Hop on HART this School Year!

Welcome back, students! Another semester is here. If you're planning on using HART this school year, below is a quick reference guide on connecting to HART and the special fares available from your school.

What is HART?

Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) is the public transportation service provider for Hillsborough County. HART serves Hillsborough County's employees, residents and visitors with bus, and van services. HART also operates the FREE 2.7-mile TECO Line Streetcar System, serving the restaurants, attractions and other entertainment venues of Ybor City, the Channel District and downtown Tampa.

HART Adult Student Fare program:

Schools participating in the HART Adult Student Fare program sell HART fare cards to their students for a 25% discount. Students can purchase a 31-Day Local Adult Student Fare Card for only $48.75 (normally $65) at their respective schools by showing their valid student ID. Please note, the adult student discount is not applicable if the pass is purchased at traditional HART sales outlets.

Click here for a listing of participating schools.

What's a fare card worth, if you can't connect to your school?

Luckily, HART has you covered with multiple routes connecting to over 20 colleges in Hillsborough County. Below, you'll find a listing of some of the schools that HART serves with bus, van, and streetcar services.

University of South Florida (USF)

USF Students ride HART FREE!

The following HART routes serve the USF area:

• MetroRapid (Route 400) - UATC/Fletcher Ave.
• Route 1 - Florida Ave.
• Route 5 - 40th St.
• Route 6 - 56th St.
• Route 9 - 15th St.
• Route 12 - 22nd St.
• Route 33 - Fletcher Ave.
• Route 42 - UATC
• Route 44 - UATC
• Route 45- UATC
• Route 48 - Fowler Ave./56th St./Morris Bridge
• Route 275LX - Bruce B. Downs Blvd./UATC

Students ride FREE on MetroRapid, HART Local, Limited Express and Flex routes with valid student ID. Faculty and staff ride for just 50¢.

For information on the U-Pass program, click here.

Hillsborough Community College (HCC)

We have a number of routes serving the HCC campuses throughout the county:

• Dale Mabry campus - Route(s) 7, 36
• Brandon campus - Route 37
• SouthShore campus - Route 31, HARTFlex South County
• Ybor City campus - Route(s) 5, 9, 12, the FREE TECO Line Streetcar

HCC Semester Pass: HCC students can purchase the HCC Semester Pass, providing over 4 months of unlimited rides on HART for just $110 - roughly 50% off! The Semester Pass can be purchased at all HCC Bookstores or by bringing your HCC Student ID to the Marion Transit Center or University Area Transit Center. The HCC Semester Pass is now a part of Flamingo Fares.

Students can also purchase a 31-Day Local Adult Student Fare Card for $48.75 at the bookstores of HCC's Dale Mabry, Brandon and Ybor City campuses.

 

UT students receive a 25% discount on 31-day passes

University of Tampa (UT)

HART serves UT via the following routes:

• Route 7 - West Tampa/Citrus Park
• Route 10 - Cypress St.
• Route 30 - Town 'N Country/Airport

Plan your school commute with HART

Your best bet is the HART Trip Planner. Simply type in your starting and endpoints, arrival time/date, hit "get directions," and let the planner do the rest.

Real-time HART arrival information and trip planning are also available with the OneBusAway Tampa app!

HART Travel Training 

The first Travel Training ride is FREE!

Need some assistance in getting started? HART Travel Training is a GREAT way to learn the ropes of riding public transportation. The service is FREE with trainers providing step-by-step instructions on how to understand the HART system (reading a map, signage, etc.) and figure out the best route that will take you to your destination.

You can call the HARTinfo line at 813-254-4278 to get started!

Have a GREAT semester!

Route of the Week: Route 7

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 7 gets the Route of the Week treatment this week!

Route 7 operates between Citrus Park and Marion Transit Center

Route 7 operates between the Citrus Park Super Walmart and Marion Transit Center. Service is Monday - Sunday, with weekday service from 4:40 a.m. - 9:40 p.m. and weekends from 6:30 a.m. - 7:35 p.m.

Route 7 is fairly unique in that the route doesn't begin and end at a Transit or Transfer Center. The route actually ceases at Henderson Blvd. and Cedar Creek Blvd., located right near the Citrus Park Super Walmart.

Whether for work, school, or play, the Route 7 is your best bet!

Employment destinations include: One Buccaneer Place (Administrative home of The Tampa Bay Buccaneers), St. Joseph's Hospital, Tampa Housing Authority, and the University of Tampa.

Looking for leisure in your off time? Route 7 is there for you after work, or on your day off!

Tampa's "Great Lawn" Curtis Hixon is served by Route 7!

• AMC Theatres Veterans 24 features IMAX and first-run films in a multi-theater complex setting
• LaFleur's Gymnastics - Tampa provides gymnastics training and swim lessons for all ages
• One Buccaneer Place - Headquarters of The Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This 145,000 sq.ft. facility features three, full-length practice fields, weight room etc. In August 2016, the Buccaneers will hold 11 Training Camp practices that will be open to the public.
• Curtis Hixon Park - Tampa's "Great Lawn" is home to some of Tampa's biggest and best events. Even without an event, the park is a great place to play Frisbee or have a picnic.

Need a lift to class? Route 7 serves a mix of high school and college campuses:

UT is served by Route 7 at Cass St. & N. Blvd.

• Leto High School - (Manhattan Ave. & Sligh Ave.)
• Blake High School - (Main St. & N. Blvd.)
• Tampa Preparatory High School - (N. Blvd. & Cypress St.)
• University of Tampa - (Cass St. & N. Blvd.)
• Keiser University - (Anderson Rd. & Waters Ave.)
• Argosy University - (Main St. & Howard Ave.)
• The Art Institute of Tampa - (MLK Blvd. & Himes Ave.)

Students attending the University of Tampa, Keiser University, Argosy University, and the Art Institute of Tampa receive a 25% discount on 31-day passes. Discounted price ($48.75) is only available when purchased directly from the institution.

From first-run flicks, to Curtis Hixon picnics, HART Takes You There.

Route of the Week: Route 14

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 shine the spotlight on Route 14! Operating between Marion Transit Center and Yukon Transfer Center, Route 14 provides Weekday service from 5:05 a.m. - 8:25 p.m. and Saturday service from 6:35 a.m. - 8:50 p.m.

 Route 14 serves a great mix of residential, educational, entertainment, and employment centers.

Accusoft is just one of the major employers served by Route 14

Commuters may be interested that Route 14 serves a host of employers including: Florida Department of Children & Families, Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance, Accusoft, St. Joseph's Hospital, WEDU PBS, and The University of Tampa.

Those looking to grab a bite to eat, or enjoy some family fun, may be interested in stops at The Straz Center, Tampa Museum of Art, Glazer Children's Museum, El Chuzo BBQ, Gino's Restaurant & Bar, La Pequena Colombia,  Pin Chasers, United Skates of America, and more! As you can see, a number of Tampa's cultural destinations are served by Route 14.

HART Summer Blast Pass is back and only $25!

We can't forget about students. Route 14 serves students from middle and high school (Adams Middle School, Chamberlain High School, Blake High School, Tampa Preparatory High School), all the way through college (The University of Tampa, Brewster Technical College). Better yet, ages 5-18 can purchase a HART Summer Blast Pass for only $25, and receive unlimited rides until August 31!

UT and Brewster students receive 25% off on a 31-day pass from their respective institutions.

From Brewster to Broadway, 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.

Get onboard with HART this school year!

Welcome back, students! Another summer is in the books and another school year is here. If you're planning on using HART this school year, below is a quick reference guide on connecting to HART and special fares from your school.

What is HART?

Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) is the public transportation service provider for Hillsborough County. HART serves Hillsborough County's employees, residents and visitors with 32 Local Routes, 13 Express Routes, and 5 Flex services. HART also operates the 2.7 mile TECO Line Streetcar System, serving the restaurants, attractions and other entertainment venues of Ybor City, the Channel District and downtown Tampa.

For a "how-to" video on riding HART, click here.

HART Adult Student Fare program:

Schools participating in the HART Adult Student Fare program sell HART fare cards to its students for a 25% discount. Students can purchase a 31-Day Local Adult Student Fare Card for only $45 (normally $60) at their respective schools by showing their valid student ID. Please note, the adult student discount is not applicable if the pass is purchased at traditional HART sales outlets.

Click here for a listing of participating schools.

What's a fare card worth, if you can't connect to your school?

Luckily, HART has you covered with multiple routes connecting to over 20+ colleges in Hillsborough County. Below, you'll find a listing of some of the schools that HART serves with bus, van and in some cases, streetcar service.

University of South Florida (USF):

The following HART routes serve the USF area:

• Route 1 - Florida Ave.
  
• Route 2 - Nebraska Ave.
• Route 5 - 40th St.
• Route 6 - 56th St.
• Route 9 - 15th St.
• Route 12 - 22nd St.
• Route 18 - 30th St.
• Route 33 - Fletcher Ave.
• Route 45 - U.A.T.C.
• Route 57 - U.A.T.C.

Students ride FREE on HART local, limited express and Flex routes with valid student ID. Faculty and staff ride for just 25¢.

For information on the U-Pass program, click here.

Hillsborough Community College (HCC):

We have a number of routes serving the HCC campuses around the county:

• Dale Mabry campus - Route 7
• Davis Islands (Admin. Office) - Routes 19, 46
• Brandon campus - Route 37
• SouthShore campus - Route 31, HARTFlex South County
• Ybor City campus - Routes 5, 8, 9, 12, 18, 46, the TECO Line Streetcar

Click here for a map of the HCC service area.

Students can purchase a 31-Day Local Adult Student Fare Card for $45 at the bookstores of HCC's Dale Mabry, Brandon and Ybor City campuses.

University of Tampa (UT):

HART serves UT via the following routes:

• Route 4 - Palma Ceia/MacDill
• Route 7 - West Tampa/Citrus Park
  
• Route 10 - Cypress St.
  
• Route 14 - Armenia Ave.
  
• Route 19 - Port Tampa
  
• Route 30 - Town 'N Country/Airport
  
• Route 46 - Davis Islands/West Brandon
  

Click here for a map of the UT service area.

Everest University:

HART serves Everest University with routes 34, 36.

Click here for a map of the Everest University service area.

Barry University:

Routes 7, 16 connected to Barry University.

Click here for a map of the Barry University service area.

Sanford Brown University:

HART connects to Sanford Brown via routes 6, 15, 32, 34, 37, 39, 41, 57

Click here for a map of the Sanford Brown University service area.

Ultimate Medical Academy:

HART connects to the Ultimate Medical Academy via routes 1, 9, 14, 39.

Click here for a map of the Ultimate Medical Academy service area.

Now that you've purchased your pass, what's the next step?

Plan your school commute with HART.

Your best bet is the HART Trip Planner. Simply type in your starting and end points, arrival time/date, hit "get directions," and let the planner do the rest. Bookmark the Trip Planner for easier access later. Can't get to our website, and need immediate assistance? Call the HARTinfo line at 813-254-4278, or visit us on Facebook and Twitter.

Hopefully, you found this guide helpful, if there is anything else that you think we should include (like your school), let us know in the "comments" section. Have a great school year!