This Earth Day, HART is making it easier—and more affordable—to make a greener choice.
To celebrate, riders can enjoy 50% off stored value in the Flamingo Fares app or on FlamingoFares.com by using promo code EARTHDAY on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Whether you're commuting to work, heading to school, or exploring Hillsborough County, now is the perfect time to try a more sustainable way to get around.
Public transportation plays a vital role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and easing traffic congestion. Every trip taken on HART helps cut down on the number of cars on the road, leading to cleaner air and a healthier community for everyone.
With Flamingo Fares, going green is simple. The app and smart card system provide a convenient, contactless way to pay your fare—no paper passes required. Just load value, enter the promo code, and ride.
This Earth Day, small choices can make a big impact. Choosing HART means fewer emissions, less congestion, and a more sustainable future for our region.
Celebrate Earth Day with 50% off your HART fare—use promo code EARTHDAY in the Flamingo Fares app and start riding greener today.
HART is announcing the official full transition to Flamingo Fares, a faster, more
convenient, and more secure way for riders to pay fares across the HART
network. Starting January 5, 2025, HART will no longer accept Paper
Fare Cards, making way for modern, contactless fare options that simplify
the transit experience.
New Fare Payment Options Starting January 5, 2025:
Flamingo Fares: Tap-and-go payments with a Flamingo smart
card or mobile app
Contactless debit/credit/pre-paid cards
E-wallet options: Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
Cash: Exact change will still be accepted for a one-way fare
onboard
Benefits of Flamingo Fares
Convenience: No more paper cards to carry! Simply tap
your Flamingo card, mobile phone, or contactless payment card to board.
Savings: With daily and monthly fare capping, riders
are guaranteed the best value.
Easy
Refill: Load money onto
your Flamingo card or app anytime, either online or at HART Transit
Centers.
Getting Started with Flamingo Fares:
Download
the Flamingo Fares App from the App Store or Google Play.
Purchase
a Flamingo Smart Card at any HART Transit Center or online at FlamingoFares.com.
Transfer
Any Remaining Balance from your Paper Fare Card to Flamingo Fares before
January 5, 2025.
“Flamingo
Fares brings greater ease, affordability, and flexibility to our riders,”
said Sean McCarthy, Chief Operations Officer, HART. “With Flamingo, we’re
reducing the need for paper and the cost associated with collecting a paper
fare, improving payment security, and enhancing the overall rider
experience.”
Why
wait until January? Join the Flock! Make the switch today and experience a
seamless ride with Flamingo Fares.
For
more information on HART, visit www.goHART.org
or contact HART Customer Service at (813) 254-4278.
Tampa Bay transit riders (HART/PSTA/The Bus) can now tap to ride across the region using credit and debit cards, digital wallets (Google Pay or Apple Pay), as well as the Flamingo Fares smartcard or mobile app.
"We are excited to offer our customers another way to pay their fare,” said Adelee Le Grand, Chief Executive Officer, HART. “Contactless payments on Flamingo Fares not only provide our customers with greater ease of access, removing another barrier from riding transit, but also assists in speeding up the boarding process, improving travel times.”
The Flamingo Fares system has fare capping implemented, meaning passengers always receive the lowest price as the system automatically caps prices whenever riders reach the daily or monthly thresholds. Riders using contactless payments (debit/credit/Google Pay/Apple Pay) will be able to take advantage of daily fare capping.
Please note: Discount fare riders must use their Flamingo Fares smartcard or mobile app to receive the reduced fare.
Attempts to use the same contactless payment multiple times (multiple riders) upon boarding will result in a failed transaction.
Flamingo Fares Tampa Bay launched in 2020.
To learn more about contactless payments and Flamingo Fares, visitwww.FlamingoFares.com
With 2019 fast approaching, many are looking towards the New Year as a fresh start. However, we at HART are looking to continue building on the successes of the past year.
Year in Review
February Service Changes
In 2017, HART "reset" the system network with Mission MAX, establishing a stable foundation for expansion. February 2018 marked a significant step toward HART's five-year goal of ten routes with 15-minute service or better.
Flamingo Fares testing is underway
Flamingo Fares Testing
Our regional transit fare app and smart card payment system took a giant leap in 2018 with the start of public testing! While HART and PSTA have been testing the first generation of the Flamingo Fares app since 2016, this is the first test involving the Flamingo Fares smart card and web-based accounts.
Since the launch of testing in March, thousands of taps have been recorded and the second generation of the Flamingo Fares app is now in the testing phase. Flamingo Fares will fully launch to the public in 2019.
Route 275LX
Summertime typically means a slower pace with vacation-filled offices and schools out. However, summer 2018 saw the launch of HART's FIRST seven-day-a-week inter-county service, the Route 275LX. The new all-day, limited-stop service launched on July 1st, operating between Wesley Chapel and Tampa International Airport, with stops in New Tampa, the University area, and downtown Tampa. The Route 275LX has seen an 83% increase in monthly ridership (10,910 rides in October) since launching in July.
MVP Express
After years of requests for express/shuttle service to local sporting events, HART launched the MVP Express in November! This premium service allows Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans to park at four convenient park-and-ride locations and hop on the MVP Express to Raymond James Stadium. All for only $10 round-trip, per person! The MVP Express is currently a pilot and will be evaluated and possibly expanded to other local sports after the NFL season has ended.
New Era of Transit
Free fares launched on Oct. 7, 2018
Streetcar Fare-Free and Enhanced Service
It's possible no other individual route or transit mode in Tampa Bay has seen as drastic a change as the TECO Line Streetcar System in 2018.
In June, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced a game-changing $2.7 million grant to make the TECO Line Streetcar FARE-FREE with enhanced morning/late night service and increased frequencies for three years. The new service kicked off on October 7 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a fresh new marketing strategy that represents HART's vision for the Streetcar - Free. Fun. Frequent. Totally Tampa!
It has been well received, with ridership up over 120% from last year!
InVision: Tampa Streetcar - Streetcar Extension and Modernization Study
The future looks even brighter as HART is currently partnering with the City of Tampa and FDOT on a study evaluating possible extension alignments and the feasibility of modernizing the current
heritage streetcar system. The City completed the first phase in Spring 2018 by identifying two north/south extension alignment options - a combination of Tampa St./Franklin St. and Florida Ave. The line would stretch through the core of downtown, near HART's main transit hub in Marion Transit Center, and north to Tampa Heights.
In June, the City received approval from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to enter Project Development phase to select a preferred alternative and refine improvement plans and strategies. The City will submit a Small Starts request for federal funding in September 2019.
Transit Referendum
Yes, we definitely saved the best for last! It's no secret that transportation has been on the minds of most in Hillsborough County for quite some time. The Tampa Bay region as a whole being seen more to put plans on shelves, than pen to paper.
However, that changed on Election Day as voters (overwhelmingly) approved a 1-cent sales taxincrease to support transportation, including a mix of roads, public transportation, pedestrian, cycling, etc.
All of us at HART are incredibly humbled by this level of support and have already released our proposed short-term service improvement plan, which features speeding up the implementation of the first three years of the FY2019-2023 Transit Development Plan to 2019.
HART as an agency in 2017, revisited our infrastructure and established a blueprint for an improved transportation network in Hillsborough County. This strategic plan allowed HART to overhaul its route system and build up that foundation in 2018, as we aligned for the future.
The agency turns 40 in 2019, with the year poised to be HART's most celebrated yet, as we enter a new era of excellence.
We look forward to seeing you on board one of our buses, vans, or streetcars in the New Year!
HART and PSTA are currently seeking the public's help in beta testing Flamingo Fares, our new mobile ticketing app and smartcard system, before we release it to the general public later this year.
HART and PSTA, along with transit systems in Pasco, Sarasota, and Hernando counties are adopting Flamingo Fares as the regional fare collection system, which will allow riders to use a single payment method for travel on/between any of the participating transit systems.
Recruitment for the testing phase is now open and will run through mid-April. Hillsborough and Pinellas counties are each seeking 200 participants interested in testing the phone app and smartcard. Interested participants can apply at either gohart.org/FlamingoTesters or psta.net/FlamingoTesters, depending on the county in which they primarily ride. Selected participants will receive an email within two weeks of submitting their application with instructions and next steps.
Flamingo Fares has been in pilot testing (with limited fares) since 2016.
Fare Capping
A new feature that will launch with Flamingo Fares later this year is fare capping.
Fare-capping provides a "fairer" way to pay, with "pay-as-you-go" pricing!
For example, instead of a purchasing a 31-day pass upfront, once you ridden HART enough to "earn" a 31-day pass, you won't be charged the rest of the month! Take advantage of the financial benefit of purchasing a 31-day pass - without the upfront cost!
Check out the video below for more information on how fare capping works.
Our initial testing group will provide our teams with valuable
insight and feedback to ensure a smooth deployment once the service
launches later this year.
For more information on Flamingo Fares, click here.
By now, you have probably heard of the Flamingo Fares Tampa Bay app. For those that are unfamiliar, the app allows riders in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties to pay their transit fare via smartphone and (with a Regional Fare) travel on multiple services between HART and PSTA. Ultimately, Flamingo Fares will morph into a smart card system.
It appears that the holidays have come early to HART, as we will be the first agency in the region to install the smart card readers. Installation is currently underway and is expected to be completed in June.
Installation will then bounce back-and-forth between HART and PSTA, culminating in August, with the entire TECO Line Streetcar System being outfitted with the Flamingo Fares smart card readers.
The Near
A new iteration of the Flamingo Fares app will be available in September. Meanwhile, testing of the smart card readers will be taking place on board HART buses (and later streetcars) around the same time.
This is where YOU come in! We will be reaching out to our riders to help test the smart card system! Stay tuned to the HART social channels for more information as we get closer to that time.
Why are the readers going up so soon if we are not expecting to roll them out until Summer 2018? We are planning on testing the system for a year to ensure that the system is ready for customers on both sides of the Bay!
The Future
Flamingo Fares smart card design
Soon Flamingo Fares will bring HART and PSTA into the future
by providing easier, faster, and more convenient ways for riders to pay their
fares.
No scrambling for change. Save time and prepay your fare online, while you wait for the bus!
No stressing about losing your 31-day pass. Check your balance online daily!
Leave the worries behind. Just tap and go!
Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota Counties are also
implementing the new technology in the coming years. HART and PSTA expect to have the complete system, which will include smart card technology, up and
running by summer 2018.
From Flamingo Fares to autonomous vehicles, this is another way HART is going Beyond The Bus!
The Flamingo Fares Tampa Bay app is taking flight! HART and PSTA have added five new pass options which are valid on all HART and PSTA bus services, including HARTFlex, Jolley Trolley, Looper Trolley. (Not valid on HARTPlus or PSTA DART.) Flamingo Fares has also expanded to include a new 1-day Streetcar pass, as well as, the $12.50 Family Pass!
Traveling the Tampa Bay region by bus and streetcar will continue to get even easier with mobile ticketing technology. Flamingo Fares, allows riders to travel throughout the greater Tampa Bay area using a single fare.
The new pass options provide more flexibility for HART and PSTA riders. Both agencies will continue to test the new system that will provide riders a new way to pay for transit fares, and seamlessly travel throughout the region from system to system. The launch of the full App is expected to be released in 2018.
Streetcar fare goes from yellow to grey/black to show its valid.
To pay with Flamingo Fares, customers download an app similar to the one Starbucks uses to enable its customers to pay quickly and digitally. Patrons simply purchase a ticket on the app and show the screen to the bus operator/motorperson upon boarding the vehicle.
The mobile payment app is free to download and available on the iPhone App Store and Android Google Play. Cash will continue to be accepted on both transit systems, but with a smartphone app, patrons no longer have to worry about carrying the correct change or buying separate fares for different legs of their trip.
Hernando, Pasco, Manatee and Sarasota Counties are also implementing the new technology in the future. Both agencies will continue to analyze all the data to determine what concerns need to be addressed before the full system is implemented in 2018.
With 2017 fast approaching, many are looking towards the New Year as a fresh start. However, we at HART are looking to continue building on the successes of the past year.
2016: Year in Review
One frequent theme for HART throughout 2016 was partnerships.
HARTPlus Customer Choice Program
Back in January, we announced a partnership with Yellow Cab of Tampa Bay and FDOT to provide same-day paratransit service for HARTPlus riders. The HARTPlus Customer Choice pilot program provides riders with quick and convenient service that is available 24 hours a days, seven days a week. The taxi voucher program has provided over 30,000 trips since January!
Keep TBB Farmers Market has expanded to UATC!
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful Farmers Market
With our on-the-go riders in mind, HART partnered with Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful by launching a first-of-its-kind Farmers Market at Netp@rk Transfer Center in February. The market allows transit riders and the general public to choose the healthy option, while not having to deviate from their normal routine.
The market will expand to the University Area Transit Center in 2017!
Free WiFi on all HART Buses
With our commitment to enhancing the rider experience, HART partnered with UDP Technology to provide FREE WiFi on all HART buses, with vans and streetcars coming in 2017. Since April, HART riders have been able to use free WiFi on board to stream music, check emails, and more!
ESMS Program Certified ISO 14001
The organization's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship was recognized in June, when the HART Environmental Sustainability and Management System (ESMS) was certified ISO 14001. ISO certification is an international standard in environmental management. HART is one of only 13 transit agencies in the United States, and the only one in Florida to reach ISO 14001 certification.
HART was 1st U.S. transit agency to launch OBA trip planner
OneBusAway Tampa Grows
OneBusAwayTampa, the hit HART real-time app that launched in 2013, became a one-stop shop for travel information in July, with the launch of the OneBusAway Trip Planner. Customers can now plan their trip and see how
close their bus is in real-time, all via the OneBusAway Tampa app! HART is the first U. S. transit agency to launch the dynamic trip
planner feature of OneBusAway and third in the nation to launch
OneBusAway.
The dynamic trip planner will notify you via the app if the end time
of your selected trip has changed by at least 2 minutes, or if your selected
trip plan is no longer recommended.
The service has shattered
expectations with 208 million hits in a 12 month period.
Launch of Flamingo Fares App
Download the app today!
With the launch of the Flamingo Fares app in September, riders on
both sides of the bay can now purchase a single fare for travel between Hillsborough and Pinellas counties! The Flamingo app allows patrons
to book a 3-day unlimited regional pass, valid for 3 consecutive days
for only $11! Fare options in the Flamingo Fares app will be expanding in 2017 to include various travel lengths (1-day, 31-day, etc.).
The Flamingo Fares pilot is all part of a larger project to bring smart card technology to HART! The implementation of smart cards (the cards, readers, etc.) will take place in 2018.
Download the app today!
HART HyperLINK
HART HyperLINK, the nation's first transit-operated rideshare service, launched to much fanfare in November! The innovative service extends the footprint of the HART network direct to your doorstep,
delivering
rides to and from local bus stops for passengers in select areas
(Brandon, Carrollwood, and the University/Lutz). HART HyperLINK operates 30 minutes before/after service begins/end within the zone. The cost of the service is $3 per trip + the cost of HART Local, Express, Flex, etc.
HART partnered with international transportation provider TransDev, to roll out the service.
Service Expansion
The core of HART service is still our buses and vans, and in 2016, we were able to expand service by 325,795 miles! This includes the expansion of In-Towner service to Saturdays and a host of Local route enhancements. HART also continues to make investments in our fleet with a transition to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and vans.
Not a bad year, eh? 2017 looks to be even better as HART takes Hillsborough County transportation Beyond the Bus!
Flamingo Insurance protects against being "Flocked"
Flamingo
- it's not just an app! It's also a fundraising effort by HART staff to
support the Arthritis Foundation.
From now, until December 16th, HART employees can pay a fee to send a "flock of
flamingos" to a co-workers' area.
Employees who do not want this pink, plastic
gift can purchase a flamingo insurance policy that protects their work space throughout the fundraiser.
All money collected in this effort will be sent to the Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run 2016, to enable the Arthritis Foundation to help people
suffering from arthritis conquer everyday battles through information,
resources, access to care, scientific advancements and community connections.
As a corporate sponsor, HART currently has a team of 51 employees and family
members ready to take on the Jingle Bell Run 5K on Saturday, December
17th.
HART employees are having fun and raising funds for the Jingle Bell Run to benefit the Arthritis Foundation.
WTS is an international organization dedicated to building
the future of transportation through the global advancement of women. The Woman
of the Year award recognizes leadership in transportation and contributions
toward the advancement of women and minorities in transportation. The award was presented as part of WTS-Tampa's Annual Holiday Event on Wednesday,
November 16, in Ybor City.
Ms. Eagan, a wife to a wonderful husband and mother of two
amazing boys, began her nearly 19-year transit career as a transportation
planner. She was appointed to HART CEO in May 2014.
Under her leadership, HART
has:
Established HART HyperLINK, a first-in-the-nation transit-operated rideshare
service.
Launched the first phase of "Flamingo Fares," a regional fare program, allowing
patrons to purchase regional three-day fares on their smartphones.
Greatly expanded public-private partnerships with
entities such as MegaBus, RedCoach, Coast Bike Share, Yellow Cab, and
TransDev, and is continuing to pursue partnerships that provide travel options
beyond traditional buses.
Kicked off a paratransit-cab service pilot
program that provides HARTPlus patrons same day
service for the first time.
Been awarded ISO-14001 certification in environmental management, the
first transit agency in Florida to receive this certification.
Launched a farmers' market at its busiest transit center, outside of downtown Tampa.
These
milestones and innovations have strengthened the agency's service and helped
build bridges to community partners throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Additionally, while the transit industry's average
percentage of women employees is about 20%, under Ms. Eagan's management and
support, 31% of the entire HART workforce and 43% of its senior management are
comprised of women.
Onward and upward! Join Mrs. Eagan and HART on our journey to take public transportation Beyond the Bus!
With the launch of the Flamingo app on Monday, September 5, riders on both sides of the bay can now purchase a single fare for travel between both Hillsborough and Pinellas counties! The Flamingo app allows patrons to book a 3-day unlimited regional pass, valid for 3 consecutive days for only $11!
The 3-day pass is a test of the technology that will soon allow for the purchase of a variety of pass options, including 1-day, 31-day, etc.
E-fare will be animated and interactive
To pay with Flamingo, customers download the Flamingo
app, purchase a ticket on the app, activate it, and show the screen
to the Bus Operator upon boarding the vehicle. The mobile payment app will be
free to download and available in the iPhone App Store and Google Play Store.
Cash will continue to be accepted on both transit systems, but with a smartphone
app, patrons no longer have to worry about carrying the correct change or buying
separate fares for different legs of their trip.
Soon it will bring HART and PSTA into the future
by providing easier, faster, and more convenient ways for riders to pay their
fares on HART and PSTA.
The 3-Day (consecutive) unlimited ride ticket is valid on all HART and PSTA bus services, as well as, HARTFlex,
The TECO Line Streetcar System, Jolley Trolley, Looper Trolley. Flamingo Fares are not valid
on HARTPlus or PSTA DART.
This is just the beginning! Hernando, Pasco, Manatee and Sarasota Counties are also
implementing the new technology for a future release. HART and PSTA expect to have the
total system, which will include smart card technology, up and
running by 2018.
After the test period, data from both agencies will be
analyzed to determine what concerns need to be addressed before the full system
is implemented in 2018.
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