HART Offers Assistance to Support Federal Employees at Tampa International Airport

Tampa International is served by five HART routes

The partial government shutdown has entered its third week. For many federal employees in Tampa, it has been 21 days of being furloughed or going without pay. According to reports, nationally about 800,000 workers have been affected by the partial shutdown. At the Tampa International Airport, 800 federal employees are impacted.

As this shutdown continues, HART and Tampa International Airport (TPA) have partnered to provide a viable transportation option for their employees travel to and from work. HART has donated 500 31-Day farecards to support workers of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to ease the hardship they are facing during the partial shutdown.

During a government shutdown, many federal employees are considered essential - requiring them to report to work even if they are not getting paid. The employee's ability to get to work is critical for Tampa both financially and operationally. Tampa International Airport is a vital transportation gateway and an economic engine for the Tampa Bay area.

HART's contribution will hopefully ease the transportation burden and enable workers to utilize the funds for other necessary items during this period of uncertainty.

"It is a privilege to be able to offer some assistance to the hardworking federal workers at Tampa International Airport during this time," said HART Interim CEO Jeff Seward. "We have built a strong relationship with the airport team, and any assistance we can provide its employees, we stand at the ready."

"We are grateful to all of our partners in the Bay area who are pulling together to assist the federal workers who are such an important part of the airport family," said Tampa International Airport CEO Joe Lopano. "Their commitment to safety and customer service is what helps make Tampa International one of the best airports in the world."

HART is committed to being an integral part of the communities it serves. Giving back for us is about identifying a need in our community and making sure we are there to provide the help needed.

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!