HART taking System Redesign to the Community

HART is now in the midst of redesigning its transit system in time for FY2018 in October.

Recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach to transit does not meet every community's needs, HART began working with Hillsborough County residents last year to identify transportation options that are more cost effective and better meet their needs.

Employment centers and commuting patterns have changed quite a bit since the last time a Comprehensive Operations Analysis of HART service was done in 2003. This service redesign takes that into account with new proposed connections, such as Brandon and the University area to WestShore and Tampa International Airport.

In the first phase, we collected community feedback on travel preferences and with this next phase, we are taking the result of those conversations (a redesigned network) to the public.

In the short-term, the service redesign will provide better travel times and more direct service to roughly 80% of current riders.

Long-term, HART is preparing for the future. The proposed network hits the "reset button" on HART service, providing a solid foundation for the future expansion of the HART network, as laid out in our 10-year Transit Development Plan. The proposed redesign provides the right mix of services and connections to get people where they need to go as our communities grow.

Plenty of opportunities to comment on the proposed redesign!

HART is Seeking Input 

HART will be hosting a series of public meetings beginning June 14 for residents and riders to give feedback on the proposed network redesign. HART staff will be on hand to gather feedback and answer any questions. A public hearing will be held on July 26.

Following extensive community outreach throughout June and July, HART staff will present the plan to the HART Board of Directors at the August meeting.

Your ideas are encouraged at any of the following public meeting opportunities.

In addition, you can visit www.goHART.org/TDP for more information on this important plan, including an interactive map of the proposed network redesign.

Route of the Week: Route 30

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!

Route 30 provides service to TIA 7 days a week

This week, we feature Route 30, your link to Tampa International Airport!

Route 30 operates past midnight 7 days a week, with weekday service from 4:30 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. and weekend service from 6:35 a.m. - 12:20 a.m. The Route 30 operates every 30 minutes.

Riders have 3 opportunities to transfer with The Westshore Transfer Center (at Westshore Mall) sandwiched between The Northwest Transfer Center on the western end, and Marion Transit Center on the eastern end. Paid transfers are no longer necessary on HART. An all-day pass makes it simpler as it's only $4.00, the cost of (2) one-way fares.

Route 30 is located on the west end of the red baggage claim

As previously mentioned, Route 30 serves Tampa International Airport (TIA)! Riders can pick up Route 30 along Kennedy Blvd., Whiting Street (connection to TECO Line Streetcar System) and Marion Transit Center. Those arriving at TIA, can pick up Route 30 at the west end of the Red Baggage Claim, near Belt #15. One-way fare is only $2.00, making Route 30 a great option for those wanting to save money for their vacation. The service is also great for those not wanting to leave their car at the airport.

Route 30 also serves both of Tampa's destination malls in International Plaza and Bay Street (Spruce St./Westshore Blvd.) and WestShore Plaza (Westshore Blvd./Gray St. or North B. St.). Combined, the malls offer over 300 retailers and some of Tampa's nicer restaurants.

UT students receive 25% off 31-day passes!

Other highlights along the route include service to the The University of Tampa (multiple stops along Kennedy Blvd.). UT students receive 25% off 31-day passes when purchased on campus. Acclaimed coffeehouse, restaurant, and bookstore, Oxford Exchange, is accessible via The Route 30 stop at Kennedy Blvd. and Hyde Park Ave.

South Howard Ave., or SoHo, known for its cluster of restaurants and nightlife is only a short (under 5 minute) walk from the Route 30.


From TIA to UT, HART Takes You There.

Route 30 operates from The Town 'n Country area to Downtown Tampa

Catch a Ride to the Airport with HART!

Route 30 provides service between downtown & TIA!

Making travel plans this holiday season? Here's a thought:  Catch a ride to the airport using HART!

Route 30 provides service between downtown Tampa and Tampa International Airport every 30 minutes weekdays and weekends. View schedule Please note holiday schedules in effect New Year's Day.

At only $2 each way, save enough to cover the holiday gift budget!

Route 30 runs from downtown Tampa along Kennedy Boulevard to Westshore and then to the airport, with many stops along the way. For those who work downtown, or anywhere else near the route, just park at the office and hop aboard at the nearest stop (call the HARTinfo Line at 813-254-HART to find it -- not all stops are published as timepoints).

For travelers who don't live or work close to Route 30, check for other routes that connect to Route 30. Many HART routes serve the Marion Transit Center in downtown and this makes it easy to transfer to Route 30. Just remember to check the schedules of these connecting routes. While many routes have extensive schedules, a few may not operate on weekends or as early or late as departing and arriving flight schedules.

HART buses are designed for the urban traveler, so there are no luggage racks or bins. Customers may hold a piece of luggage in front of their seats. And, always remember to bring the exact amount for bus fare (for return trips, too!), since HART drivers do not carry change.

HART buses drop airport customers right by the door of the Red Baggage Claim area. For the return trip, just follow the signs to Ground Transportation. Keep the HARTinfo Line number handy (813-254-4278) to use in case of any questions.

As with any travel plan, please build in enough time for traffic, lines at the airport, security measures and weather.

Once aboard the bus, HART will take it from there. Just think about all the holiday fun ahead!

Thanks for riding and safe travels!