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: HARTFlex South Tampa

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!

Our featured Route of the Week is HARTFlex South Tampa!

HARTFlex is an on-demand van service that provides reservation or walk-up service. HARTFlex operates along a traditional route, but has the ability to "flex" up to 1/3 mile from the route within the zone.

HARTFlex South Tampa zone

HARTFlex South Tampa operates Monday-Friday between Britton Plaza Transfer Center and Westshore Plaza Transfer Center, with select trips to the MacDonald's Training Center.

Service Hours:

First trip: 

• Leaves Britton Plaza at 6:00 a.m.
• Leaves Westshore Plaza at 6:30 a.m.
• MacDonald's Training Center - 8:30 a.m. (one trip)

 Last trip:

• Leaves Britton Plaza at 7:00 p.m.
• Leaves Westshore Plaza at 6:30 p.m. 
• MacDonald's Training Center - 2:30 p.m. (one trip)

The HARTFlex South Tampa zone is a foodie heaven!


Here are just some of the restaurants within the HARTFlex South Tampa zone:

Datz' famous "Cheesy Todd" burger!

• Besito Mexican Restaurant
• Maggiano's Little Italy
• P.F. Chang's
• Mitchell's Fish Market
• Seasons 52
• Datz
• 4 Rivers Smokehouse
• Your Pie
• Miguel's Mexican Seafood and Grill
• SoHo Sushi
• Acropolis Greek Taverna
• Pane Rustica
• Lemon Grass Thai Kitchen

Need to work off all of that food? Orangetheory Fitness, LA Fitness, Barre Fitness, Tampa Fitness Center, and Dan Wall Fitness all fall within the HARTFlex South Tampa zone.

HARTFlex also has those working at one of Westshore Plaza's over 110 stores covered. HARTFlex South Tampa picks up and drops off at the Westshore Transfer Center, where riders can connect to routes 15, 30, and 45!

Those looking for a Pinellas County connection can transfer from HARTFlex Tampa to PSTA's 100X (along with HART routes 4,19, and 36) at the HART Britton Plaza Transfer Center.

From Lemon Grass, to LA Fitness, HART Takes You There.

Route of the Week: Route 45

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 feature Route 45 as our Route of the Week!

Route 45 operates between Westshore and the USF area!

Route 45 operates between the Westshore Plaza Transfer Center and University Area Transit Center (UATC) near the University of South Florida. The route operates Weekdays from 4:30 a.m. - 9:10 p.m., and Weekends from 6:40 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

The Route 45 serves 3 major areas:

Westshore - The Route 45 southern terminus is at the Westshore Transfer Center. Connect to Route 15, 30, and HARTFlex South Tampa.

Whether in the mood to shop, or to grab a bite to eat, Westshore Plaza has you covered! Little Greek Fresh Grill, Besito Mexican Restaurant, Mitchell's Fish Market, and the Cheesecake Factory are just some of the food options that Westshore Plaza offers.

Amscot Corporate Headquarters and Jefferson High School are two more destinations in the Westshore area!

Stadium - Home to Raymond James Stadium and the Bucs, the area also houses a number of Route of the Week-worthy destinations.

Be responsible! Take Route 45 to Cigar City Brewing.

Cigar City Brewing Company (CCB) is widely seen as one of the best breweries in the country! From citrusy IPAs to hefty stouts, CCB pours the best brews in the Bay. Sign up for a tour to see how your suds go from mash to mouth! Be responsible and take Route 45 - don't drink and drive.

From HomeGoods, to Whole Foods, and Target to Home Depot, Walter's Crossing Shopping Center has all of your home needs covered. Sports fans will appreciate the launch of Duffy's Sports Grill in the center in May 2016!

University -The northern terminus of Route 45, UATC provides connection to 11 different HART routes, along with the USF Bull Runner. USF students will appreciate service to...

Studio Movie Grill is located within University Mall.

Studio Movie Grill (SMG) combines first-run films, with in-theater dining and a full-service bar. On Tuesdays, SMG features $5 flicks, to pair with $5 food and drink options. SMG is located within University Mall.

University Mall features over 165 stores and 1.3 million sq. ft. of retail space. Pick up Route(s) 45 and 12 on the west end of the mall, near Studio Movie Grill.

Veterans can access James A. Haley VA Hospital near the University Area Transit Center.

Other Route 45 destinations:

• Lowry Park Zoo
• Chamberlain High School
• St. Joseph's Hospital
• Accusoft
• Tampa Catholic High School
• Nicola's Donut Shop
• Al Lopez Park

From donuts to HomeGoods, HART Takes You There.

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

Route of the Week: Route 10

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 travel on the Route 10 from Cypress Point Park, eastward along Cypress St., to Marion Transit Center!

Operating from 5:05 a.m. - 6:35 p.m. Monday - Friday, Route 10 primarily serves workers along Cypress St. in the Westshore area and those in downtown Tampa. Route 10 carried 41,506 riders in FY2015.
 
The Route 10 is a little quirky, in that the western terminus of the route is not a HART facility, but actually a park... Cypress Point Park. The park, open daily from 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., features roughly 1.5 miles of trails, a beach, boardwalk and canoe launch.

The Westshore District is the largest business district in Florida, with over 4,000 businesses. As such, Route 10 serves a number of employment destinations such as: Department of Homeland Security, Social Security Administration, MacDonald Training Center, and Amscot Financial, Inc. Headquarters. Heads in Tampa for business, need beds to sleep. And again, the Route 10 serves a host of hotels: Holiday Inn Tampa Westshore, Tampa Marriott Westshore, DoubleTree by Hilton Tampa Airport, Courtyard Tampa Westshore/Airport, and The Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport Westshore.

The Westshore District is hardly all work and no play. Take part in some retail therapy at Westshore Plaza, home to 115 stores, restaurants such as Maggiano's Little Italy and PF Chang's and a 14-screen movie theater. HART riders are able to transfer to 4 different routes at Westshore Plaza.

The leaders of the future, may be taking the bus today. The University of Tampa and Jefferson, Blake and Tampa Preparatory high schools are all served by Route 10. All four also  receive discounts on HART! University of Tampa Spartans can purchase a 31-day pass for 25% off, or $48.75. Meanwhile, Hillsborough County High School and Middle School students ride FREE on HART until June 10, with valid school or HART-issued Youth ID.

Alessi Bakery has been in business since 1912

Hungry? A true Tampa landmark, Alessi Bakery, once delivered the freshest Italian and Cuban bread on horse and wagon to their customers. They've built up some credibility over their 100+ year existence and now have customers drop by the store located at 2909 W. Cypress St. for delicious pastries, deviled crabs and Cuban sandwiches. Hop off the Route 10 at Cypress St. and Excelda Ave.

Highlights upon entering downtown on the way to Marion Transit Center include: The Tampa Theatre, Tampa Museum of Art, Glazer Children's Museum, The Tampa Riverwalk, and the flagship of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System, John F. Germany Public Library.

Operating through some of the Westshore District's most prime real estate, Route 10 offers access to a variety of employment and leisure destinations.

From work to The Riverwalk, HART Takes You There.