HART Board Elects Councilman Schisler Chair

Councilman Gil Schisler

At its January 5 meeting, the Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) Board elected Councilman Gil Schisler as Chair, Director Gary Hartfield as Vice Chair, and Commissioner Gwen Myers as Secretary of the HART Board of Directors for 2026.

“I’m grateful to my fellow Board members for the trust they’ve placed in me to serve as Chair,” said HART Chair Gil Schisler. “Public transportation plays a critical role in strengthening our community, and I look forward to working together to push HART forward, advocate for increased investment, and ensure we’re delivering the reliable service our residents deserve.”

HART Board Service History:

• Councilman Schisler has been a HART Board member since December 2018
• Director Gary Hartfield was appointed to the Board in October 2023.
• Commissioner Gwen Myers was appointed in November 2020.

 

The HART Board is responsible for setting policy and making decisions for the Authority on matters ranging from system operations and service planning to fare structure, finance, and customer service. It is comprised of 14 volunteers who are appointed to represent Hillsborough County (seven seats), the City of Tampa (four seats), the State of Florida (two seats), and the City of Temple Terrace (one seat).

Officers of the HART Board (chair, vice-chair, and secretary) are elected annually.

HART Awarded $32 Million FTA Grant for CNG Buses

Historic News for HART!

We’re proud to announce that HART has been awarded $32 million through the FTA’s Low or No Emission and Bus & Bus Facilities Program — the largest federal grant in HART’s history, the largest in Florida, and one of the top awards in the entire nation this funding cycle.

This investment will allow us to:

• Replace 33 aging diesel buses averaging 688,000 miles — well beyond their useful life
• Reduce annual maintenance costs by over $1 million
• Improve reliability, on-time performance, and reduce service interruptions
• Cut harmful emissions across Hillsborough County
• Expand technician training and apprenticeship programs to strengthen our workforce

With this award, HART is now positioned to become Florida’s first transit agency with a 100% low-emission CNG fixed-route fleet — a major milestone in our Fleet Transition Plan and a big step toward cleaner, more reliable mobility for our community.

This isn’t just an investment in buses. It’s an investment in our riders, our employees, and the future of transportation in Hillsborough County.

--------------------------------------------

Statement from HART CEO Scott Drainville

“Today’s announcement represents a major step forward for reliable transit in Hillsborough County. This investment will help us improve service for riders, reduce costly breakdowns, strengthen our workforce pipeline, and continue transitioning our fleet to cleaner, low-emission technology. 

We are profoundly grateful to the more than two dozen partners who stood with us—elected leaders, community advocates, educational institutions, businesses, and industry. Their voices made clear that modern, reliable transit is essential to our region’s growth.”

Statement from Congresswoman Kathy Castor

“This grant is a big win for our Tampa Bay neighbors. Reliable, accessible transit is essential to a healthy local economy—helping people get to work, school, medical care, and the grocery store without added stress,” said Rep. Kathy Castor. “With these new investments to modernize HART’s fleet and expand mobility options, we’re opening the door to more job opportunities, supporting local businesses and ensuring families across Hillsborough County can move around safely and affordably. I’m proud to help secure these federal resources so every neighbor—regardless of zip code—has the freedom to move, connect and thrive in our community.”

Statement from Congresswoman Laurel Lee

“This federal investment is a significant step forward for transit in Hillsborough County. With the addition of 33 new CNG buses, HART will be able to improve reliability, lower operating costs, and better serve the riders who depend on these routes every day. I was proud to support HART’s application and am grateful to Secretary Duffy and Administrator Molinaro for prioritizing this project. These upgrades will make a real difference for families, workers, and students across our community.” 

Statement from HART Chair/Councilman Luis Viera


“This $32 million grant for HART is a huge leap forward thanks to our federal partners. HART provides such a pivotal lifeline for our working families – our seniors, those with disabilities, our veterans and so many others. I am so thankful for the work ethic, tenacity and determination of our Congresswoman Kathy Castor, who always champions transit. This grant allows us to move forward in a manner that is productive and is consistent with sustainability.”

HART to Implement Service Changes on Sunday, August 4, 2024

 

HART is implementing service changes to several HART routes on Sunday, August 4, 2024, to improve efficiency and the customer experience.

• Service with Schedule Changes / Cambios en el horario: 
• Routes 1, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 15, 24LX, 25LX, 30, 34, 37, 38, 45, 46, 275LX, and 360LX

• Earlier service / Servicio temprano: Routes 37 and 38

HART customers can visit goHART.org to view the service changes or contact Customer Service at (813) 254-4278 for more information.

Councilman Luis Viera Re-elected HART Chair by Board of Directors

Councilman Luis Viera

At its January 8 meeting, the Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) Board re-elected Councilman Luis Viera as Chair, Commissioner Michael Owen as Vice-Chair and Director Melanie Williams as Secretary of the HART Board of Directors for 2024.

Councilman Viera remains the HART Chair at a pivotal time for the organization. Chair Viera will serve a 1-year term.

Councilman Viera has been a Board member since February 2020 and has served on the Tampa City Council since 2016.

Councilman Viera is very active in the community. He is the former Chairman of the Hillsborough County Bar Association Diversity Committee and a former Chairman of the City of Tampa Civil Service Board. He is a founder and former President of Lawyers Autism Awareness Foundation and previously served on the Board of Tampa Bay Best Buddies, an organization that assists and advocates for persons with special needs and developmental disabilities. He was also the Incoming President of the Tampa Hispanic Bar Association and is a member of the George Edgecomb Bar Association. 

 

The HART Board is responsible for setting policy and making decisions for the Authority on matters ranging from system operations, service planning, fare structure, finance, and customer service. It is made up of 14 volunteers who are appointed to represent Hillsborough County (seven seats), City of Tampa (four seats), State of Florida (two seats) and City of Temple Terrace (one seat). Officers of the HART Board (chair, vice-chair and secretary) are elected annually.

For more information about HART service, visit www.goHART.org.

HART Receives FDOT Grant to Keep the TECO Line Streetcar Fare-Free

Streetcar operating near Centro Ybor in Ybor City

HART is pleased to announce the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has awarded HART a Commuter Assistance grant totaling $700,000. The FDOT grant will permit the TECO Line Streetcar to remain fare-free for an additional year.

The TECO Line Streetcar has routinely broken ridership records since FDOT awarded HART a $2.7 million Innovation Grant in 2018 allowing the Streetcar to go fare-free and expand service - increased frequency and service hours.

"HART is very excited to receive this FDOT grant to keep the TECO Line Streetcar fare-free," said Scott Drainville, Interim HART Chief Executive Officer. "HART appreciates the continued support of Secretary Gwynn and FDOT staff in identifying grant funding for the Streetcar."

In addition to FDOT, the TECO Line Streetcar is funded by the City of Tampa, the Downtown Community Redevelopment Areas (CRAs), and the Tampa Downtown Partnership. HART will work with the partners to hopefully identify funding to keep the Streetcar fare-free for the foreseeable future.

The TECO Line Streetcar System has carried 1,249,511 passenger trips so far in FY2023.

HART Needs Input on Proposed Program of Projects for FY2023

HART receives federal funding annually through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) which is used for operating expenses and capital projects. HART staff has developed a proposed FY 2023 Program of Projects (POP) to utilize this funding. 

A Public Hearing is scheduled for June 1, 2023, from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM; 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM at the Marion Transit Center (1211 N Marion St, Tampa, FL 33602) to give individuals and/or groups the opportunity to present their views and comments regarding HART’s proposed application for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Urbanized Area formula funds.

The public may also provide comment via:

• HART Website - Comments/Suggestions
• Mobile - OneBusAway Tampa app
• Mail - HART, attention to Community Engagement, 1201 E. 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605
• Phone - HART Customer Service (813) 254-4278

HART welcomes all comments on or before June 1, 2023. 

If no material changes are made, this will be the final HART Program of Projects for FY 2023.

HART Riders Can Now Pay Via Debit, Credit, Google Pay and Apple Pay!

Tampa Bay transit riders (HART/PSTA/The Bus) can now tap to ride across the region using credit and debit cards, digital wallets (Google Pay or Apple Pay), as well as the Flamingo Fares smartcard or mobile app.

"We are excited to offer our customers another way to pay their fare,” said Adelee Le Grand, Chief Executive Officer, HART. “Contactless payments on Flamingo Fares not only provide our customers with greater ease of access, removing another barrier from riding transit, but also assists in speeding up the boarding process, improving travel times.”

The Flamingo Fares system has fare capping implemented, meaning passengers always receive the lowest price as the system automatically caps prices whenever riders reach the daily or monthly thresholds. Riders using contactless payments (debit/credit/Google Pay/Apple Pay) will be able to take advantage of daily fare capping. 

Please note: Discount fare riders must use their Flamingo Fares smartcard or mobile app to receive the reduced fare. 

Attempts to use the same contactless payment multiple times (multiple riders) upon boarding will result in a failed transaction.

Flamingo Fares Tampa Bay launched in 2020.

To learn more about contactless payments and Flamingo Fares, visit www.FlamingoFares.com

HART to Host Second Rider Advisory Committee Open House!

HART is creating a Rider Advisory Committee! Rider input is essential to HART’s success. It helps us make informed decisions to continue providing excellent public transportation that keeps Hillsborough County moving!

Interested applicants can attend an Open House on Wednesday, December 14, 2022; 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM, at the HART Administrative Office - 1201 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, FL.

Open House attendees will learn more about the Rider Advisory Committee and be able to apply to serve on the Committee in person.

"Customer input is invaluable to our organization to ensure that we continue to meet the County's transportation needs," said Adelee Marie Le Grand, HART CEO. "The Rider Advisory Committee will give us a constant pulse on rider sentiment".

For those unable to attend the Open House, the application is available online.

Committee applications can be sent to MorenoY@goHART.org or mail it to HART Community Engagement, 1201 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, FL, 33605. All applications must be received by Wednesday, December 14, 2022.

HART Seeks Input on Proposed March 2023 Service Changes!

HART is proposing service changes throughout the network in March 2023 and is gathering feedback on the plan. HART is proposing the changes to align demand and improve efficiency while operating within our current funding framework.

HART is holding feedback sessions in person at the Marion Transit Center and onboard impacted routes. 

Unable to attend the in-person sessions? The HART Planning team takes you through a virtual walkthrough of the plan.

Click here to view the proposal and outreach opportunities, take a short survey, and submit feedback.

HART to host Hiring Event on June 11!

Want a rewarding career in public transportation? HART is hiring! 

Join HART at a Hiring Event on Saturday, June 11, 2022, from 9 AM to 2 PM at the HART Operations Facility at 4305 East 21^st Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33605.

Careers are available in Operations, Maintenance, Finance, HR and more! On-site interviews will be conducted with bus operators and mechanics applicants. 

HART participates in Florida Retirement and offers a robust health package, tuition reimbursement, career advancement and more! 

On-air personality Katie Sommers from local radio station 933FLZ will be live from 10 AM-Noon with fun games and music.

Click here for a complete list of available careers and HART benefits. HART is a drug-free, safe work environment and an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Join the team that keeps Hillsborough County moving!

Celebrate National Bike Month with Bikes on Buses!

All HART buses and vans feature bike racks!

May is National Bike Month and HART makes connecting to the bus by riding a bike a breeze!

Discover how easy (and quick!) it is to Bike & Bus. HART has bike racks on every bus and van so you can experience the ease of riding HART with your bike year-round. National Bike Month is a great opportunity to give it a try!

At HART, we're dedicated to getting our riders to their destination as quickly and efficiently as possible. We see bikes as complementary to our service and that's why we added racks to our buses over 20 years ago. More recently, bike racks have also been added to all of our HARTFlex vans.

Need a bike for just the first or last mile of your trip? Coast Bike Share stations are set up at a number of HART locations, including Marion Transit Center, and Dick Greco Plaza Station.

Have a folding bike? HART also permits them in carrying bags aboard all HART buses and HARTFlex vans. Users of bicycles with larger wheels should continue using the bicycle rack. Each HART bus and HARTFlex van accommodates two bicycles. Only single-seat, two-wheel bicycles are permitted on buses; no tandems or three-wheelers.

Heading to Pinellas County? The Bikes on Buses program also enables riders to take their bikes with them and transfer from a HART bus to the PSTA network without a special permit.  

Four easy steps to loading your bike on a HART bus

Bike-friendly transit provides customers with quicker commutes and additional commuting options.

Customers might not view a 30-mile round trip bike ride to downtown as an attractive commute. However, pair a quick 1-2 mile bike ride with a HART route to pick up the majority of the miles and you have some serious pedal power.

Cycling HART riders (almost 20,000 monthly trips) find that bikes not only speed up their commutes but also provide them greater exercise, ground coverage, and route options. 

Want to learn the ropes of cycling around town? Find a "bike buddy"! TBARTA helps match cycling commuters together.

Click here to learn more about the HART Bikes on Buses program, including how to secure your bike on the bus bike rack.

Mask Requirement on HART Service has Been Lifted

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced yesterday (April 18) the withdrawal of SD 1582/84-21-01E, requiring masks on public transportation and at public transportation facilities. The TSA will no longer enforce their mask-related security directives. 

As such, effective immediately, HART will no longer require masks on board our buses, vans, and streetcars and at our facilities including work offices. HART operators will no longer be required to enforce the mask requirement on our vehicles. 

However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation environments. 

Customers and employees are still welcome to wear a mask in all settings.

HART to Hold Design Workshop for TOD Pilot Project

HART is hosting the second of two public design charrettes for the HART Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Pilot Project on Saturday, March 5, 2022. The charrette is being held from 10 AM - 2:30 PM at the Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association - 2005 N Lamar Ave., Tampa, FL, 33602.

The purpose of the charrettes is to share information about the HART TOD Pilot Project, explore strategies to guide land use and development, and share ideas for the community's future.

HART TOD Design Charrette Schedule:

• Morning Design Session - 10:30 AM - 12 PM
• Afternoon Design Session - 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

The community will have the opportunity to hear a project update on the HART TOD Study and provide input via interactive map exercises.

For more information about the HART TOD Pilot Project and announcements on upcoming events, visit goHARTTOD.org.

For more information about HART service, visit www.goHART.org.

HART CEO Adelee Marie Le Grand Named To Tampa Bay’s Power 100 List

The Tampa Bay Business Journal has named HART CEO Adelee Marie Le Grand, AICP, as one of Tampa Bay’s most influential business leaders.

On January 26, the publication released its annual Power 100 ranking, recognizing Le Grand amongst a host of other prominent local business leaders, including the owners of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Lightning and the Tampa Bay Rays, as well as the CEOs of Publix, AdventHealth West Florida and Tampa International Airport.

The Power 100 list recognizes individuals for their leadership qualities, and how their work helps to shape the success of the regional business community. Le Grand’s inclusion on this list in her first year at the helm of HART demonstrates how she has been strategic in building relationships with business and civic leaders whose support of public transit is key to expanding customer-focused mobility options in Hillsborough County.

Le Grand’s key message: Transit not only connects people to key resources and employees to jobs but also spurs economic growth in the region.

Since her arrival at HART in January 2021, Le Grand has been laser-focused on creating a new vision for the organization by establishing trust and transparency, cultivating a culture of operational excellence and building meaningful strategic partnerships.

You can read the article here. 

HART CEO Adelee Marie Le Grand, AICP

HART SMART AV Expands to All-Day Service!

HART SMART AV operating along the Marion Transitway

HART SMART AV, Tampa Bay's first, fully electric automated vehicle pilot, is expanding service hours. The autonomous shuttle, operated by the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) and BEEP, an Orlando-based autonomous shuttle service provider, is now operating 6 AM - 7 PM; an additional five hours daily from the initial schedule of 6 AM -  10 AM; 3 PM - 7 PM.

The service expansion is possible due to the recent addition of a second shuttle operating along the route, which allows one of the vehicles to charge while the other is operating.

"The expansion of service hours positions HART SMART AV as a great lunchtime transportation option for downtown workers and residents, who don't want to move their car or search for parking," said Adelee Le Grand, HART Chief Executive Officer. "We are excited to be able to provide all-day service along the corridor".

Funded by the Florida Department of Transportation, and in partnership with BEEP, HART launched the one-year HART SMART AV autonomous vehicle pilot on October 12, 2020. The free shuttle offers first mile, last-mile connection between the TECO Line Streetcar and the Marion Transit Center, along North Marion Street in downtown Tampa.

The driverless shuttle is 100% electric and costs less than $30 per month to charge. HART SMART AV operates without a steering wheel and uses a pre-programmed, fixed route with a combination of localization techniques, involving state-of-the-art sensor technology. The shuttle uses eight sensors on the outside of the vehicle providing a 360-degree view of the environment. An on-board shuttle attendant serves as an ambassador for the riders to learn more about the technology and oversee the high-quality passenger experience. 

The route includes four stops at Marion Transit Center's Bay F, Kennedy Boulevard, Washington Street and Whiting Street, with the option for a future stop at Tampa City Hall. The autonomous shuttle will operate at a maximum speed of 15 mph as part of the one-year pilot.

For more information on HART SMART AV, visit goHART.org/AVpilot.

HART Seeks Input on Proposed 2021 Service Modifications

HART is proposing service modifications, including route removal, throughout the network in early 2021 and is gathering feedback on the plan. HART is proposing the modifications to align demand, improve safety and efficiency, and preserve funding.

HART is holding feedback sessions virtually and in-person at transit and transfer centers with COVID safety measures in place over the next two weeks. 

Virtual Town Halls featuring a walkthrough of the plan and a Q & A session are being held in both English and Spanish. The next Virtual Town Halls are:

• English - Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at 10 AM and 2 PM
• Spanish - Thursday, September 3, 2020 at 10 AM and 2 PM

Participants are asked to register in advance of the Town Halls.

Summary of Proposed 2021 Service Modifications:

• Minor Route Adjustments - Routes 5, 7, 8, 42, 45, 48
• Substantive Modifications - Routes 10, 14, 38, 48 
• Reduce Frequency - Routes 1, 6, 24LX, 33, 34, 46, 400
• Remove Service - Routes 20X, 35*, 60LX**, 75LX, 275LX***, HARTFlex Brandon, South County, Northdale**, South Tampa, Town 'N Country

*fully replaced by existing route; **partially merged into existing routes; ***partially replaced by new routes.

A public hearing on the Proposed 2021 Service Modifications will take place in October.

"HART staff has taken the first step in creating a plan that we believe aligns our service with demand and continues providing essential service to Hillsborough County," said Interim HART CEO Carolyn House Stewart. "We are now rolling out an extensive outreach campaign to take this plan to the public as it is HART's duty to listen and be responsive to customer needs."

Visit HARTServiceInput.com to view the proposal and outreach opportunities, take a short survey, and submit feedback.

HART COVID-19 UPDATE: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

CUSTOMER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

In coordination with the Hillsborough County Office of Emergency in response to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) HART’s goal is to maintain as much service with the minimum inconvenience to customers. The top priority is to protect employees while minimizing inconvenience to customers.

What is HART doing to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 when using public transit services?

HART is disinfecting its fleet help reduce the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19. Our enhanced regimen includes additional disinfecting of frequent touchpoints such as disinfecting vehicle entry ways, fare boxes, steering wheels, operator seats, protective shields, modesty panels, stanchion bars, customer seat backs and hand rails on buses, vans and streetcars. All HART facilities’ surfaces, door knobs, sinks, faucets, hand rails and other common areas are being disinfected as well as customer amenities. 

The cleaning agents used in this effort are deemed effective for these purposes and contain anti-viral components such as bleach/water mixes and other disinfectant sprays.

HART is working in coordination with the Hillsborough County's Office of Emergency Management, in support of the public health response to slow the spread of COVID-19.

We are recommending that all HART employees and customers stay vigilant with good hygiene practices as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and stay home if you are sick. On-board signage and announcements have been installed to encourage seat staggering while riding.

We also ask that customers limit use of the HART systems for trips that are essential and necessary.

Has HART changed service yet?

As of Wednesday, April 1, 2020, HART will temporarily reduce service hours and operate all modes of transit on a Sunday service schedule with regular fares, due to closures along routes, reduced demand for service, and to support Hillsborough County's “Safer-at-Home” order. HART will also operate service Monday through Friday for Routes 20X, 24LX, 25LX, 31, and 60LX on their regular weekday schedule. There will be no HARTFlex service.

• All HART public meetings are cancelled until April 13, 2020
• TECO Streetcar will have abbreviated operating hours beginning March 20, 2020.
  The abbreviated service hours reflect the recent shutdown of bars and other entertainment activities, and the limiting of restaurant hours due to COVID-19.
  
  
  Temporary streetcar service hours:

§  Monday - Friday: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

§  Saturday - Sunday: 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

How does the current Hillsborough County "Safer-at-Home" order and 9 PM - 5 AM curfew impact HART service?

The curfew currently does not apply to essential workers or essential trips. Public transportation is exempt from the order, as we continue to serve essential workers.

What if a HART vehicle has transported someone with COVID-19?

If a vehicle has been identified that a suspected or confirmed case of a patron or HART employee tested positive for COVID-19, the vehicle will be quarantined and disinfected by HART's HAZMAT vendor, Bio 1. The vehicle is safe for service 90 minutes after it has been disinfected.

What can I do to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

It is recommended that customers travel for emergency or essential purposes only. If you are sick, we ask you not to ride HART. People riding on public transit are encouraged to practice social distancing by allowing enough space from each other. It is recommended for everyone to stay vigilant with good hygiene practices as outlined by the CDC: 

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw it in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow to avoid contaminating your hands.

Is HART limiting the number of riders per bus?

We are encouraging social distancing to customers. Staggered seating signs, encouraging riders to sit in every other row, are posted on all buses. We ask customers who are sick to stay home and to limit their travel to essential trips.

What is HART’s service plan to deal with COVID-19?

As of Wednesday, April 1, 2020, HART will temporarily reduce service hours and operate all modes of transit on a Sunday service schedule with regular fares, due to closures along routes, reduced demand for service, and support of the Hillsborough County “Safer-at-Home” order. HART will also operate service Monday through Friday for Routes 20X, 24LX, 25LX, 31, and 60LX on their regular weekday schedule. There will be no HARTFlex service.

What if Pandemic conditions require the complete quarantine of Hillsborough County?

If pandemic conditions require a complete quarantine of Hillsborough County, all regularly scheduled bus, paratransit and streetcar service will be discontinued. All rolling stock and facilities will be properly secured. 

Restoration of service will require up to three (3) days to complete. Restoration will happen in the reverse order of the service reduction:

• Step 1: Staff requirements will be assessed.
• Step 2: Operator for all modes of transit will be contacted by Operations Control Center.
• Step 3: Vehicles will be inspected for service readiness.
• Step 4: Customer Service representatives will begin contacting subscription customers for Paratransit reservations.
• Step 5: Begin service delivery

How will I know when HART reduces service?

Continue to check www.GoHART.org or call Customer Service (813) 254-4278 for the latest updates. 

Will HART give employees masks to address their fears of contracting the COVID-19?

HART is providing gloves, facemasks, and sanitizer to service workers daily as supply numbers permit. The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, such as avoiding touching your eyes or nose, and covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue. HART is reminding front line employees of these preventive measures.

HART COVID 19 UPDATE

UPDATE: 7.8.2020:

Four additional bus operators and a van operator have tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). This brings the total number of cases of HART employees testing positive for the coronavirus to 22 – including 11 bus operators, 2 van operators, 1 streetcar motorperson, and 8 other employees.

UPDATE: 7.6.2020: 

One Streetcar Motorperson has tested positive for the Coronavirus. The Streetcar motorperson last worked June 16-17. 

This brings the total number of cases of HART employees testing positive for the coronavirus to 15 – including 5 bus operators, 1 van operator, 1 streetcar motorperson, and 8 other employees.

UPDATE: 7.2.2020:

All HART employees are now being tested for COVID-19. Currently, 12 HART employees have tested positive since March 2020.

UPDATE: 6.19.2020:

By City of Tampa Executive Order 2020-27, HART customers are now REQUIRED to wear face coverings on public transit vehicles and inside HART facilities. 

Two additional employees have tested positive for the coronavirus. This brings the total number of cases at HART to seven. Both employees are not bus operators or in public-facing roles. 

UPDATE: 6.18.2020:
A fifth HART employee has tested positive for the coronavirus.

UPDATE: 6.12.2020: 

The TECO Line Streetcar is now operating until 11 PM, seven days a week. This is the first step in our transition back to regular service.

UPDATE: 5.11.2020: 

Learn more about HART's COVID-19 response efforts.

UPDATE: 4.30.2020:

A second HART operator has tested positive for COVID-19. There are now two confirmed cases of COVID-19 at HART.

4.20.2020:
In an effort to maintain service reliability during the COVID-19 pandemic, HART is announcing an additional reduction of transit service beginning Wednesday, April 22, 2020.

ALERTA DE SERVICIO: Para mantener un nivel de servicio fiable durante la Pandemia de #COVID19, HART anuncia reducciones adicionales de servicios de tránsito. Estos cambios temporales son efectivos el miércoles 22 de abril del 2020.  el aviso

4.14.2020: 

HART has received confirmation that one of our team members has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). This is the first confirmed case of a HART employee testing positive for the coronavirus.

3.30.2020:

HART has announced a reduction of bus, van, and streetcar service levels, beginning April 1, 2020. These service changes reflect closures along routes, reduced demand for service, and in support of Hillsborough County's 'Safer-at-Home' order.

Los servicios de autobús, tranvía, HARTPlus y HARTFlex seran reducidos a partir del miércoles, primero de abril del 2020 debido a la reducción en la cantidad de pasajeros a causa del COVID-19 y para apoyar la orden del condado de Hillsborough "Safer at Home".

el aviso

3.20.2020: 

A COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is now available. Have a question not covered in the FAQ? Reach out to our social channels or call Customer Service at 813-254-4278.

Beginning on Monday, March 23, 2020, HART service will be FREE to youth 18 and under with valid School or HART Youth ID until regular classes resume. The Hillsborough County School District has designated 23 'Grab-and-Go' locations for pickup of nutritious meals during school closures and virtual learning. 

Many of HART's fixed-bus routes provide service to designated "Grab-and-Go" locations across Hillsborough County. These locations will serve as pick-up sites for breakfast and lunch which are packed and distributed. 

3.19.2020: 

Service hours on the TECO Line Streetcar System are being reduced beginning March 20, 2020. The abbreviated service hours reflect the recent shutdown of bars and other entertainment activities, and the limiting of restaurant hours due to COVID-19. These hours will be in effect indefinitely.

New temporary streetcar service hours:

• Monday – Thursday: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
•  Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Saturday – Sunday: 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Public transportation is a vital resource for many needing to stock up on supplies, get to work, or to the doctor.

3.17.2020: 

The health and safety of our customers and employees is our highest priority. We are writing to update you on the many precautions we are taking in response to the coronavirus, or COVID-19.

HART continues to follow guidelines from the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Hillsborough County Health Department to try and slow the spread of COVID-19.

HART and TECO Line Streetcar service levels remain normal at this time. However, HART continues to monitor the situation. We understand public transportation is a vital resource for many needing to stock up on supplies, get to work, or to the doctor.

All common areas are being disinfected

HART has increased the frequency in our cleaning/disinfecting regime, which includes the following:

• HART Vehicles: entryways, fare boxes, steering wheels, seats, safety barriers, and handrails

• HART Facilities: door knobs, sinks, faucets, hand rails and other common areas

Please remember to continue to take the following personal precautions:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw it in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow to avoid contaminating your hands.

Please practice social distancing. We ask that if you are ill, please stay home, or look at other options such as telecommuting. If you are on board, please be mindful of other customers.

Stay tuned for updates and thank you for riding HART.

We are all in this together.

HART and State Legislators Partner on Proposed Changes to Protect Transit Employees

Safety barriers like this would be required on all transit vehicles throughout the State of Florida

HART is leading a statewide initiative to implement new legislation addressing the growing trend of violence transit employees and other uniformed public servants face in Florida. HART is proud to partner with State Senator Keith Perry (R-Gainesville) and State Representative Michael Beltran (R-Tampa) who just filed the "Uniformed Public Servant Protection Act" for the 2020 session. SB 1416 and HB 951 both seek to curb violent threats against uniformed public servants in the workplace.

Sen. Perry and Rep. Beltran are spearheading the legislation which would require all Florida transit agencies and the State itself to make specific changes to enhance public safety and further protect uniformed public servants.

"As Chair of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee, I felt compelled to address the recent acts of violence and threats of violence against uniformed public servants," said Sen. Perry. "By increasing the penalty for assault against transit workers and other public servants, as well comprehensive training and protective barriers on public transport, we are demonstrating our commitment to public safety throughout our state."

HART is leading the way by implementing three of these changes and advocating for a fourth to protect transit employees. The leadership of Rep. Beltran and Sen. Perry to make all of these changes uniform across our state takes this public safety movement to a new level. The legislation proposes four changes:

• require the installation of protective barriers on public transit;
• require the posting of the maximum penalty for assaulting a transit worker;
• require mandatory training for drivers to defuse and de-escalate potentially violent situations; 
• increase the current enhancement for assault against a uniformed public servant (transit workers, law enforcement and other first responders) from a 1st-degree misdemeanor to a 3rd-degree felony.

"Over the past seven months, one HART bus driver in Tampa has been murdered and another violently attacked, while operating public transit buses," said Rep. Beltran who is also a key member of the Hillsborough County delegation. "I filed this legislation in an effort to help keep people safe through tougher penalties for threats of violence, protective barriers for drivers, and increased training to help defuse potential threats."

The proposed legislation mirrors the Amalgamated Transit Union's (ATU) push for similar changes on the national level with HR 1139.

Art on HART is Back!

Art on HART is BACK!

HART and the Tampa Bay Foundation for Architecture & Design (TBFAD) are providing another talented local artist the opportunity to showcase their work on a unique (and mobile) canvas - a HART bus!

In September, TBFAD put out a call for local artists to provide artwork to be wrapped around a bus for an entire year. After narrowing the list to three "finalists," HART employees are now being given the opportunity to vote for their favorite artwork.

Public transportation and art are sewn into the fabric of communities across the world. HART and TBFAD hope this collaboration can forge future opportunities to further marry the local art scene with transit and promote artistic expression throughout Hillsborough County.

All three Tampa Bay area artists, whose exceptional designs captured the theme of "Tampa culture," earned the chance to have their designs showcased.

The winner will have their canvas/bus publicly unveiled in January.

HART and TBFAD are excited to have the opportunity to showcase a local artist and transform an ordinary bus into an extraordinary mobile work of art.

Stay tuned!

TOP LEFT: Benjamin Donnell; TOP RIGHT: Jennifer Kosharek

BOTTOM LEFT: Mishou Sanchez 

Video recap of the 2019 Art on HART unveiling.