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!

HART Customers can now use the Moovit App to Pay Their Fare!

 
HART customers now have another option to plan their trip and pay their fare with the Moovit app!

The City of Tampa has partnered with Moovit and HART to allow you to pay your HART fare via the app and plan your multimodal trip by foot, bus, streetcar, scooter, & more.

HART customers can purchase select fares (including HARTPlus) on the app, which is available via the Apple and Google Play stores.

The Moovit app also features real-time information for HART, PSTA, and Pasco County, as well as the locations of 28 parking lots, including 10 HART park-and-ride and 18 park mobile lots. With all mobility options included and real-time arrival information, you can now plan multimodal trips to more easily get around.

HART to Host Second Rider Advisory Committee Open House!

HART is creating a Rider Advisory Committee! Rider input is essential to HART’s success. It helps us make informed decisions to continue providing excellent public transportation that keeps Hillsborough County moving!

Interested applicants can attend an Open House on Wednesday, December 14, 2022; 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM, at the HART Administrative Office - 1201 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, FL.

Open House attendees will learn more about the Rider Advisory Committee and be able to apply to serve on the Committee in person.

"Customer input is invaluable to our organization to ensure that we continue to meet the County's transportation needs," said Adelee Marie Le Grand, HART CEO. "The Rider Advisory Committee will give us a constant pulse on rider sentiment".

For those unable to attend the Open House, the application is available online.

Committee applications can be sent to MorenoY@goHART.org or mail it to HART Community Engagement, 1201 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, FL, 33605. All applications must be received by Wednesday, December 14, 2022.

HART Seeks Input on Proposed March 2023 Service Changes!

HART is proposing service changes throughout the network in March 2023 and is gathering feedback on the plan. HART is proposing the changes to align demand and improve efficiency while operating within our current funding framework.

HART is holding feedback sessions in person at the Marion Transit Center and onboard impacted routes. 

Unable to attend the in-person sessions? The HART Planning team takes you through a virtual walkthrough of the plan.

Click here to view the proposal and outreach opportunities, take a short survey, and submit feedback.

HART Tropical Storm Nicole Service Update

UPDATE - 11/11/22: Service has resumed to a normal Weekday schedule.

11/09/22; 6:09 p.m. - HART will suspend all bus, van, and streetcar service tomorrow, November 10, 2022. For those voluntarily evacuating tonight, Hillsborough County has opened up a shelter at Erwin Technical College. The shelter is served by routes 9, 12, and 34.

The plan is to resume a normal Weekday schedule on Friday, November 11, 2022.

Stay tuned to HART's social channels for the latest!

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!

HART Hurricane Ian Service Update

CURRENT SERVICE STATUS

HART has resumed regular fixed-routes and Paratransit services effective today, September 30. However, please expect some delays. 

The TECO Line Streetcar will resume service at 3 p.m. today.

For more information, contact HART Customer Service at (813) 254-4278.

Hop on HART this School Year!

Welcome back, students! Another semester is here. If you're planning on using HART this school year, below is a quick reference guide on connecting to HART and the special fares available from your school.

What is HART?

Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) is the public transportation service provider for Hillsborough County. HART serves Hillsborough County's employees, residents and visitors with bus, and van services. HART also operates the FREE 2.7-mile TECO Line Streetcar System, serving the restaurants, attractions and other entertainment venues of Ybor City, the Channel District and downtown Tampa.

HART Adult Student Fare program:

Schools participating in the HART Adult Student Fare program sell HART fare cards to their students for a 25% discount. Students can purchase a 31-Day Local Adult Student Fare Card for only $48.75 (normally $65) at their respective schools by showing their valid student ID. Please note, the adult student discount is not applicable if the pass is purchased at traditional HART sales outlets.

Click here for a listing of participating schools.

What's a fare card worth, if you can't connect to your school?

Luckily, HART has you covered with multiple routes connecting to over 20 colleges in Hillsborough County. Below, you'll find a listing of some of the schools that HART serves with bus, van, and streetcar services.

University of South Florida (USF)

USF Students ride HART FREE!

The following HART routes serve the USF area:

• MetroRapid (Route 400) - UATC/Fletcher Ave.
• Route 1 - Florida Ave.
• Route 5 - 40th St.
• Route 6 - 56th St.
• Route 9 - 15th St.
• Route 12 - 22nd St.
• Route 33 - Fletcher Ave.
• Route 42 - UATC
• Route 44 - UATC
• Route 45- UATC
• Route 48 - Fowler Ave./56th St./Morris Bridge
• Route 275LX - Bruce B. Downs Blvd./UATC

Students ride FREE on MetroRapid, HART Local, Limited Express and Flex routes with valid student ID. Faculty and staff ride for just 50¢.

For information on the U-Pass program, click here.

Hillsborough Community College (HCC)

We have a number of routes serving the HCC campuses throughout the county:

• Dale Mabry campus - Route(s) 7, 36
• Brandon campus - Route 37
• SouthShore campus - Route 31, HARTFlex South County
• Ybor City campus - Route(s) 5, 9, 12, the FREE TECO Line Streetcar

HCC Semester Pass: HCC students can purchase the HCC Semester Pass, providing over 4 months of unlimited rides on HART for just $110 - roughly 50% off! The Semester Pass can be purchased at all HCC Bookstores or by bringing your HCC Student ID to the Marion Transit Center or University Area Transit Center. The HCC Semester Pass is now a part of Flamingo Fares.

Students can also purchase a 31-Day Local Adult Student Fare Card for $48.75 at the bookstores of HCC's Dale Mabry, Brandon and Ybor City campuses.

 

UT students receive a 25% discount on 31-day passes

University of Tampa (UT)

HART serves UT via the following routes:

• Route 7 - West Tampa/Citrus Park
• Route 10 - Cypress St.
• Route 30 - Town 'N Country/Airport

Plan your school commute with HART

Your best bet is the HART Trip Planner. Simply type in your starting and endpoints, arrival time/date, hit "get directions," and let the planner do the rest.

Real-time HART arrival information and trip planning are also available with the OneBusAway Tampa app!

HART Travel Training 

The first Travel Training ride is FREE!

Need some assistance in getting started? 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.

You can call the HARTinfo line at 813-254-4278 to get started!

Have a GREAT semester!

HART Launches Rider Advisory Committee - Public Invited to Open House!

HART is creating a Rider Advisory Committee! Rider input is essential to HART’s success. It helps us make informed decisions to continue providing excellent public transportation that keeps Hillsborough County moving!

Interested applicants can attend an Open House on Thursday, August 11, 2022; 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM, at the HART Administrative Office - 1201 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, FL.

Open House attendees will learn more about the Rider Advisory Committee and be able to apply to serve on the Committee in person.

"Customer input is invaluable to our organization to ensure that we continue to meet the County's transportation needs," said Adelee Marie Le Grand, HART CEO. "The Rider Advisory Committee will give us a constant pulse on rider sentiment".

For those unable to attend the Open House, the application is available online.

Committee applications can be sent to MorenoY@goHART.org or mail it to HART Community Engagement, 1201 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, FL, 33605. All applications must be received by Friday, September 2, 2022.

HART to Hold Public Hearing for Amended FY22 Budget

HART is holding Public Hearings on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, in relation to an amendment to the FY22 Proposed Operating Budget.

The FY22 Budget Amendment details can be found here.

The public has until Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at 7 PM to provide comments.

Ways to provide public comment: 

• Public Hearing - Wednesday, July 13, 2022; 11:30 AM - 1 PM (virtual option available) & 5:30 PM - 7 PM (virtual option available)
• Marion Transit Center, 1211 N. Marion St., 2nd Floor, Tampa, FL 33602
• SeeClickFix - Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) | SeeClickFix | Add a photo
• Customer Service Phoneline - (813) 254-4278

TECO Line Streetcar Service Hours Extended for Boom by the Bay

HART is extending TECO Line Streetcar service hours until MIDNIGHT for Boom by the Bay attendees and the general public.

Boom by the Bay officials encourage residents to utilize FREE streetcar service or FREE rubber-wheeled shuttle service to the fireworks celebration to avoid the cost of parking and the stress of congestion.

The TECO Line Streetcar is free and operates every 15 minutes between historic Ybor City and Downtown Tampa. 

The free Boom by the Bay Shuttle will operate from 7 PM - 11 PM. Attendees can catch the Shuttle from the East Platform at the Marion Transit Center.

HART bus and van service will operate on a Sunday schedule on Monday in observance of Independence Day. Route 19 will be on detour from 4 PM - Midnight on Monday for Boom by the Bay. Routes operating in Downtown Tampa may see delays due to event traffic.

Have a safe and fun Fourth of July!

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.

HART to host Hiring Event on June 11!

Want a rewarding career in public transportation? HART is hiring! 

Join HART at a Hiring Event on Saturday, June 11, 2022, from 9 AM to 2 PM at the HART Operations Facility at 4305 East 21^st Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33605.

Careers are available in Operations, Maintenance, Finance, HR and more! On-site interviews will be conducted with bus operators and mechanics applicants. 

HART participates in Florida Retirement and offers a robust health package, tuition reimbursement, career advancement and more! 

On-air personality Katie Sommers from local radio station 933FLZ will be live from 10 AM-Noon with fun games and music.

Click here for a complete list of available careers and HART benefits. HART is a drug-free, safe work environment and an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Join the team that keeps Hillsborough County moving!

HART to Implement Service Changes on May 29, 2022

HART is implementing service changes for several HART routes on Sunday, May 29, 2022. HART is enacting the changes to improve the customer experience.

Summary of Service Changes

Service with Schedule Changes:

• Route 7
• Route 8
• Route 9
• Route 10
• Route 14
• Route 17
• Route 30
• Route 32
• Route 36
• Route 37
• Route 38

Customers can visit www.goHART.org to view updated schedules, a summary of the service changes and more information on HART service.

Customers with questions can contact HART Customer Service at 813-254-4278.

Streetcar Live RETURNS May 20!

Streetcar Live is BACK after a (very) long 2+ year hiatus!

The onboard streetcar concert series returns for a one-show fall teaser on May 20, 2022, with Whale Feral! Following the teaser show, Streetcar Live will restart in September 2022.  

Whale Feral is a southern jam band that combines intricate compositions and raw improvisation to produce a truly unique sound.

The band will board the Streetcar at Centennial Park Station (#1) and depart on the 6 PM trip to Downtown.

We will announce the specific Streetcar Live car # the day before the show for those that miss the initial departure. Stay tuned to the TECO Line Streetcar social channels for the latest updates!

We can't wait to 🤘 out onboard once again!

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.

Streetcar Service Extended for the Bolts Playoff Run!

The TECO Line Streetcar has Tampa Bay Lightning fans covered with extended streetcar service for weeknight home games throughout the Bolts' Playoff run!

It is time to Be the Thunder and cheer on our Lightning!

Streetcar service is extended until midnight for each weeknight playoff home game. Streetcars run until 2 a.m. on weekends.

With over 20,000+ fans converging on Amalie Arena, the TECO Line Streetcar System offers a FREE and convenient way to avoid all the playoff traffic downtown. Park in the Ybor City garages, grab dinner and hop on the Streetcar to Amalie Arena!

Skate by traffic, parking headaches, and the cost of gas by taking the TECO Line Streetcar.

Not going to the game? Anyone can take advantage of this later service to get around downtown Tampa, the Channel District and Ybor City!

Tampa Bay Lightning Stanley Cup Playoff ticket information and schedule can be found here. 

Streetcar service hours during the ECF:

• Game 3 - Sunday, June 5, 2022: 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
• Game 4 - Tuesday, June 7, 2022: 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
• Game 6* - Saturday, June 11, 2022: 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 a.m. *if necessary



TECO Line Streetcar customers can visit www.TECOlinestreetcar.org for a live map and regular service hours.  

Customers with questions can contact HART Customer Service at 813-254-4278.

Go BOLTS!  

Mask Requirement on HART Service has Been Lifted

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced yesterday (April 18) the withdrawal of SD 1582/84-21-01E, requiring masks on public transportation and at public transportation facilities. The TSA will no longer enforce their mask-related security directives. 

As such, effective immediately, HART will no longer require masks on board our buses, vans, and streetcars and at our facilities including work offices. HART operators will no longer be required to enforce the mask requirement on our vehicles. 

However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation environments. 

Customers and employees are still welcome to wear a mask in all settings.

HART to Implement Service Changes on Sunday, April 17, 2022

HART is implementing service changes on Routes 10 and 14 on Sunday, April 17, 2022. HART is enacting the changes to improve the customer experience.

Summary of Service Changes:

• Service with Minor Schedule Changes:
• Route 10 - The daily schedule will be changed in both directions.
• Route 14 - The daily schedule will be changed in the southbound direction.

Customers can visit www.goHART.org to view updated schedules, a summary of the service changes and more information on HART service.

Customers with questions can contact HART Customer Service at 813-254-4278.

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.

Your Ride to Tampa Pride: Hop on the FREE TECO Line Streetcar!

HART and local officials encourage those attending the Tampa Pride Diversity Parade on Saturday, March 26, 2022, to utilize FREE TECO Line Streetcar service for the festivities!

The TECO Line Streetcar is your best bet to Tampa Pride with over 80,000 attendees expected in historic Ybor City for the 7th Annual Tampa Pride Diversity Parade.

Tampa Pride attendees are encouraged to park in the Port Tampa Bay parking garage and pick up free streetcar service from Cumberland Avenue Station (#7) or Amalie Arena Station (#8) to Ybor City.

HART Bus and Streetcar Service for Tampa Pride

The TECO Line Streetcar will operate every 15 minutes with Saturday service until 2 AM. Streetcar service will cease north of 7th Avenue on Saturday from 3 PM - 8 PM.

The TECO Line Streetcar will serve a temporary station just south of the 7th Avenue parade route in front of the Streetcar barn / HART Administrative Office. Stations #1-4 will not be served during that time.

For those interested in HART bus service, routes 5, 8, 9, and 12 serve Ybor City. Customers can use the HART Trip Planner to map their Ride to Pride!

A HART 1-day pass is just $4. Customers can pay onboard with exact change or download the Flamingo Fares app to pay via smartphone.

Visit www.TECOLineStreetcar.org for a live streetcar map, schedules, and more information on the TECO Line Streetcar or www.goHART.org for HART bus service.

HART is Your Ride to Tampa Pride!

Join HART in Celebrating Transit Worker Appreciation Day on March 18, 2022!

The Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) encourages riders and invites the community to thank transportation workers across Hillsborough County on March 18, 2022, in observance of Transit Worker Appreciation Day.

HART's bus, van and streetcar operators, as well as maintenance workers, provide safe and reliable service every day to our thousands of Hillsborough County riders.

During one of the most challenging times in recent history, transit workers across the country showcased how public transportation is essential to the vitality of the community by remaining open and serving essential workers.

These professionals regularly demonstrate patience and skill. However, above all, they care about our riders and serving our community.

Commuters know the familiar faces they encounter each day as they travel to work and school, run errands, see a friend, or receive their last round of chemotherapy. Our transit workers become part of our customers' daily lives and it's great to show them that we appreciate the great work they do.

Join the Transit Worker Day Celebration

Tell your operator thank you, share a smile or say hello. Customers can also help spread the word about this special day by posting to their social media pages using #ThanksTransit.

HART customers can also share their great experiences by using #HARTHeroes or visiting www.goHART.org.

HART to Hold Design Workshop for TOD Pilot Project

HART is hosting the second of two public design charrettes for the HART Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Pilot Project on Saturday, March 5, 2022. The charrette is being held from 10 AM - 2:30 PM at the Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association - 2005 N Lamar Ave., Tampa, FL, 33602.

The purpose of the charrettes is to share information about the HART TOD Pilot Project, explore strategies to guide land use and development, and share ideas for the community's future.

HART TOD Design Charrette Schedule:

• Morning Design Session - 10:30 AM - 12 PM
• Afternoon Design Session - 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

The community will have the opportunity to hear a project update on the HART TOD Study and provide input via interactive map exercises.

For more information about the HART TOD Pilot Project and announcements on upcoming events, visit goHARTTOD.org.

For more information about HART service, visit www.goHART.org.

HART Receives U.S. DOT Grant to Expand Cross Bay Ferry

FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. KATHY CASTOR:

Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced that the Department of Transportation will award the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) $4,863,280 through the FY 2021 Passenger Ferry Grant Program.

“What a fitting love note from the Biden Administration to our Tampa community on Valentine’s Day – this grant will allow HART to significantly reduce operational costs while expanding the Cross Bay Ferry service, helping to grow intercity and commuter ferry service. It will grow a popular transit option between Tampa and St. Pete, reduce congestion, create local jobs, support small businesses and increase connectivity in the Tampa Bay region. In fact, over 90 percent of the CBF passengers patronize restaurants, shops, museums and sporting events in these two urban areas. This investment is a win-win-win for our community and all of our neighbors.

“I look forward to continuing to work with local partners like HART, the City and the County to secure federal funds for multi-modal projects that support our local economy and neighbors,” said Rep. Castor, who championed the project.

“We are thrilled to have received this grant,” said Hillsborough County Commissioner and HART Chairperson Pat Kemp, a longtime proponent of Tampa Bay ferry service. “It’s a great down payment on permanent service. It just goes to show how strong our ferry project is and the value of our region working together.”

The Passenger Ferry Grant Program (49 U.S.C. 5307(h)) provides competitive funding for projects that support passenger ferry systems in urbanized areas. These funds constitute a core investment in the enhancement and revitalization of public ferry systems in the nation’s urbanized areas. Funds are awarded based on factors such as the age and condition of existing ferry boats, terminals and related infrastructure; benefits to riders, such as increased reliability; project readiness; and connectivity to other modes of transportation.  Funding is allocated to projects on a competitive basis, from proposals submitted to FTA in response to Notices of Funding Opportunities.  Once awards are announced, funds are available for the year the announcement is made plus five years. See here for more information: https://www.transit.dot.gov/passenger-ferry-grants.