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.

HART Service Changes Go Into Effect December 2

Service changes go into effect Dec. 2.

As part of our continued commitment to providing ease of access and convenience for patrons, HART is implementing minor service changes effective Sunday, December 2. HART makes regular service adjustments three times a year in response to public feedback and also to improve safety and efficiency. Routes are primarily selected for adjustment based upon demonstrated ridership and input via the customer service database.

The following HART service changes go into effect on Sunday, December 2:

Route and Schedule Adjustments:

• Route 45 is being modified to serve Busch Blvd., between North Blvd. and Florida Ave.
• Routes 60LX and 360LX will no longer serve Westfield Brandon Mall. 
• Route 60LX will be extended to serve Culbreath at Bloomingdale Park-n-Ride.
• Route 360LX is being extended to serve J.C. Handly Park-n-Ride.

Schedule Adjustments:

• The TECO Line Streetcar will have minor "last trip of the night schedule adjustments.

Route 60LX will now operate along U.S. 301 to Bloomingdale Ave., ceasing at the Bloomingdale Park-n-Ride. This will provide the Valrico area with all day limited-stop service to Tampa International Airport and the rest of the HART service network.

Route 360LX will operate along Lumsden Rd. before turning on Kings Ave. (entering the J.C. Handly Park-n-Ride) and looping back on Bloomingdale Ave. and finally Providence Rd.

Riders wishing to connect between routes 60LX or 360LX and routes 37, 46, 75LX, or HARTFlex Brandon should transfer using routes 8 or 31 (at Providence Rd. and Bloomingdale Ave, and at Westfield Brandon Mall).

HART in the Community

HART staff will be out in the community at the Marion Transit Center and Westfield Brandon Mall bus stop over the next two weeks talking to riders about the service changes.

You can view the new route schedules on goHART.org or contact HART customer service at (813) 254-4278 for more information.

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.
 

Take Transit During NHL All-Star Weekend!

Welcome to Tampa!

HART and the TECO Line Streetcar System would like to welcome the NHL and their fans to Tampa for the 2018 NHL All-Star Game!

Whether or not you have plans to attend Gasparilla, or NHL All-Star Weekend events, Downtown Tampa will be BUSY this weekend with a mix of visitors and residents enjoying the festivities. Officials stress Downtown parking will be limited and heavy traffic is expected. Take transit!

But how? We understand challenges in attempting to navigate the local public transportation scene without an idea on how to get there. To make it easier, we've created this guide that breaks down some of Tampa's best attractions and how to get there with HART and the TECO Line Streetcar!

Use HART to get to the following Tampa attractions and avoid the parking hassles:

(Routes may occasionally go on detour due to event road closures)

• Amalie Arena (NHL Skills Competition, NHL All-Star game) - Route 8, The In-Towner, TECO Line Streetcar
• Busch Gardens - Route(s) 5,9,39, HART HyperLINK
• Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park (NHL Fan Fest) - Route 8, the TECO Line Streetcar, In-Towner
• Channelside Bay Plaza (Dining, retail, Splitsville) - Route 8, the TECO Line Streetcar
• Curtis Hixon Park (Fitz & the Tantrums concert) - Route(s) 1,7,19,30,60LX,360LX, In-Towner, the TECO Line Streetcar
• David A. Straz Jr. Center - Route(s) 1,7,19,30,60LX,360LX, In-Towner
• Florida Aquarium - Route 8, the TECO Line Streetcar
• Glazer's Children Museum - Route(s) 1,7,19,30,60LX,360LX, In-Towner, the TECO Line Streetcar
• International Plaza (Shopping) - Route(s) 15, 30, 32
• Lowry Park Zoo - Route(s) 45
• Tampa Convention Center - Route(s) In-Towner, TECO Line Streetcar
• Tampa Museum of Art - Route(s) 1,7,19,30,60LX,360LX, In-Towner, the TECO Line Streetcar
• Tampa Theatre - Route(s) 1,19,30,60LX,360LX
• University of South Florida - Route(s) 1,5,6,9,12,33,42, MetroRapid, HART HyperLINK
• Westshore Plaza (Shopping) - Route(s) 15,30,45, HARTFlex South Tampa
• Ybor City Historic District (Centro Ybor) - Route(s) 5,8,9,12, and the TECO Line Streetcar

Visit www.goHART.org for fares, maps, and schedules.

RIDER TIPS:
Only $4.00 for a 1-day unlimited ride pass on HART! The TECO Line Streetcar is FREE on Friday with a Fourth Friday Tampa event wristband. Pick one up at participating venues. Otherwise, it is $5.00 for an all-day pass.

Planning to travel multiple days? Save a few bucks by picking up a 3-Day Visitor Pass for $11.75!

Get real-time HART arrival information and trip planning by downloading the OneBusAway Tampa app!

The FREE In-Towner operates Downtown

In-Towner:  The FREE In-Towner is a rubber-wheel trolley that serves downtown parking garages and popular locations. The In-Towner will operate every 30 minutes on Saturday.

In-Towner Hours:

Friday: 6:00 - 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

The TECO Line Streetcar at Dick Greco Plaza

TECO Line Streetcar System: The streetcar line runs on rails that connects Ybor City, The Channel District, and Downtown Tampa.

TECO Line Streetcar System Hours:

Monday-Thursday: Noon - 10:00 p.m
Friday: 11 a.m. - 1:30 a.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 1:30 a.m.
Sunday: Noon - 8 p.m.

Click here for a map of downtown Tampa's network of public transportation service, including streetcar stops, The In-Towner and HART bus routes.

Flying out? Routes 30, 32, and 60LX run between downtown and Tampa International Airport every 30 minutes on weekdays and weekends.

Enjoy your time in Tampa, we are always here if you have any questions!

HART FY2018 System Redesign: South Tampa and Westshore

The July 26th Public Hearing is less than a week away! Still unsure how the proposed FY2018 system redesign affects your area? Stick with us as we breakdown the changes for South Tampa and the Westshore area.

If you are not aware, HART is undergoing a major system redesign, in which EVERY route will be affected in some way.

Map of the proposed FY2018 system redesign for South Tampa/Westshore

Summary of Changes:

• Service Additions: 

• Route 11: Proposed new service from Downtown to Main St., Spruce St. and International Plaza, with new stops.
• Route 17: Proposed new service would cover part of Route 19 from Britton Plaza Transfer Center to O’Brien/Idaho.
  
• Route 60LX: Proposed all-day service would provide hourly service between Brandon Mall, Downtown Tampa. Tampa International Airport, and Northwest Transfer Center.
  
• Route 275LX: Proposed all-day service would provide hourly service between University Area Transit Center, Downtown Tampa, and Tampa International Airport. 
• Route 360LX: Proposed all-day service would provide hourly connections between Westfield Brandon Mall, Downtown Tampa, Britton Plaza and MacDill Air Force Base. Combined with 60LX service, 30 minute LX service would exist from Westfield Brandon to Downtown Tampa.

• Route 4:
  
  • Downtown/South Tampa: Route 4 would be removed and replaced by Route 19, from Marion Transit Center to Britton Plaza Transfer Center.
  • South Tampa: Route 4 would be replaced by new all-day limited express route (360LX), which would operate between Britton Plaza to MacDill AFB. redesigned Route 19 would cover portions of Route 4. 
  • South Tampa would also be served by HARTFlex.
• Route 7:
  • Would now operate between Downtown and HCC-Dale Mabry campus. Connections from HCC to Citrus Park would be provided on Routes 36 and 39.
  • Hyde Park: Route would shift from Howard/Armenia to North Blvd. via
    Columbus Ave. Route 14 would serve Howard/Armenia to Swann Ave.
  • West Tampa Transfer Center: Route would no longer enter the Transfer Center.

• Route 14:
  
  • Route would increase frequency to every 30 minutes on weekdays.
  • Hyde Park: Route would run down Howard/Armenia to Swann Ave. North Blvd. stops would be served by Route 7.
  • Route 30/Kennedy Blvd. would provide access to the Marion Transit Center.
  • Overall: Weekday/Weekend service would operate 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Sunday service would be added.

• Route 15:
  
  • East Tampa: Eastern end of the route would run from Columbus Dr. north to Netp@rk Transfer Center on 50th St., with new stops. Route would no longer serve Orient Road Jail.
   
• Route 17: Route will utilize Manhattan Ave.
  

• Route 19:
  
  • Downtown: Route would shift from Transitway to Florida Ave./Tampa St.
  • Hyde Park: Route would shift slightly from Cleveland to Swann Ave. after serving Tampa General Hospital.
  • South Tampa: The route would end at Britton Plaza Transfer Center.

• Route(s) 24LX/25LX:
  
  • Routes would operate with similar schedule with added stops in Downtown Tampa.
• Route 30:
  • Downtown: Minor route shift from Transitway to Florida Ave./Tampa St. 
  • Airport: Route would run from downtown/Marion Transit Center to Tampa International Airport. New Route 60LX would provide service to the Northwest Transfer Center.
• Route 32:
  • West Tampa: Route would no longer use the West Tampa Transfer Center. Transfers would take place on Dale Mabry Hwy.
  • Orient Park: Route would no longer shift onto Broadway.
  • Route would be expanded to operate between Netp@rk Transfer Center and Tampa International Airport. Service from Netp@rk Transfer Center to the Mango Walmart would be provided by the new Route 38.
• Route 36:
  
  • South Tampa: Route would provide service to Britton Plaza Transfer Center. New all-day 360LX would serve Britton Plaza to MacDill AFB hourly.
• Route 45:
  • East Tampa/University Area: Route would serve Yukon Transfer center, and run on 15th St. between Linebaugh Ave. and University Area Transit Center.
  • North Tampa: Route would run on Florida Ave., between Waters and Linebaugh.
  • Carrollwood: Route would shift from Himes Ave. to Dale Mabry Hwy.
  • University Area: HyperLINK service available within the zone.
• HARTFlex South Tampa:
  • HARTFlex South Tampa is being adjusted north to Cypress to cover part of the current Route 10.

South Tampa and the Westshore area will see the addition of 5 new routes, including new all-day, limited stop connections to Brandon, MacDill AFB, Tampa International Airport, and the University area.

Weekday frequency would increase to 30 minutes on route 14, and routes 14 and 19 would expand operating hours.

The remainder of the changes involve routing. Click here for an interactive map, showing proposed routing and stops. Please note schedules provided on the page are for planning purposes only. October 2017 schedules are currently being developed.

We have tried our best to minimize any coverage loss and to provide alternatives for eliminated service. Should you find yourself in such a situation, a vanpool may make a great option. Visit TBARTA's website for more information.

Take an online survey regarding the HART system redesign!

Please also note, these are proposed changes, that must be approved by the HART Board. A Public Hearing will be held at the HART Administrative Office (1201. E. 7th Ave., Tampa, FL, 33605) on July 26th, from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Public comment will be available at that time.

In the meantime, visit goHART.org/TDP to see upcoming meetings, take a survey, share comments, and learn more about the HART system redesign process!

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

Tampa Fun for Frozen Four

A champion will be crowned in Tampa!

The Frozen Four and Tampa, Florida conjures up the image of an ice cube in the sun.

Despite the warm climate however, Tampa Bay is Hockey Bay and this week has Tampa at the center of the biggest week in NCAA Men's Hockey - the Frozen Four. HART would like to offer a big welcome to all the Boston College, Quinnipiac, Denver and North Dakota athletes, students and fans. Tampa has a number of attractions and things to do while you're in town!

Use HART to get to the following Tampa attractions and avoid renting a car and the parking hassles:

• Amalie Arena - Route 8, The In-Towner, TECO Line Streetcar
• Adventure Island - Route 5
• Busch Gardens - Routes 5, 18, 39
• Florida Aquarium - Route 8 and the TECO Line Streetcar
• Channelside Bay Plaza (Dining, retail, Splitsville and Channelside Cinemas) - Route 8, the TECO Line Streetcar
• Ybor City Historic District (Centro Ybor) - Routes 8, 12, the TECO Line Streetcar
• Glazer's Children Museum - Routes 7, 10, The In-Towner
• International Plaza (Shopping) - 15, 30, 61LX
• Lowry Park Zoo - Routes 41, 45
• Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) - Route 6
• David A. Straz Jr. Center - Route 7,10, The In-Towner, TECO Line Streetcar
• Tampa Convention Center - Route 4, 19, The In-Towner, TECO Line Streetcar
• Tampa Museum of Art - Routes 7, 10, The In-Towner
• Westshore Plaza (Shopping) - Routes 15, 30, 45, HARTFlex South Tampa
• Tampa Theatre - Route 4, 8, 19, 30, 46, The In-Towner, TECO Line Streetcar

A schedule of Frozen Four events can be found here.

Convenient service to airport!

Flying out? Route 30 runs between downtown and Tampa International Airport every 30 minutes on weekdays and weekends. Service begins at 4:30 a.m. through midnight during the week and 7 a.m. to 12:20 a.m. on the weekends.

A 3-day Visitor Unlimited HARTride card is your best bet at only $11.75 and valid on all HART local buses, The In-Towner and the TECO Line Streetcar System.

Things to know about The In-Towner and TECO Line Streetcar System:

• The In-Towner: The FREE In-Towner makes stops at popular locations in downtown Tampa weekdays; 6 - 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 - 6 p.m. The In-Towner operates on a 15-minute frequency with a stop at Amalie Arena. 
 

 

• TECO Line Streetcar Line: The streetcar line runs on rails that connect Ybor City, The Channel District and Downtown Tampa, which includes a stop at Amalie Arena. It operates Noon - 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday*, and 11 a.m. - 1:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Service runs every 20 minutes except on Friday and Saturday from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m., when service is 30 minutes.  Streetcar Operators do not provide change.
  
  *Streetcar service is being extended on Thursday, April 7, until 11 p.m. or game end, whichever is later.

It's easy to plan your own trip! Visit www.goHART.org to use the Google Trip Planner feature or call 813-254-HART (4278). Get HART real-time service information on-the-go with OneBusAway Tampa.

Click here for a map of downtown Tampa's network of public transportation service, including streetcar stops, The In-Towner and HART bus routes.

Have a great time taking in the Frozen Four and while you're here, we hope you enjoy all that Tampa has to offer!

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!