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.

Set Sail to Gasparilla 2026 with 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 January 31st for Gasparilla!

HART is by far the most convenient and affordable way to travel to the Gasparilla parade.

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

Getting TO Downtown - BEFORE 3 PM

• Free Streetcar: Take the FREE Streetcar from Ybor (Station #2) to Downtown (Station #10) starting at 8:30 AM.
• FREE Bus Shuttle: Take the FREE HART shuttle from Ybor (Stations #3 or #4) or Channelside (Station #7) to Downtown (Station #10) starting at 9:30 AM

Getting FROM Downtown - AFTER 3 PM

• FREE Streetcar: Streetcar service from Downtown (Station #10) to Ybor City and Channelside (Stations #2–#9) will operate until 2 a.m.
• FREE Bus Shuttle: HART shuttle from Downtown (Station #10) to Ybor (Stations #3 or #4) or Channelside (Station #7) until 7 PM.

Map of Gasparilla Service

Streetcar Station Closures & HART Bus Gasparilla Detours

TECO Line Streetcar System Station Closures

• Streetcar Stations #1 and #11 (Hattricks Station) will be CLOSED all day.
• Streetcar Stations #3 – #9 will be CLOSED until 3 PM.

HART Bus Service Detours

• Routes 1, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 19, 30, 360LX, and 400 will be on detour during Gasparilla, with limited service in Downtown Tampa and Hyde Park

Getting to Downtown Tampa on HART

 

Please note: No direct service to festivities from the Marion Transit Center

• Traveling from outside Ybor City and Downtown? HART’s $4 daily fare may be purchased in advance by using the Flamingo Fares app or card, or onboard via contactless debit or credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or cash (exact change for one-way ride).

• 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

Please note: Routes are subject to change due to road closures.

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 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.

Ring in the New Year with Extended Streetcar Service

To support a safe and convenient alternative to driving on New Year’s Eve, the Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) is extending TECO Line Streetcar System service by two additional hours, operating until 1 a.m. on Thursday, January 1, 2026.

On New Year’s Eve, the TECO Line Streetcar will run from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m., providing frequent service every 15 minutes between historic Ybor City, Water Street Tampa, and downtown Tampa—making it easy to celebrate responsibly and get home safely.

HART fixed-route bus service will operate on a Wednesday schedule on New Year’s Eve.

---

New Year’s Day Service – Thursday, January 1, 2026

On New Year’s Day, the TECO Line Streetcar will operate on its regular Thursday schedule, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
HART fixed-route bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule.

---

Customer Service & Retail Sales Center Hours

Customers should note the following holiday service hours:

New Year’s Eve – Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Marion Transit Center (MTC): 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
University Area Transit Center (UATC): 6 a.m. – 5 p.m.
HART Customer Service Hotline (813-254-4278): 5 a.m. – 1 a.m.

New Year’s Day – Thursday, January 1, 2026
Retail Sales Centers at UATC, MTC, and all HART offices: Closed in observance of the holiday
HART Customer Service Hotline (813-254-4278): 6 a.m. – 1 a.m.

HART offices will return to regular business hours on Monday, January 5, 2026.

---

HARTPlus Holiday Service

HARTPlus subscription customers who wish to travel on holidays must make a reservation by calling HART Customer Service at 813-254-4278.

Be Fare Ready: Route 1 Fares Return January 5, 2026

After a year of record-breaking ridership and improved mobility, the City of Tampa-funded Route 1 Fare-Free Pilot is coming to an end. Beginning January 5, 2026, fares will return on Route 1 — but the service improvements riders love will stick around (and expand to evenings and weekends).

A Pilot That Delivered Real Results

The Route 1 Fare-Free Pilot has been a massive success. As of December 2025, year-to-date ridership on Route 1 increased 45%, reaching 1,459,366 trips — over 445,000 more rides than the previous year. Average weekday ridership now exceeds 5,000 riders, and faster boarding helped improve on-time performance by 7%.

On an average weekday, Route 1 now carries more than 5,300 riders, far surpassing ridership seen on comparable previously fare-free services in the region. Faster boarding without fares also helped improve on-time performance by 6.2%, keeping buses moving efficiently through one of Tampa’s most active corridors.

Perhaps most importantly, Route 1 riders depend on the service:

• Nearly 70% ride three or more days per week

• Most trips support work, shopping, and healthcare

• 81% of riders say they will continue riding once fares return

• 63% connect to other routes, where they benefit from Flamingo Fares fare capping

Service Improvements Are Here to Stay

While the fare-free portion of the pilot is coming to an end, enhanced service will remain — and expand. Based on rider feedback and stakeholder input, City of Tampa funding was prioritized to maintain and grow service frequency rather than extend free fares.

What riders can expect starting January 5, 2026:

• Every 15 minutes on weekdays

• Expanded evening service

• Every 20 minutes on weekends

That means quicker trips, better reliability, and easier connections — every day of the week.

How to Pay When Fares Return

HART encourages riders to sign up for Flamingo Fares, the easiest and most affordable way to pay.

With fare capping, Flamingo Fares ensures you always pay the lowest possible price, whether you ride once a day or multiple times a week.

Ways to pay on Route 1:

• Flamingo Fares app or Flamingo smart card

• Contactless credit or debit card

• Apple Pay, Google Pay, or other digital wallets

• Cash (exact change only) for a one-way fare

Simply tap your phone, card, or payment method when boarding.

More Than a Bus Route

The Route 1 Fare-Free Pilot did more than boost ridership — it expanded access and introduced transit to new riders. With seamless connections to the also fare-free TECO Line Streetcar, riders enjoyed a frequent, no-cost link from USF to Ybor City.

The pilot also sparked community activity, with new riders organizing group trips to restaurants, retail, entertainment, and even walking tours — proof that reliable transit fuels economic activity and neighborhood connection.

HART is grateful to the City of Tampa for initiating and funding this pilot. What began as a one-year experiment has grown into a continuing partnership focused on delivering the greatest benefit to the most riders.

Have Questions?

HART Customer Service is here to help:

• Call 813-254-4278 or visit us in person at the Marion Transit Center or University Area Transit Center

• Learn more at goHART.org

• Follow HART on social media for updates

Be Fare Ready on January 5, 2026!