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.