HART Extends TECO Line Streetcar Hours for Lightning Playoff Games

HART is extending TECO Line Streetcar service until midnight in support of the Tampa Bay Lightning's playoff push! Streetcar service will be extended for all weeknight playoff home games. The TECO Line Streetcar operates until 2 A.M. on Friday and Saturday.

Streetcar Hours – Lightning First Round Playoff Series:



• GAME 1: Tuesday, April 22: 7:00 A.M. – MIDNIGHT (Extended service)
• GAME 2: Thursday, April 24: 7:00 A.M. – MIDNIGHT (Extended service)
• GAME 5*: Wednesday, April 30: 7:00 A.M. - MIDNIGHT (Extended service - *if necessary)
• GAME 7*: Sunday, May 4: 8:30 A.M. – MIDNIGHT (Extended service- *if necessary)

The TECO Line Streetcar offers a fare-free, convenient way to explore Tampa with its 2.7-mile route connecting downtown Tampa, the Channel District, and historic Ybor City. Streetcars operate every 12-15 minutes with a stop at Amalie Arena— home of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Officials recommend parking in Ybor City and taking the Streetcar to avoid game traffic.

For more information or to track your streetcar in real-time, visit www.TECOLineStreetcar.org.

The TECO Line Streetcar Hits All-Time Annual Ridership Record

The TECO Line Streetcar smashed the all-time annual ridership record in FY2023 (October 1, 2022 - September 30, 2023) with 1,315,103 passenger trips.

It was the highest annual ridership in over 20 years of TECO Line Streetcar service.

The TECO Line Streetcar has broken several monthly ridership records over the past year including the best month in the Streetcar's modern history with 127,863 passenger trips reported in March 2023.

The record ridership is attributed to an increase in frequency to every 12 minutes during peak hours, population growth along the streetcar line, and near-record tourism to Tampa.

"We are elated to be celebrating another year of record ridership on the Streetcar," said Scott Drainville, Interim CEO, Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART). "The success of the Streetcar is a result of our community coming together to invest in public transportation."

The TECO Line Streetcar is a partnership between HART, the City of Tampa, and Tampa Historic Streetcar, Inc. October 2023 marks 21 years since the iconic yellow streetcars returned to Tampa streets.

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.

TECO Line Streetcar Service to Increase Frequency Starting Sunday

Starting this Sunday, March 19, 2023, the TECO Line Streetcar System is increasing peak hour service Friday through Sunday. The TECO Line Streetcar currently operates every 15 minutes. However, starting on Sunday, service frequency increases to every 12 minutes during peak hours to accommodate the large, standing-room-only crowds the Streetcar experiences on the weekends. The Streetcar continues to break ridership records and carried over a million riders in FY2022. The new enhanced streetcar service will be effective Friday through Sunday, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. The enhanced streetcar service is possible thanks to increased funding from the Downtown, Channel District and Ybor City Community Redevelopment Areas (CRAs) and the Tampa Downtown Partnership. "The TECO Line Streetcar continues to show what an investment in public transportation can provide with enhanced connectivity in the area and increased foot traffic to businesses," said Tampa Historic Streetcar, Inc. President Michael English. "The TECO Line Streetcar provides a viable transportation alternative for residents, workers and visitors in downtown and historic Ybor City". The TECO Line Streetcar System operating hours beginning Sunday, March 19, 2023: Monday - Thursday: 7 a.m. - 11 p.m., every 15 minutes Friday: 7 a.m. - 1 p.m., every 15 minutes 1 p.m. - 9 p.m., every 12 minutes 9 p.m. - 2 a.m., every 15 minutes Saturday: 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., every 15 minutes 1 p.m. - 9 p.m., every 12 minutes 9 p.m. - 2 a.m., every 15 minutes Sunday: 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., every 15 minutes 1 p.m. - 9 p.m., every 12 minutes 9 p.m. - 11 p.m., every 15 minutes The TECO Line Streetcar is an agreement between HART, the City of Tampa, and Tampa Historic Streetcar, Inc. and includes the Florida Department of Transportation, the Downtown, Channel District, and Ybor City CRAs and the Tampa Downtown Partnership as funding partners. For more information on the TECO Line Streetcar, visit TECOLineStreetcar.org.

 

The TECO Line Streetcar Hits All-Time Ridership Record

Credit: Visit Tampa Bay

The TECO Line Streetcar smashed the all-time monthly ridership record in December 2022 with 118,575 trips.

It was the highest monthly ridership in over 20 years of TECO Line Streetcar service.

The TECO Line Streetcar has broken several ridership records over the past year with the previous monthly record achieved in March 2022 with 107,956 trips reported. The Streetcar also ended Fiscal Year 2022 (October 2021 - September 31, 2022) with all-time annual ridership of over a million trips taken.

The record ridership is attributed to population growth along the Streetcar line, visitors in town for events such as the ReliaQuest Bowl, and an overall return in Hillsborough County tourism.

"When we opened the streetcar system, there were very few people living in downtown and Ybor City," said Michael English, President, Tampa Historic Streetcar, Inc. "Now, people are riding it, not just for fun, now they're riding it to get to work, to go to school. It has just been astounding. The Streetcar is a viable transportation option in downtown and Ybor City."

The TECO Line Streetcar is an agreement between HART, the City of Tampa, and Tampa Historic Streetcar, Inc. and includes the Florida Department of Transportation, the Community Redevelopment Areas along the Streetcar line, and the Tampa Downtown Partnership as funding partners.

Ring in the New Year with the TECO Line Streetcar!

Credit: Visit Tampa Bay

The Tampa skyline will light up Saturday night in celebration of the New Year with thousands watching from multiple locations along the Tampa Riverwalk.

Regardless of where you celebrate downtown, the TECO Line Streetcar System is your best bet to avoid expected traffic and parking issues! Park in Ybor City, and take in the Reliaquest Bowl Parade beginning at 5:30 p.m. Following the parade's end, you can take the Streetcar downtown (hop off at Dick Greco Plaza) and only park once!

The Streetcar is FREE and operates until 2 a.m. The NYE firework displays are scheduled to begin at Midnight.

Click here for a map of the Downtown network of services, including streetcar, and HART local service.

Should you plan on driving to the festivities...

American Automobile Association (AAA) offers a complimentary "Tow-to-Go" service for those that might have had too much holiday "cheer" this year. The service is available to everyone, meaning you don't have to be a AAA member. Call 1-855-286-9246 (you might want to save this number in your phone now) and a tow truck will come out and tow you and your car home safely - for FREE. 

Whether you're enjoying your New Year's Eve with us or not, please be SAFE!

New Year's Eve Service:

HART is operating on a Saturday schedule for New Year's Eve. The TECO Line Streetcar will operate from 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 a.m. 

The TECO Line Streetcar will operate every 15 minutes until 2:00 a.m.

HART Customer Service will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and can be reached at (813) 254-4278.

New Year's Day Service:

HART is operating on a Sunday schedule for New Year's Day. The TECO Line Streetcar System will operate 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. HART Customer Service Centers and HART offices will be closed.

HART Customer Service will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and can be reached at (813) 254-4278.

Safe travels in 2023!

The Women of HART: Connie Cosme

Ms. Cosme on #429, the car she operated at the Grand Opening

Meet Connie Cosme. She has worked at HART as a TECO Line Streetcar motorwoman for over 15 years. 

Ms. Cosme's tenure at HART actually PREDATES the current TECO Line Streetcar. She was a part of the original crew of motorpersons when the system launched on Oct. 19, 2002.

"I met a lady that day (the Grand Opening) that came up to me and told me 'I did a great job.'" Ms. Cosme said. "Turns out, the woman was a motorwoman for the original Tampa streetcar system, while the men were away at war (World War II)."

Fast forward almost 16 years later, and Ms. Cosme is our most decorated motorperson!

Ms. Cosme receiving her Million Mile Award in 2016!

She is the FIRST streetcar motorperson to be awarded with a Million Miles award! The Million Miles award recognizes a commitment to safety, and great driving skills. It takes roughly 14 YEARS of driving without a preventable accident, to achieve this recognition. Our riders are precious cargo!

Ms. Cosme says that while it's "different" being a woman in a male-dominated profession, she likes it and "keeps the men in check."

The thing she likes the most about her job is the people.

"I love being able to take seniors back in time to when they were younger (when the streetcar was only 5¢). I love meeting people from all over and seeing the sparkle in a kid's eye when they board the Streetcar."

Connie, our Streetcar Wonder Woman!

Ms. Cosme back in 2003

HART and the TECO Line Streetcar System Expands WiFi Connections!

FREE WiFi now available on the TECO Line Streetcar!

For roughly a year, HART riders have been able to check emails, stream music or crush candy on their commute thanks to free WiFi on all fixed-route buses. And now, TECO Line Streetcar passengers will be able to leave their mobile data worries behind with FREE high-speed WiFi, while on board!

In addition to on board buses and streetcars, FREE WiFi has also expanded to HART transit and transfer locations:

• Marion Transit Center (MTC) - 1211 N. Marion St
• University Area Transit Center (UATC) - 13110 N. 27th St
• Netp@rk Transfer Center - 5003 N. 56th St.
• Northwest Transfer Center 9325 W. Waters Ave  

The process is the same as on a HART bus. To connect to HART WiFi, go to Settings > WiFi. Then, turn on WiFi, if it isn't already turned on. Your device will automatically search for available WiFi networks. Next, tap the name, HART-Patrons-OTC WiFi Network to access the free service. Please be courteous to your neighbors, and wear earbuds when watching videos or listening to music.

WiFi is actually a piece of a bigger puzzle at HART. Ultimately, this roll-out of WiFi technology will be the foundation of the upcoming smart card program, where passengers will be able to use their smart phones and dedicated account based cards to travel not only the HART system, but throughout the Tampa Bay region.

In addition to the Streetcar and HART buses, free WiFi will be installed on HARTFlex and HARTPlus vehicles in the near future as well.

Connect to WiFi in 3 easy steps!

It's another way that HART keeps pace with your busy life. Stay productive on-the-go and let us do the driving! The expansion of WiFi is yet another reason for choosing HART, whether someone is going to work, to school or to the store. 

If you have any questions or comments about our WiFi service, please contact Customer Service at (813) 254-HART (4278).

 
Wherever you're heading, HART Takes You There.

* Please note that the WiFi signal is shared with other customers, so at busy times, your connection may be slower than normal.

Public Hearing for Route 97 Proposed Elimination, Scheduled for July 28

HART is holding a public hearing today, July 28, from 4 - 6 p.m., at the County Center, 26th Floor Conference Room, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 33602. The purpose of the hearing is to give residents and/or groups the opportunity to present their views and comments regarding the proposed elimination of Route 97 - Green Line In-Town Trolley (weekend/evening service).

HART solicited public input about the proposed November service changes, including the elimination of Route 96 - Purple Line In-Town Trolley (weekday service), from June 21 – July 14. As a result of feedback received, the proposal has been modified to maintain Route 96, and instead eliminate Route 97. Final recommendations regarding November service changes will be on the agenda of the HART Board's regular meeting on Monday, August 1.

Today is the last day for public comments on the proposal. Comments may be sent electronically by visiting www.goHART.org or in writing to: HART Service Development, Attention: Route 97 Proposal, 1201 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, FL 33605.

Meeting facilities are ADA compliant. For additional accommodations or for more information, contact HART at 813-254-4278 (TDD: 813-626-9158) or visit www.goHART.org.