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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

HART Seeks New Member for ADA Accessibility Committee

HART is actively seeking dedicated Hillsborough County residents to join its ADA Accessibility Committee. This voluntary role allows members to serve the community by assisting HART in ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and improving accessibility for people with disabilities across Hillsborough County. Committee members serve without compensation.

Application Process and Deadline

Interested residents must complete and submit an Application for HART Committee Appointments to be considered. Fillable application forms are available on the HART website at www.goHART.org/ADAcommittee. To be eligible, applications must be signed, dated, and fully completed. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Submission Deadline: Close of business on January 5, 2026

Submission Methods:

• Mail or Delivery: 1201 East 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605
• Email: ChavarriaC@gohart.org

About the ADA Accessibility Committee

The ADA Accessibility Committee serves in an advisory capacity to HART and plays a crucial role in advancing accessibility initiatives. Its duties include:

1. Reviewing HART’s priorities and projects to advise on disability-related issues.
2. Acting as a liaison between HART and individuals with disabilities, addressing accessibility concerns or complaints about HART services or facilities.
3. Providing insights to HART on issues affecting people with disabilities.
4. Advocating for accessible transit options for people with disabilities.

There are two new positions open on the Committee, with a term length of three years. Committee meetings are held quarterly on the third Thursday from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.