HART COVID-19 UPDATE: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

CUSTOMER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

In coordination with the Hillsborough County Office of Emergency in response to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) HART’s goal is to maintain as much service with the minimum inconvenience to customers. The top priority is to protect employees while minimizing inconvenience to customers.

What is HART doing to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 when using public transit services?

HART is disinfecting its fleet help reduce the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19. Our enhanced regimen includes additional disinfecting of frequent touchpoints such as disinfecting vehicle entry ways, fare boxes, steering wheels, operator seats, protective shields, modesty panels, stanchion bars, customer seat backs and hand rails on buses, vans and streetcars. All HART facilities’ surfaces, door knobs, sinks, faucets, hand rails and other common areas are being disinfected as well as customer amenities. 

The cleaning agents used in this effort are deemed effective for these purposes and contain anti-viral components such as bleach/water mixes and other disinfectant sprays.

HART is working in coordination with the Hillsborough County's Office of Emergency Management, in support of the public health response to slow the spread of COVID-19.

We are recommending that all HART employees and customers stay vigilant with good hygiene practices as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and stay home if you are sick. On-board signage and announcements have been installed to encourage seat staggering while riding.

We also ask that customers limit use of the HART systems for trips that are essential and necessary.

Has HART changed service yet?

As of Wednesday, April 1, 2020, HART will temporarily reduce service hours and operate all modes of transit on a Sunday service schedule with regular fares, due to closures along routes, reduced demand for service, and to support Hillsborough County's “Safer-at-Home” order. HART will also operate service Monday through Friday for Routes 20X, 24LX, 25LX, 31, and 60LX on their regular weekday schedule. There will be no HARTFlex service.

• All HART public meetings are cancelled until April 13, 2020
• TECO Streetcar will have abbreviated operating hours beginning March 20, 2020.
  The abbreviated service hours reflect the recent shutdown of bars and other entertainment activities, and the limiting of restaurant hours due to COVID-19.
  
  
  Temporary streetcar service hours:

§  Monday - Friday: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

§  Saturday - Sunday: 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

How does the current Hillsborough County "Safer-at-Home" order and 9 PM - 5 AM curfew impact HART service?

The curfew currently does not apply to essential workers or essential trips. Public transportation is exempt from the order, as we continue to serve essential workers.

What if a HART vehicle has transported someone with COVID-19?

If a vehicle has been identified that a suspected or confirmed case of a patron or HART employee tested positive for COVID-19, the vehicle will be quarantined and disinfected by HART's HAZMAT vendor, Bio 1. The vehicle is safe for service 90 minutes after it has been disinfected.

What can I do to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

It is recommended that customers travel for emergency or essential purposes only. If you are sick, we ask you not to ride HART. People riding on public transit are encouraged to practice social distancing by allowing enough space from each other. It is recommended for everyone to stay vigilant with good hygiene practices as outlined by the CDC: 

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw it in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow to avoid contaminating your hands.

Is HART limiting the number of riders per bus?

We are encouraging social distancing to customers. Staggered seating signs, encouraging riders to sit in every other row, are posted on all buses. We ask customers who are sick to stay home and to limit their travel to essential trips.

What is HART’s service plan to deal with COVID-19?

As of Wednesday, April 1, 2020, HART will temporarily reduce service hours and operate all modes of transit on a Sunday service schedule with regular fares, due to closures along routes, reduced demand for service, and support of the Hillsborough County “Safer-at-Home” order. HART will also operate service Monday through Friday for Routes 20X, 24LX, 25LX, 31, and 60LX on their regular weekday schedule. There will be no HARTFlex service.

What if Pandemic conditions require the complete quarantine of Hillsborough County?

If pandemic conditions require a complete quarantine of Hillsborough County, all regularly scheduled bus, paratransit and streetcar service will be discontinued. All rolling stock and facilities will be properly secured. 

Restoration of service will require up to three (3) days to complete. Restoration will happen in the reverse order of the service reduction:

• Step 1: Staff requirements will be assessed.
• Step 2: Operator for all modes of transit will be contacted by Operations Control Center.
• Step 3: Vehicles will be inspected for service readiness.
• Step 4: Customer Service representatives will begin contacting subscription customers for Paratransit reservations.
• Step 5: Begin service delivery

How will I know when HART reduces service?

Continue to check www.GoHART.org or call Customer Service (813) 254-4278 for the latest updates. 

Will HART give employees masks to address their fears of contracting the COVID-19?

HART is providing gloves, facemasks, and sanitizer to service workers daily as supply numbers permit. The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, such as avoiding touching your eyes or nose, and covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue. HART is reminding front line employees of these preventive measures.