HART Celebrates Black History Month!

As we celebrate Black History Month, we are frequently reminded of the important role that transportation plays in supporting and sustaining communities of color in today's complex landscape. In celebration of Black History Month, HART has planned several activities to celebrate Black History Month.

Starting this week, all HART fixed route buses will have a seat designated for Rosa Parks, a pioneer in the Civil Rights Movement. Parks, the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement," will be honored by HART in this fitting tribute by designating a seat on every HART bus. Each of these special seat covers will have a commemorative sign displayed on them, honoring both Parks' legacy and her dedication to the Civil Rights Movement.

HART is designating a seat for Rosa Parks throughout Feb.

More than 180 HART buses will have a seat designated for Rosa Parks. A sign will remind all passengers of Parks' decision to take a stand simply by taking a seat. Parks' non-violent action on December 1, 1955 led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott that culminated one year later with a U. S. Supreme Court ruling guaranteeing access to public transportation.

"Her actions created millions of opportunities for transit users in Hillsborough County who rely on HART to get to work, to get to school and to create the lives they want. HART makes life happen for many folks," HART Chief Administrative Officer Kenyatta Lee said. "Her decision to keep her seat reminds all of us to focus on the larger issues of equality, opportunity and hope for the future."

In addition, HART has also produced a video - HART Generations of Services. This video features three HART retirees who tell their personal stories about how HART has changed through the years and how HART shaped their lives. The video is being played on the monitors located throughout the agency and it is available on the HART YouTube page.

Also, on February 21, HART will host a reception for our retirees at the Robert W. Saunders Sr. Public Library at 5:00 pm. This is a great opportunity to spend time with some great HART pioneers and see the exhibit displayed in recognition of Black History Month.

We're highlighting local African American historical sites!

Public transportation also happens to be a great way to visit local African American historic sites in Tampa.

On social media, we're also highlighting these local African American historical sites and how you can Take HART to Black History!

HART is honored to be able to celebrate the lives of all those who paved the way during this month's activities in recognition of Black History Month.

Route of the Week: Route 2

With a diverse service area roughly the size of Rhode Island, Hillsborough County provides a great mix of urban, suburban and rural destinations for our riders. Think about the destinations that you can see and experience with the HART transportation network!

This week, we take a trip down Nebraska Ave. along the Route 2!

Route 2 was one of the 1st routes to extend to midnight/weekend

Route 2 operates from Downtown Tampa to the University of South Florida area via Nebraska Ave. The route provides Monday-Sunday service with weekday hours from 4:25 a.m. - 12:15 a.m. and weekend hours from 5:15 a.m. - 12:15 a.m.

The More You Know. The Route 2 corridor has historically been known for its transit roots. Service along the corridor dates back to the old Tampa Bus Company and before that, streetcars operated throughout the area. Fast forward over 50 years, and route 2 was actually the first HART route to go over 1 million annual passengers.

Operating along one of Tampa's oldest corridors, Route 2 serves a number of historical sites, including: Union Station (with connections to Amtrak,) the Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library, Centro Asturiano De Tampa, Perry Harvey, Sr. Park (recently remodeled), the Sulphur Springs Pool and the Tampa Greyhound Track.

Taco Bus is only a short walk from the Route 2!

Nebraska Ave. has grown steadily over the years as a hot spot, beginning with Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe's inception in 2009. Other destinations in the area along Route 2 include: The Mermaid Tavern, Southern Brewing and Winemaking and of course Taco Bus (no relation).

The Route 2 terminates northbound at the University Area Transit Center, with connections to 12 different routes, including MetroRapid N-S and the USF Bull Runner.

From a Bull Runner bus, to Taco Bus, HART Takes You There.

Route 2 destinations