HART to Implement Service Changes June 7

HART will implement service changes on Sunday, June 7, 2026, to improve frequency on a high-ridership route, support better on-time performance, and enhance the customer experience.

These changes are the result of HART’s year-long Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA), which reviewed the transit system based on current market conditions and input from customers, employees, and stakeholders. 

Frequency Improvements

Route 38 – Mango/Brandon
Route 38 will now operate every 30 minutes on weekdays.

Schedules Changes

Schedule adjustments will be made to Routes 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 30, 33, 37, 38, 45, 46, 48, and 360LX.

Route 46 – Brandon Blvd.
The last westbound trip, previously scheduled at 10:45 p.m. to Brandon Mall, will be removed on weekdays and weekends. The last westbound trip will now be 9:51 p.m. There are no routing changes.

Route 360LX – Brandon/South Tampa
Route 360LX will begin service one hour earlier on weekdays. The first westbound trip from J.C. Handly Park Park-n-Ride will depart at 5:15 a.m. There are no routing changes.

Service Elimination

Routes 24LX and 25LX will no longer be in service. Customers may use Route 360LX as an alternative from J.C. Handly Park-n-Ride to Downtown Tampa and MacDill Air Force Base, with weekday service approximately every hour from 5:15 a.m. to 10 p.m. Enterprise Vanpool is also available.

Note: Route 24LX and 25LX bus stops with white bags will remain in service until Sunday, June 7, 2026.

Route 24LX/25LX & 360LX map

HARTFlex South County will no longer be in service. Eligible customers may use Sunshine Line, a Hillsborough County door-to-door transportation service for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income residents who do not have other transportation options.

Note: HARTFlex South County bus stops with white bags will remain in service until Sunday, June 7, 2026.

HARTFlex South County and Route 31 map

Resources from the elimination of Routes 24LX, 25LX, and HARTFlex South County will be reinvested to improve weekday frequency on Route 38, which serves Mango and Brandon, increasing service from hourly to every 30 minutes.

HART is also evaluating opportunities to apply these resources to additional improvements in future service changes.

Routing Changes

Route 5 – 40th St. and Route 12 – 22nd St. will turn left from Palm Avenue to 22nd Street for northbound trips in Ybor City.

Route 5 & 12 map

HART Joins Sunflower Program to Support Riders with Non-Visible Disabilities

In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, HART is proud to announce its participation in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program—an important step forward in its ongoing commitment to accessibility for all customers.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program is a global initiative designed to support individuals living with non-visible disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, multiple sclerosis, and more. The program uses a simple but powerful symbol: a green lanyard with yellow sunflowers. When worn, it discreetly signals that the individual may need additional assistance, patience, or understanding—without requiring them to explain their condition.

“At HART, we are committed to ensuring every rider feels supported and respected,” said Frank Wyszynski, HART Manager of Marketing and Communications. “Joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program is an important step in building a more welcoming and accessible transit system for everyone in Hillsborough County.”

HART is among the first transit agencies in the nation to adopt the program, further demonstrating its leadership in advancing accessible public transportation.

This effort builds on HART’s broader HART For All initiative, which focuses on creating a more inclusive transit experience. Many HART operators are already familiar with the sunflower symbol through its use at Tampa International Airport. Now, with expanded training across the organization, more employees will be equipped to recognize the symbol and respond with empathy and support.

As part of the program, sunflower lanyards are now available to customers upon request and can be used throughout the HART system. Riders can pick up a lanyard at HART Customer Service locations at the Marion Transit Center or the University Area Transit Center.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program operates year-round, working with organizations worldwide to raise awareness, provide training, and share stories that foster understanding and inclusion.

By joining this global movement, HART continues to take meaningful steps toward ensuring that public transportation is accessible, welcoming, and supportive for everyone—because every rider deserves to feel seen.

For more information about HART and its accessibility initiatives, visit www.goHART.org.

Celebrate Earth Day with 50% Off Your HART Fare! 🌱🌎

This Earth Day, HART is making it easier—and more affordable—to make a greener choice.

To celebrate, riders can enjoy 50% off stored value in the Flamingo Fares app or on FlamingoFares.com by using promo code EARTHDAY on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Whether you're commuting to work, heading to school, or exploring Hillsborough County, now is the perfect time to try a more sustainable way to get around.

Public transportation plays a vital role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and easing traffic congestion. Every trip taken on HART helps cut down on the number of cars on the road, leading to cleaner air and a healthier community for everyone.

With Flamingo Fares, going green is simple. The app and smart card system provide a convenient, contactless way to pay your fare—no paper passes required. Just load value, enter the promo code, and ride.

This Earth Day, small choices can make a big impact. Choosing HART means fewer emissions, less congestion, and a more sustainable future for our region.

Celebrate Earth Day with 50% off your HART fare—use promo code EARTHDAY in the Flamingo Fares app and start riding greener today.

*Offer only valid on Wednesday, April 22, 2026

HART Honored with National Award for Excellence for FY26 Budget

HART has been awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its Fiscal Year 2026 budget, marking a major achievement in public sector financial management.

The recognition is the highest form of acknowledgment in governmental budgeting, and reflects HART’s strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public funds.

“The GFOA recognition underscores HART’s ongoing dedication to transparency and fiscal responsibility,” said Chief Financial Officer Shirley Shu-Hurley. “It reflects the hard work of our team and reinforces our commitment to managing public funds with integrity while continuing to earn the confidence of the community we serve.”

To receive the award, HART’s budget document was evaluated against nationally recognized guidelines that assess how well it serves as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and communications tool. The budget was required to rate “proficient” in all four categories and meet 14 mandatory criteria to qualify.

Participation in the GFOA’s Budget Awards Program includes over 1,900 government agencies across North America. HART’s inclusion in this distinguished group underscores the agency’s leadership and best practices in budgeting within the transit industry and the broader government sector.

TECO Line Streetcar Extends Service for 2026 NCAA Men's March Madness in Tampa

As excitement builds for the 2026 NCAA Men's March Madness in Tampa, HART is offering easy, stress-free ways to navigate downtown during the weekend’s events. With thousands of fans expected, local officials encourage attendees to take advantage of alternative transportation options to avoid traffic and parking challenges. This weekend, the TECO Line Streetcar will extend service hours on Sunday until midnight. 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 15 minutes throughout the weekend, with service near Benchmark International Arena, the site of the First and Second Rounds of the 2026 NCAA Men's March Madness Tournament. Streetcar Hours During Men's March Madness First & Second Rounds: Thursday, March 19: 7:00 A.M. - 11 P.M. Friday, March 20: 7:00 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday, March 21: 8:30 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday, March 22: 8:30 AM – MIDNIGHT* Extended service 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, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA)’s 300X connects downtown Tampa and the airport to Pinellas County. Fare: Visitors can pay their HART fare ($4 daily max rate) 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 Invites Community to Help Shape the Future of Transit in Hillsborough County

HART is inviting residents to help shape the future of public transportation in Hillsborough County. Beginning Monday, March 2, through Friday, April 3, 2026, community members can participate in an online survey and attend in-person Vision Workshops to share their ideas and priorities for transit improvements over the next decade.

HART is updating its Vision Plan in 2026 to establish a list of strategic priorities that will guide how and where public transportation grows in the years ahead. The plan will explore potential service frequency improvements, new routes, alternative service types, and enhancements to the overall rider experience.

While many of the proposed projects identified in the Vision Plan may currently be unfunded, public input will play a critical role in shaping HART’s long-term direction and future investment priorities.

Take the Survey

The primary way to participate is by completing the online survey at HARTVisionPlan.com between March 2 and April 3, 2026.

At the end of the survey, participants may enter for a chance to win a $150 gift card.

Attend a Vision Workshop

In addition to the survey, HART will host 10 interactive Vision Workshops throughout March and early April. These sessions will provide opportunities for deeper discussion and feedback tailored to specific communities across the county.

All workshops will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the following locations:

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

C. Blythe Andrews Jr. Public Library

2607 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tampa, FL 33610

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Everglades University, Tampa Campus

5010 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33609

Thursday, March 12, 2026

North Tampa Branch Library

8916 N. Blvd., Tampa, FL 33604

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Victor Crist Community Center Complex

14013 N. 22nd St., Tampa, FL 33613

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Town ’N Country Regional Public Library

7606 Paula Dr., #120, Tampa, FL 33615

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

HCC SouthShore Campus

551 24th St. NE, Ruskin, FL 33570

Thursday, March 26, 2026

Brandon Regional Library

619 Vonderburg Dr., Brandon, FL 33511

Monday, March 30, 2026

Emanuel P. Johnson Recreation Center

5855 S. 78th St., Tampa, FL 33619

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Tampa Firefighters Museum

720 E. Zack St., Tampa, FL 33602

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library

3910 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa, FL 33611

Help Create the Vision

HART encourages residents, businesses, community leaders, and stakeholders to participate and help create a clear, community-driven vision for transit improvements.

To take the survey or learn more, visit HARTVisionPlan.com.

 

HART Welcomes Ronrico “Rico” Smith to the Board of Directors

HART is pleased to announce the appointment of Ronrico “Rico” Smith to the HART Board of Directors, representing Hillsborough County.

A third-generation Tampa native, Rico brings deep community roots and a steadfast commitment to public service. With several years of successful experience in sales and product management, he has effectively advocated on behalf of medical device companies before federal, defense, and state officials on critical healthcare issues. His professional background reflects a strong understanding of policy, strategy, and stakeholder engagement—skills that will serve HART and the community well.

Rico also brings valuable board-level leadership experience in both government and healthcare. He currently serves on the Corporate Board for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Tampa Bay and previously served as Board Treasurer for the Hillsborough County Hospital Authority. During his tenure, he played a key role in overseeing land use at Tampa General Hospital and approving a transformative $550 million capital improvement plan—demonstrating his ability to guide complex initiatives with long-term community impact.

Committed to service beyond the boardroom, Rico enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserves in 2016 and was commissioned in 2022 as a Finance Officer. In this role, he assists with formulating program policy, allocating manpower resources, and managing budgeting efforts for Total Force Integration. He earned his associate’s degree from the Community College of the Air Force and his bachelor’s degree from Trident University.

Rico remains actively involved in the community, volunteering with local veterans’ organizations and serving on the Congressional Veterans’ Advisory Committee for Congressman Gus Bilirakis. He also mentors junior investors in real estate and retirement planning. In his free time, he enjoys golfing and traveling with his family and friends.

HART looks forward to Rico’s leadership and perspective as the agency continues advancing safe, reliable, and innovative public transportation solutions for the residents of Hillsborough County.

Please join us in welcoming Ronrico “Rico” Smith to the HART Board of Directors.