Giving Riders a Voice

Mission MAX launched on October 8, 2017!

By now, you're probably familiar with Mission MAX, a major redesign of the HART service network that began with a relaunch in late 2017.

While the majority of riders experienced improved service, a portion of our riders were negatively impacted by the changes.

Since the Oct. 8 relaunch, HART has been listening and taking action. Patron concerns were concentrated primarily in the Town 'N Country area, University area, Temple Terrace, and South County. While HART currently doesn't have the funding to implement all the requested changes, we are constantly working to address obstacles and provide the most effective and sustainable service as possible.

Shortly after the new system came online, we implemented modifications immediately, such as adding trips on the Route 6 and Route 24LX to reduce overcrowding. We added Tampa General Hospital and Tampa International Airport shuttles, and started analyzing how routes connect at the Airport.

In January, we came across a Letter to the Editor from a local business owner, telling the story of a couple of employees that were consistently late and frustrated, following the launch of Mission MAX.

After seeing the letter, HART COO Ruthie Reyes Burckard reached out to Mr. Krantz.

One employee relied on route(s) 30, 34, and the new 60LX to get to work. The commute was less than ideal.

A month later, HART rolled out a second wave of improvements that went into effect on Feb. 25. Those tweaks included increased frequency on a number of routes, including Route 6 and Route 34, adding trips on Route 24LX, reinstating the southbound Route 19, taking Route 46 off of Oakfield Dr., and more.

We are happy to report that thanks to the creation of Route 35 with 30-minute service and increasing to 15-minute service on the Route 34, his commute has improved significantly!

Feedback is a big part of the service structuring process.

However, the Mission isn't over.

Route 275 alignment proposals

HART staff is currently out in the community gathering feedback on the proposed 275LX. The route has three proposed alignments for consideration, featuring service between Wesley Chapel, the University area, Downtown Tampa, and possibly Tampa International Airport.

The public hearing for the Route 275LX will take place at the New Tampa Regional Library on March 28, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Can't attend the meeting? Email your comments (including alignment selection) to ServDev@goHART.org.

In the upcoming months, the fifth wave of the HART Voice of the Customer (VOC) survey will take place on board buses, and at transit centers throughout the system. This survey will gauge customer satisfaction in a number of categories. It will be the first VOC since the launch of Mission MAX.
 

Route of the Week: Route 19

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 19 is our featured Route of the Week!

The Route 19 operates from Marion Transit Center in Downtown, to Idaho and O'Brien St. in South Tampa. Service operates 7 days a week, with weekday service until midnight.

While not the busiest route in the HART system at 18th in ridership, Route 19 still carried almost 439k trips in FY15! That's thousands of cars off our already congested roadways.

Whether for wellness, business, education, or leisure, Route 19 has you covered!

The Route 19 is a crucial commuting tool for healthcare workers, as it is the sole HART route that serves Tampa General Hospital, and one of two routes (the other being HARTFlex South Tampa) to serve Memorial Hospital. Service is tailored to workers at both hospitals, with service beginning at 4:10 a.m. and coverage for workers until roughly 1:00 a.m.

STAY-cation promotion ends June 10th

Two of Hillsborough County's oldest schools are also served by Route 19. Hop off at Dale Mabry Hwy. and San Carlos St. for Plant High School and Manhattan Ave. and Mango St. (or Rembrandt Dr.) for Robinson High School. For a limited time, Hillsborough County middle and high school students ride HART FREE with their valid student, or HART-issued Youth ID. The promotion runs until June 10.

Those looking to transfer to other routes, can do so at Britton Plaza Transfer Center, with connection to 4, 36, HARTFlex South Tampa, and 100X (operated by PSTA).

Riders looking for entertainment have quite the spread to choose from, thanks to Route 19. Known as "America's only thatched roof pub," Four Green Fields has been a South Tampa nightlife landmark for over 20 years.

Looking to bar hop? Route 19 serves a number of restaurants and entertainment destinations in the SoHo District along S. Howard Ave. or, along Swann Ave. in the Hyde Park Village area.

Lightning and music fans will appreciate the connection to Amalie Arena.

From TGH to SoHo, HART Takes You There.

Route 19 operates between Downtown Tampa and South Tampa