transportation experience to the ICEO role as the Agency narrows the field of candidates in a search for a permanent CEO. Reyes Burckard started her career as a Bus Operator in 1990 in New York City. She has served HART in Operations since 2002, most recently as the Deputy Chief of Transportation.

"I look forward to strengthening the agency by focusing on what's most important - the customer, the employees and continue fostering lasting community partnerships," she told the HART Board of Directors in an October 14^th Special meeting.

It's ELECTRIC ⚡: HART Awarded $2.7 Million for Electric Buses

Proterra, Inc. held an electric bus demonstration in downtown Tampa in 2018

HART has been awarded a $2.7 million Bus and Bus Facilities grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). This federal funding will allow HART to purchase up to four electric buses and supporting infrastructure to help further reduce the organization's carbon footprint.

As part of the grant award, TECO is has committed to working with HART to provide 50% of HART’s match for infrastructure to ensure the project is successful as a participant in this funding opportunity.

“HART will continue to seek opportunities to enhance our ability to improve access, mobility, and reliable, safe transportation for the patrons who depend upon our service. In these unprecedented times, it is even more important to deliver innovative transportation options, reduce the carbon footprint and make improvements to our fleet,” said ICEO Carolyn House Stewart. “Again, we offer our sincerest thanks to you, Congresswoman Kathy Castor, the entire Congressional Delegation, and TECO Energy for your leadership, support and partnership.”

HART has been working to replace its diesel engine buses as part of a mission to reduce air pollution in the greater Tampa Bay region.

Battery Electric Buses are known for zero-emission, quiet operation and better acceleration for a more comfortable ride.

Since 2016, HART has reduced its carbon footprint over 22% primarily by shifting from diesel to Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles. Hart will continue to reduce its inventory of diesel-fueled vehicles over the next few years by transitioning to electric buses as funding such as this becomes available.

“I am very grateful to Congresswoman Kathy Castor, and to HART staff, for all their hard work to secure this funding for HART. This grant couldn’t have come at a more advantageous time. Switching to a new technology will create more skilled jobs — right here in our community. Reducing our carbon footprint is very important to the future of the Tampa Bay area. And these new zero-emission electric buses will make our air cleaner — and that makes a big difference in the quality of life for so many in our community — whether they ride the bus or not. When we roll out these buses, I know our riders will be proud to say that they have one of the cleanest commutes in Hillsborough County,” said HART Board Chair Mariella Smith.

“I am pleased that the Federal Transit Administration has awarded funds to the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART),” said U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (FL). “The services provided by HART are essential to the everyday lives of many in the Hillsborough community, and this grant will greatly improve those services and lessen their impact on the local environment.”

HART is fortunate to have strong partners within its Congressional Delegation and is grateful for their unwavering support.

Watch media announcement

HART Announces Frequency Restoration on Select Routes

Effective Sunday, August 9, 2020, Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) will restore frequency on select higher-ridership routes to the current COVID-19 Modified Sunday Service level the agency has been operating since April 2020.

Local Bus Service:

• Regular weekday schedule restored for Routes 1, 6, 12, 34 and 400
• Represents a restoration to 68% of service overall from pre-COVID levels.
• Route 31: Regular schedule (Monday through Friday only)
• All other Local Routes: Sunday schedule, 7 days a week

Express and Limited Express Bus Service:

• Routes 20X, 24LX, 60LX and 75LX: No service
• Routes 275LX: Regular schedule, operating ONLY between Wiregrass Park-n-Ride and University Area Transit Center
• Route 360LX: Operating normal schedule, Monday thru Saturday. Only operating between Britton Plaza and South Tampa on Sunday

HARTFlex:

• No service

TECO Line Streetcar Service:

• Monday through Friday 7 AM - 11 PM
• Saturday and Sunday 8:30 AM - 11 PM
• Service operates every 15 minutes

 

HARTPlus Paratransit Service:

• Continued operation based on local route level of operation and span of service

Through June 2020, fiscal year 2021 monthly ridership for all modes has decreased from fiscal year 2020 by around 60% due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

HART's approach to route schedules remains fluid and responsive.

HART continues to disinfect daily, require face coverings onboard and staggered seating. Public transportation is an essential service - our Operators, Customer Service Representatives, and all HART employees are the heroes moving heroes. We thank everyone in Hillsborough County for helping keep our bus, van, and streetcar operators safe by continuing to limit travel to essential trips only.

Visit www.gohart.org for the latest service information or call Customer Service at 813-254-4278.