HART Operator to Compete on International Stage at Bus ROADeo This Weekend

HART is gearing up to cheer on Operator Guarionex Falero Ramos as he represents Florida at the International Bus ROADeo in Austin, TX, this weekend (April 4-8)!

After securing 1st place overall in the Fixed Route Bus category at the prestigious Florida Triple Crown ROADeo, Guarionex is ready to take on the best bus operators from across the U.S. and Canada. His exceptional performance also earned him 1st place in the Fixed Route Bus Pre-Inspection competition, showcasing his technical expertise and commitment to excellence.

The Florida Triple Crown ROADeo, held in February, put participants to the test with a rigorous driving course, a written exam, and a comprehensive bus pre-inspection. Guarionex’s impressive skills secured his spot on the international stage, and now, it's time for him to compete for top honors in Austin!

“We are incredibly proud of Guarionex for his commitment to driving excellence,” said Scott Drainville, HART CEO. “Guarionex’s achievements at the Florida Triple Crown ROADeo are a testament to his expertise, safety, and service. We’re all rooting for him this weekend at the International Bus ROADeo in Austin!”

HART is dedicated to enhancing public transportation by continuously investing in operator training and professional development. Accomplishments like these showcase the expertise and commitment of our outstanding workforce.

Join us in wishing Guarionex Falero Ramos the best of luck as he represents Florida and HART on the international stage!

Streetcar Service Extended for 2025 Women's Final Four

As excitement builds for the 2025 NCAA Women’s Final Four, the Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) offers easy, stress-free ways to navigate downtown Tampa during the weekend’s events.

With thousands of fans expected, local officials encourage attendees to take advantage of fare-free transit options to avoid traffic and parking challenges. The TECO Line Streetcar will extend service hours on Thursday and Sunday until midnight for Final Four weekend. Additionally, Route 1 offers fare-free service every 15-30 minutes, providing a convenient connection from downtown to Armature Works and Tampa Heights.

Ride the Fare-Free TECO Line Streetcar

The TECO Line Streetcar provides a fare-free, 2.7-mile route connecting downtown Tampa, the Channel District, and historic Ybor City. Streetcars will operate every 12-15 minutes throughout the weekend, with service near Amalie Arena, the site of the Final Four.

Streetcar Hours During Women’s Final Four Weekend:

• Thursday, April 3: 7:00 A.M. - MIDNIGHT* Extended service
• Friday, April 4: 7:00 AM – 2:00 AM
• Saturday, April 5: 8:30 AM – 2:00 AM
• Sunday, April 6: 8:30 AM – MIDNIGHT* Extended service

HSBC Station (#9) will be closed intermittently due to fan events.

Riders can track the streetcar in real-time at www.TECOLineStreetcar.org.

HART Services

• Airport Service: Visitors traveling between Tampa International Airport and downtown Tampa can take advantage of HART routes 10, 30, and 32. Additionally, PSTA’s 300X connects downtown Tampa and the airport to Pinellas County.
• Fare: Visitors can pay their HART fare with the Flamingo Fares app, or via e-wallet (Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, etc.)
• One-Day Family Pass: Traveling with the family? HART offers a Family Pass on Flamingo Fares for $12.50, which includes unlimited 1-day rides for a Group of 5.
• Real-Time Trip Planning: Transit app provides real-time bus and streetcar arrival information, ensuring a seamless travel experience. Plan your HART trip

For more information on HART service, visit www.goHART.org, follow HART on Facebook and Twitter, or call (813) 254-4278.

HART service during Final Four

HART Celebrates National Transit Employee Appreciation Day!

On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, the Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) is proudly celebrating National Transit Employee Appreciation Day, which honors the over 750 dedicated operators, mechanics, dispatchers, customer service representatives, and administrative staff who Keep Hillsborough County Moving every day!

From safely transporting thousands of daily riders to ensuring our vehicles are in top condition and supporting seamless operations behind the scenes, HART employees play a vital role in making public transit reliable, accessible, and welcoming. Their hard work and commitment fuel the essential service that many residents rely on to get to work, school, medical appointments, and more.

“Our team is the best in the industry,” said HART CEO Scott Drainville. “Their professionalism, compassion, and resilience — especially during challenging times — make a meaningful difference in the lives of our customers and the community. Today, and every day, we’re incredibly grateful for their dedication and service.”

HART takes pride in employing a diverse workforce, with a strong focus on hiring veterans. Among our dedicated team are several multi-generational families — a true reflection of our employees' lasting commitment to public service and the supportive, family-oriented culture that defines our organization.

Employee appreciation banners are displayed throughout HART facilities, and we’ll feature employees on our social media channels throughout the day. As a further gesture of appreciation, a small employee event is scheduled for Friday.

Riders are encouraged to join in by sharing their thanks on social media using #ThankYouHART or by simply thanking their operator during their ride on Tuesday.

As we look to the future, HART is dedicated to supporting and empowering our workforce. From continuous training opportunities to wellness programs, HART values investing in the people who move Hillsborough County.

HART and the TECO Line Streetcar carried 13,395,722 customer trips in FY2024.

HART Operator Named Florida's Best at State Competition

HART is proud to announce that Operator Guarionex Falero-Ramos has secured 1st place overall in the Fixed Route Bus category at the prestigious Florida Triple Crown Roadeo! His exceptional skills also earned him 1st place in the Fixed Route Bus Pre-Inspection competition, highlighting his expertise and precision in bus operations.

Held over the weekend, the Florida Triple Crown Roadeo tested participants on a rigorous driving course, a written exam, and a comprehensive bus pre-inspection. Guarionex’s remarkable performance showcased his dedication, technical knowledge, and commitment to excellence in public transportation.

With this outstanding achievement, Guarionex will now advance to the International Bus Roadeo in Austin, TX, April 4-8, where he will compete against the best U.S. and Canadian bus operators.

HART also congratulates Operator Ticha Starling for her impressive qualification to the State Roadeo for the second consecutive year, further highlighting the high level of skill and professionalism from HART operators.

“We are incredibly proud of Guarionex and Ticha for their hard work and dedication,” said Scott Drainville, HART CEO. “Guarionex’s success at the Florida Triple Crown Roadeo is a testament to his skill and commitment to safety and service. We look forward to cheering him on as he represents Florida on the international stage in Austin!”

HART remains committed to providing exceptional transit service to Hillsborough County by investing in operator training and excellence. Achievements like these underscore the talent and dedication of HART’s workforce.

HART Partners with Transit App for Real-time Travel Information

HART is excited to announce a new customer benefit: free access to Transit Royale, the premium service available in the Transit app!

HART recently transitioned to the Transit App for customer-facing real-time travel information. The agency previously developed OneBusAway Tampa, the agency's longtime real-time information application.

The upgrade provides expanded route maps, full departure schedules, real-time vehicle tracking, and step-by-step trip guidance—all at no cost.

“We’re always looking to improve the customer experience,” said HART CEO Scott Drainville. “By offering Transit Royale for free, we’re giving customers the best tools to plan their trips with confidence and provide immediate feedback on the go.”

Starting immediately, HART riders using the Transit app will receive a notification unlocking premium features, including:

• Full HART route maps and schedules
• Expanded real-time departure info
• The GO feature for trip guidance and customization
• Personalized themes and favorite place markers

Riders can also switch the app’s theme to match HART’s branding for a localized, ad-free experience.

This initiative is part of HART’s ongoing commitment to enhancing GPS tracking, expanding digital tools, and improving service accessibility.

New to Transit App? There is a great online resource to answer all of your Transit App questions!

Download the Transit app today or visit goHART.org to learn more!

Set Sail to Gasparilla 2025 with the TECO Line Streetcar and HART!

Arrgh you ready?! Have your sights set on Gasparilla? Travel safely to the festivities... set sail with HART and the TECO Line Streetcar!

HART will operate additional streetcar and bus services to accommodate the large numbers of anticipated riders on Saturday, January 25th for Gasparilla! Please note: Routes are subject to change due to road closures.

HART is by far the most convenient and affordable way to travel to the Gasparilla parade. The daily fare cap/max on HART is $4.00 and the TECO Line Streetcar is FARE-FREE!

Below are important details to make the trip to the Gasparilla parade easier:

TECO Line Streetcar System

• Streetcar service is FREE.
• Continuous streetcar service from 8:30 a.m.- 2:00 a.m.
• For parking in Ybor City, Station #4 (Cadrecha Plaza Station) is your best bet for the event with Stations #2 and #3 CLOSED until 3 p.m. A FREE bus shuttle will be provided (details below).
• Streetcar stations #5 through #9 will also be closed until 3 p.m.
• Stations #1 and #11 (Hattricks Station) will be closed all day.

HART Bus Service

• For parking in Ybor City, HART will provide FREE bus shuttle service between Station #3 (Streetcar Society Station) and Station #4 (Cadrecha Station) and downtown Tampa (Brorein/Florida Ave.) continuously from 9:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• For parking at the Port Authority Parking Garage, HART will be providing FREE van shuttle service from Florida Aquarium Station to/from Bus Shuttle Stop (S11) at Brorein/Florida Ave. continuously from 9:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Fare-Free Route 1 to Downtown Gasparilla Shuttle Stop at Brorein St./Florida Ave. (Until 3 p.m. see map for route)
• Traveling from outside Ybor City and Downtown? The daily fare cap/max for HART service is $4, which may be purchased in advance at HART retail outlets or onboard buses on Gasparilla Day with contactless debit, credit card, Google Pay, Apple Pay, cash (one-way fare/no change provided) or via the Flamingo Fares card or mobile app. This fare does not cover City of Tampa parking fees.

Click here to view a map of HART bus and streetcar service for Gasparilla.

Getting to Downtown Tampa on HART

• From University Area: Routes 1*, 5*, 6, 9*, 12, 275LX, 400*
• From Temple Terrace: Route 6
• From New Tampa/Wiregrass: Route 275LX
• From Brandon: Routes 8*, 360LX*
• From West Tampa: Route 7*,10*
• From South Tampa: Routes 19*, 360LX*
• From Tampa International: Routes 10*, 30*
  
  
  View HART bus maps and schedules
  HART Trip Planner

*Routes 1,7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 19, 30, 400 and 360LX will be on detour during the festivities.

Ride with Respect!

Ride with Respect

Make sure to party like a responsible pirate and Ride with Respect! No coolers or alcohol are allowed on HART buses and the TECO Line Streetcar System.

Have a fun and safe Gasparilla!

HART and Streetcar Gasparilla Service Map

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.