HART Awarded $32 Million FTA Grant for CNG Buses

Historic News for HART!

We’re proud to announce that HART has been awarded $32 million through the FTA’s Low or No Emission and Bus & Bus Facilities Program — the largest federal grant in HART’s history, the largest in Florida, and one of the top awards in the entire nation this funding cycle.

This investment will allow us to:

• Replace 33 aging diesel buses averaging 688,000 miles — well beyond their useful life
• Reduce annual maintenance costs by over $1 million
• Improve reliability, on-time performance, and reduce service interruptions
• Cut harmful emissions across Hillsborough County
• Expand technician training and apprenticeship programs to strengthen our workforce

With this award, HART is now positioned to become Florida’s first transit agency with a 100% low-emission CNG fixed-route fleet — a major milestone in our Fleet Transition Plan and a big step toward cleaner, more reliable mobility for our community.

This isn’t just an investment in buses. It’s an investment in our riders, our employees, and the future of transportation in Hillsborough County.

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Statement from HART CEO Scott Drainville

“Today’s announcement represents a major step forward for reliable transit in Hillsborough County. This investment will help us improve service for riders, reduce costly breakdowns, strengthen our workforce pipeline, and continue transitioning our fleet to cleaner, low-emission technology. 

We are profoundly grateful to the more than two dozen partners who stood with us—elected leaders, community advocates, educational institutions, businesses, and industry. Their voices made clear that modern, reliable transit is essential to our region’s growth.”

Statement from Congresswoman Kathy Castor

“This grant is a big win for our Tampa Bay neighbors. Reliable, accessible transit is essential to a healthy local economy—helping people get to work, school, medical care, and the grocery store without added stress,” said Rep. Kathy Castor. “With these new investments to modernize HART’s fleet and expand mobility options, we’re opening the door to more job opportunities, supporting local businesses and ensuring families across Hillsborough County can move around safely and affordably. I’m proud to help secure these federal resources so every neighbor—regardless of zip code—has the freedom to move, connect and thrive in our community.”

Statement from Congresswoman Laurel Lee

“This federal investment is a significant step forward for transit in Hillsborough County. With the addition of 33 new CNG buses, HART will be able to improve reliability, lower operating costs, and better serve the riders who depend on these routes every day. I was proud to support HART’s application and am grateful to Secretary Duffy and Administrator Molinaro for prioritizing this project. These upgrades will make a real difference for families, workers, and students across our community.” 

Statement from HART Chair/Councilman Luis Viera


“This $32 million grant for HART is a huge leap forward thanks to our federal partners. HART provides such a pivotal lifeline for our working families – our seniors, those with disabilities, our veterans and so many others. I am so thankful for the work ethic, tenacity and determination of our Congresswoman Kathy Castor, who always champions transit. This grant allows us to move forward in a manner that is productive and is consistent with sustainability.”

HART Awarded Transit-Oriented Development Grant for Streetcar and Bus Rapid Transit Projects

Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) is pleased to announce the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has awarded the agency with a Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning grant totaling $300,000 to plan for TOD at four proposed stations along the planned TECO Line Streetcar extension and HART's bus rapid transit line that will link downtown Tampa and the University of South Florida.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced the award of approximately $11 million to 20 projects in 12 states to support comprehensive planning efforts to improve access to public transportation. Funding through FTA's Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning grants will help organizations plan for transportation projects that connect communities and improve access to transit and affordable housing. 

"Transit-oriented development offers easier, more affordable access to jobs, health care, school, shopping, and other daily needs," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. "We're pleased to award this funding to help more communities develop around transit in a way that reduces pollution, increases economic opportunity, and contributes to affordable housing."

For those interested in the TOD planning process, HART is holding the second of two Public Design Charrettes on February 12, 2022, from 10 AM - 2:30 PM at the Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association, 2005 N Lamar Ave. The purpose of the charrette 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 Pilot

For more information on the HART TOD Pilot Project, visit www.goHARTTOD.org.

For more information on HART and the TECO Line Streetcar, visit www.goHART.org. 

HART Applies for FTA Funding to Support Cross Bay Ferry Service

HART has applied for grant funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to support the Cross Bay Ferry service.

The Cross Bay Ferry is a regional, seasonal ferry that started transporting riders in 2014 from Tampa to St. Petersburg.

“I am very excited about this opportunity to apply for a federal grant that would help us to increase the capacity of our current ferry service and set us up for expanded service connecting communities around the Bay. I have been a supporter of the ferry since day one, and I am thrilled that we are now taking action to expand the ferry into a year-round, premium regional transit system connecting Tampa and St. Petersburg with South Hillsborough County," said HART Board Chair and Hillsborough County Commissioner Mariella Smith.

In addition to the funding identified in the interlocal agreement, Hillsborough County has established $1 million dollars of matching funds in its fiscal year 2022 budget in support of the project.

“The Cross Bay Ferry ridership has already exceeded all expectations. With this grant, we can move to year-round, permanent service and use our waterways for wonderful, congestion-proof transit in Tampa Bay," said Hillsborough County Commissioner and HART Board member Pat Kemp.

Regional collaboration to support the Cross Bay Ferry includes letters from local, State and Federal representatives.

"The City of Tampa is excited to work with our partners at HART and Hillsborough County to take steps toward new transit solutions in Tampa Bay. Our waterways are a natural opportunity to connect people, jobs, and communities," said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor.

The FTA grant application process for the Passenger Ferry Grant Program 5307(h) FY 2021 was posted on August 6th and closed on October 5th, 2021.

To learn more about the FTA Passenger Ferry Grant Program click here: FTA Passenger Ferry Grant

"The hard-working team at HART and in Hillsborough County, along with our partners at HMS Ferries, have put together a really competitive grant application, and I have high hopes that we will be awarded this grant," said Chair Smith.

The project is backed by the following leaders who have submitted support letters:

• The Honorable Charlie Crist, U.S. Congressman District 13
• The Honorable Gus Bilirakis, U.S. Representative District 12
• The Honorable Kathy Castor, U.S. Representative District 14
• The Honorable Vern Buchanan, U.S. Representative District 16
• Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners
• Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners Chair, Pat Kemp
• City of Tampa Mayor, Jane Castor
• City of St. Petersburg Mayor, Rick Kriseman
• City of St. Petersburg Chair, Ed Montanari
• Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization
• Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority
• St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce
• Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce
• Hornblower Group DBA HMS Ferries

It's ELECTRIC ⚡: HART Awarded $2.7 Million for Electric Buses

Proterra, Inc. held an electric bus demonstration in downtown Tampa in 2018

HART has been awarded a $2.7 million Bus and Bus Facilities grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). This federal funding will allow HART to purchase up to four electric buses and supporting infrastructure to help further reduce the organization's carbon footprint.

As part of the grant award, TECO is has committed to working with HART to provide 50% of HART’s match for infrastructure to ensure the project is successful as a participant in this funding opportunity.

“HART will continue to seek opportunities to enhance our ability to improve access, mobility, and reliable, safe transportation for the patrons who depend upon our service. In these unprecedented times, it is even more important to deliver innovative transportation options, reduce the carbon footprint and make improvements to our fleet,” said ICEO Carolyn House Stewart. “Again, we offer our sincerest thanks to you, Congresswoman Kathy Castor, the entire Congressional Delegation, and TECO Energy for your leadership, support and partnership.”

HART has been working to replace its diesel engine buses as part of a mission to reduce air pollution in the greater Tampa Bay region.

Battery Electric Buses are known for zero-emission, quiet operation and better acceleration for a more comfortable ride.

Since 2016, HART has reduced its carbon footprint over 22% primarily by shifting from diesel to Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles. Hart will continue to reduce its inventory of diesel-fueled vehicles over the next few years by transitioning to electric buses as funding such as this becomes available.

“I am very grateful to Congresswoman Kathy Castor, and to HART staff, for all their hard work to secure this funding for HART. This grant couldn’t have come at a more advantageous time. Switching to a new technology will create more skilled jobs — right here in our community. Reducing our carbon footprint is very important to the future of the Tampa Bay area. And these new zero-emission electric buses will make our air cleaner — and that makes a big difference in the quality of life for so many in our community — whether they ride the bus or not. When we roll out these buses, I know our riders will be proud to say that they have one of the cleanest commutes in Hillsborough County,” said HART Board Chair Mariella Smith.

“I am pleased that the Federal Transit Administration has awarded funds to the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART),” said U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (FL). “The services provided by HART are essential to the everyday lives of many in the Hillsborough community, and this grant will greatly improve those services and lessen their impact on the local environment.”

HART is fortunate to have strong partners within its Congressional Delegation and is grateful for their unwavering support.

Watch media announcement

HART Awarded Grant to Combat Human Trafficking

An example of FTA's human trafficking awareness campaign

HART is pleased to announce the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has awarded HART with a Human Trafficking Awareness & Public Safety Initiative Grant totaling $100,240. The grant will be used to conduct a public awareness campaign about human trafficking leading up to Super Bowl LV being held in Tampa in 2021.

The public awareness campaign will include educational materials for the public and provide critical training for HART employees in recognizing and reporting human trafficking.

"Human trafficking is an unfortunate reality of society today," said Carolyn House Stewart, Interim HART CEO. "HART looks forward to utilizing this grant to train our employees, many of whom interact with hundreds of people daily, to help recognize the signs of human trafficking and create more awareness about the issue."

Human trafficking is modern-day slavery, affecting millions of adults and children in the United States and worldwide. Traffickers move their victims on all modes of transportation, and sometimes use public transit due to its low cost, greater anonymity in buying fare cards, and less direct interaction with government or transit officials.

In total, $5.4 million in grants were selected as part of FTA's Human Trafficking Awareness and Public Safety Initiative.

HART Awarded $4.3 Million FTA Grant For New Buses

HART has been awarded a $4.3 million Bus and Bus Facilities Program Grant by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to replace diesel buses with new Compressed Natural Gas buses!

"HART is very excited to be the recipient of this grant," said Cyndy Stiglich, Interim HART Chief Financial Officer. "It will allow us to replace diesel-fueled buses with Compressed Natural Gas buses to improve our services to major employment centers in the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County."

Demand for FTA's Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program far exceeded available funds, as FTA received applications for 318 eligible projects totaling approximately $1.9 billion in funding requests, from a total of 270 applicants in 43 states and territories. Only 94 projects received grant funding. Project proposals were evaluated based on criteria outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

"Public bus systems throughout the country provide millions of Americans access to jobs, healthcare, grocery stores, and other vital services," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

HART would like to thank the Hillsborough County congressional delegation for their support with special thanks to Rep. Kathy Castor, Sen. Marco Rubio, Sen. Rick Scott and Rep. Ross Spano.

HART service carries roughly 35,000 daily trips with a service area of 1,266 square miles and a bus fleet of 180 buses.

Unfunded Needs Show Importance of Infrastructure Investment

HART requires a new, fully functional, state of the art maintenance facility.

It feels as if Americans are collectively holding our breath when it comes to our infrastructure: Slamming into a pothole, or driving over a deficient bridge, or the sheer number of automobiles on our roads causing traffic congestion are all infrastructure repair issues. The majority of our citizens are in suspense, pondering if another infrastructure tragedy might happen or if we will be unscathed one more day.

None of this is new. Our nation's infrastructure has been in a slow-motion decline, right before our eyes, for decades. 

HART shares similar infrastructure stumbling blocks as other transit systems across the country, which can create tremendous obstacles for the Authority as we plan for future growth. Some of these challenges include maintaining our maintenance facility, busways, streetcar system, and updating our bus fleet to name a few.

The high cost of maintaining our infrastructure comes at the expense of expansion to meet the real demand for public transportation in Hillsborough County. How to strike a balance between high capital costs for infrastructure repair and the need for service expansion remains a primary concern. The answer is an investment in safety measures and modernization, as well as,
identifying long-term sustainable and reliable funding sources.

Our transit system needs a viable and reliable long-term capital funding source. What could increased capital investment in our county fund? According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), every billion dollars invested in public transportation supports and creates more than 50,000 jobs. Another excellent example of the impact public transportation has on our economy is for every $1 spent on public transit, $4 is pumped back into the economy. Returns like that are priceless.

For HART employees and customers in Hillsborough County, these dollars could fund:

• Heavy Maintenance Facility - HART is requesting $10 million to construct a new maintenance facility to replace the existing maintenance building. The project would consist of a service area with bus lifts and other heavy maintenance equipment, storm-water treatment, canopied fuel island, wash facility, restrooms, break rooms, electronic shop, classrooms, maintenance offices and support area. This new facility would support HART's approach to modern, efficient transit maintenance service.

• HART MetroRapid BRT Study - HART's Bus Rapid Transit design/engineering study of the Nebraska Avenue MetroRapid corridor, the Fowler Avenue corridor, and the Florida Avenue corridor. FDOT has dedicated $2.5 million in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to work with HART and local stakeholders to fund a design/engineering study of these important corridors. Enhancing MetroRapid to adopt many of the attributes of BRT service will expand the potential market and increase the chances for a Small Starts/grant for the East-West line. This project could potentially qualify for the FTA Small Starts funding.

• TECO Line Streetcar System Extension - The proposed extension would extend the existing 2.7-mile streetcar line. The two preferred routes would travel an additional 1.3 miles from E Whiting Street north to E Palm Avenue.This project would open up the possibilities for further economic development and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) along the proposed line.
    

HART requires a new, fully functional, state of the art maintenance facility.

The demand for transit growth in Hillsborough County is evident - we see it monthly at our Board of Directors meetings as countless numbers of residents and organizations approach us with requests for new and expanded service. Customers want to experience shorter trip times, higher frequency, fewer hassles while commuting; which are improvements HART recently implemented during our Mission MAX system redesign. 

If we want a modern, safe, reliable transit system, we need to act now. The Tampa region deserves world-class infrastructure, and our stakeholders deserve nothing less. Let's use our collective voice to send a message to our elected leaders to close the infrastructure investment gap and demand that sustainable, long-term funding for transit is a priority.  

Top Wishes for 2012: A Fun Look Ahead

With the New Year approaching, you're probably being bombarded with lists and resolutions and well this is no different.  We lack a crystal ball, but with a notepad and casual conversation, we've come up with our Top 12 Wishes of 2012.

Top story doesn't involve Gov. Scott

Our list begins (in no particular order) with arguably the top local transit story of 2011 and here is a hint, it doesn't involve Governor Rick Scott.

1.  No more Robin Hoods

Quick summary: Back in April, a local man allegedly robs a Wachovia bank and uses a HART bus as his getaway vehicle.  The story gets more interesting, when the man begins handing out the stolen cash (Robin Hood-style) to patrons on the bus. A HART supervisor calls the operator to report the criminal on the bus. The operator announces a "mechanical failure" on the bus and pulls over, where deputies are waiting for the robber.

Moral of the story? Next time pay off the driver. We kid, we kid.

In case you're interested in the full story.

Let's leave the crazy with Cee-Lo in 2012.

2.  No more Platt St. Bridge closure

Who knew we'd miss the bridge so much - we get dirty looks on Kennedy.  January can't come soon enough!

Photo credit: Michael Esser, Boss Magazine

3.  Va-va Voom! More photo shoots like this one...

Boss Magazine recently held a photo shoot with a pair of lovely ladies on the ol' Birney streetcar and he can't stop talking about them. Fulfill his wish - more (camera) action.

4.  Economy turns around

Who doesn't want this one? We need money! When home values drop, our funding goes down... big time.

And on that note...

5.  Win the lottery

Goes hand-in-hand with #4. Service enhancements cost money, which we're currently lacking. In the past, we've mentioned researching possible alternative funding sources. Want to know what we've come up with? Powerball! Have you seen those payouts? That's demonstration line money.

Don't worry though, even if we don't hit the lotto, we're still here to serve you!

6.  HARTline finally dies

R.I.P. HARTline and "motion sickness" color scheme

We started phasing out the HARTline name in 2005, and re branded to HART to reflect our multi-modal system.  We embrace our past but the purple, red, and green is gone. Those days are over... We hope 2012 is the year we finally become just HART.

Sidenote: You can't do much with that color combination. We believe the combo was called "motion sickness".

7.  Drivers yielding to buses

Remember to yield to buses, it's the LAW - as in a fine and possible jail time. If a bus is attempting to pull out of a bus bay, you MUST allow them back into traffic. Either that, or you're probably rear-ending the bus.  We've seen it happen - not pretty.

8.  Stay off the tracks!

Driver of car didn't see stop sign.  Photo credit: Don Lamison

We're not sure how some individuals can maneuver their vehicles onto parts of the TECO Line Streetcar tracks, and into the way of the streetcar, but they do.  We know some people aren't use to the yielding to trains or train tracks (it is Florida, after all). However, after almost 10 years of service and signs at all crossings, it's kind of hard to excuse.

The only driver on the tracks should be the motorman. Give up the keys and take a seat, we can always use the entertainment. 

9.  Entering and exiting

We hope more people enter the front and exit the rear... on the bus we mean. You know, the rear - on the bus - blocks the doorways when riders are headed in both directions.

10.  FTA Weight Regulations

We hope the FTA doesn't have to raise the assumed passenger weight for passenger capacity regulations again. It means less passengers allowed on the bus at one time.

Not sure what they're looking at though, considering studies have shown that transit riders are 3 times more likely to get the recommended 30 minutes of daily physical activity.

 11.  More people "occupying" the Streetcar

If you want to occupy something, occupy the streetcar. We could always use more ridership.

And finally...

12.  More eyes reading this blog

For those that read the blog regularly, we thank you! If you like the content, please don't hesitate to share it with your friends, families, co-workers, pets, etc. Sometimes it feels like we're a comedian playing a Bar Mitzvah. Is this thing on? 

Have a happy and safe New Year from all of us at HART!

Art in Transit

Mass transit has always been about connecting people to their community.  It's through this basic belief, that mass transit and the arts have always shared commonalities.

We recently stumbled upon a blog with some of the most beautiful buildings in Europe and they're not what you might expect (castles, cathedrals, etc.). The Traveling Canucks blog has Europe's Top 10 Most Fascinating Train Stations.

Unlike America, where the car is king, rail rules the road in Europe. These 10 train stations are great examples of art in transit - beautiful architectural wonders that also double as transit hubs and epicenters of hustle and bustle; interaction.

The Federal Transit Administration understands this connection and encourages the inclusion of art in transit facilities by stating,

"The visual quality of the nation’s mass transit systems has a profound impact on transit patrons and the community at large. Good design and art can improve the appearance and safety of a facility, give vibrancy to its public spaces and make patrons feel welcome.”

HART kept this vision in mind with some of our own HART art:

Whiting Station

 

 

















Marion Transit Center

 
































Dick Greco Plaza

We have nowhere near the long history of Europe's fine facilities... but we're painting our own masterpiece, with each stroke a step closer.

Have you been to any of the Top 10 European train stations listed on the blog? Are they as amazing as they photograph?