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.

Streetcar Service Extended for 2025 Women's Final Four

As excitement builds for the 2025 NCAA Women’s Final Four, the Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) offers easy, stress-free ways to navigate downtown Tampa during the weekend’s events.

With thousands of fans expected, local officials encourage attendees to take advantage of fare-free transit options to avoid traffic and parking challenges. The TECO Line Streetcar will extend service hours on Thursday and Sunday until midnight for Final Four weekend. Additionally, Route 1 offers fare-free service every 15-30 minutes, providing a convenient connection from downtown to Armature Works and Tampa Heights.

Ride the Fare-Free TECO Line Streetcar

The TECO Line Streetcar provides a fare-free, 2.7-mile route connecting downtown Tampa, the Channel District, and historic Ybor City. Streetcars will operate every 12-15 minutes throughout the weekend, with service near Amalie Arena, the site of the Final Four.

Streetcar Hours During Women’s Final Four Weekend:

• Thursday, April 3: 7:00 A.M. - MIDNIGHT* Extended service
• Friday, April 4: 7:00 AM – 2:00 AM
• Saturday, April 5: 8:30 AM – 2:00 AM
• Sunday, April 6: 8:30 AM – MIDNIGHT* Extended service

HSBC Station (#9) will be closed intermittently due to fan events.

Riders can track the streetcar in real-time at www.TECOLineStreetcar.org.

HART Services

• Airport Service: Visitors traveling between Tampa International Airport and downtown Tampa can take advantage of HART routes 10, 30, and 32. Additionally, PSTA’s 300X connects downtown Tampa and the airport to Pinellas County.
• Fare: Visitors can pay their HART fare with the Flamingo Fares app, or via e-wallet (Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, etc.)
• One-Day Family Pass: Traveling with the family? HART offers a Family Pass on Flamingo Fares for $12.50, which includes unlimited 1-day rides for a Group of 5.
• Real-Time Trip Planning: Transit app provides real-time bus and streetcar arrival information, ensuring a seamless travel experience. Plan your HART trip

For more information on HART service, visit www.goHART.org, follow HART on Facebook and Twitter, or call (813) 254-4278.

HART service during Final Four

Fee or Free? HART Invites Public Feedback on TECO Line Streetcar Fare Reinstatement

With the funding grant for fare-free service coming to an end, HART - as operator of the TECO Line Streetcar - may need to reinstate fares by January 5, 2025. This discussion comes after the expiration of several Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) grants and partnerships, like the City of Tampa, Tampa Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs), and the Tampa Downtown Partnership, that previously covered customer fares.

The five-year FDOT streetcar service agreement of $2.3 million annually expired in 2023. FDOT had agreed to provide an additional 12 months of funding through 2024, totaling $700,000, with a matching contribution from the City of Tampa. This funding is critical to maintaining and improving the streetcar service, a vital component of our public transportation network.

Take our quick survey to submit your feedback.

¿Tarifa o Gratis? Complete nuestra encuesta para enviar sus comentarios sobre un posible cambio de tarifa del tranvía

HART will hold a Public Hearing on the Streetcar Fare Changes: 

• Date: Thursday, November 7, 2024 
• Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. 
• Location: HART Ybor Administrative Offices (1201 E. 7th Avenue, 3rd Floor, Tampa, FL 33605) 
• Virtual Option: The public can listen to and view the meeting live via HART’s official YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/harttransit 
• All public comments and survey responses will be afforded equal consideration regardless of the format they are provided.

HART staff will also be at various TECO Line Streetcar Stations to answer questions from Thursday, October 31 to Thursday, November 7. 

Take the survey and view the upcoming outreach schedule at www.tecolinestreetcar.org/fares.

TECO Line Streetcar Service Extended Until 1 a.m. for New Year's Eve!

Credit: Visit Tampa Bay

The Tampa skyline will light up Sunday night to celebrate 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 1 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 who 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 enjoy your New Year's Eve with us or not, please be SAFE!

New Year's Eve Service:

HART is operating on a Sunday schedule for New Year's Eve. The TECO Line Streetcar will operate from 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 a.m. The TECO Line Streetcar will operate every 12-15 minutes.

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 2024!

 

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.

Streetcar Service Extended for the Bolts Playoff Run!

The TECO Line Streetcar has Tampa Bay Lightning fans covered with extended streetcar service for weeknight home games throughout the Bolts' Playoff run!

It is time to Be the Thunder and cheer on our Lightning!

Streetcar service is extended until midnight for each weeknight playoff home game. Streetcars run until 2 a.m. on weekends.

With over 20,000+ fans converging on Amalie Arena, the TECO Line Streetcar System offers a FREE and convenient way to avoid all the playoff traffic downtown. Park in the Ybor City garages, grab dinner and hop on the Streetcar to Amalie Arena!

Skate by traffic, parking headaches, and the cost of gas by taking the TECO Line Streetcar.

Not going to the game? Anyone can take advantage of this later service to get around downtown Tampa, the Channel District and Ybor City!

Tampa Bay Lightning Stanley Cup Playoff ticket information and schedule can be found here. 

Streetcar service hours during the ECF:

• Game 3 - Sunday, June 5, 2022: 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
• Game 4 - Tuesday, June 7, 2022: 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
• Game 6* - Saturday, June 11, 2022: 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 a.m. *if necessary



TECO Line Streetcar customers can visit www.TECOlinestreetcar.org for a live map and regular service hours.  

Customers with questions can contact HART Customer Service at 813-254-4278.

Go BOLTS!  

Your Ride to Tampa Pride: Hop on the FREE TECO Line Streetcar!

HART and local officials encourage those attending the Tampa Pride Diversity Parade on Saturday, March 26, 2022, to utilize FREE TECO Line Streetcar service for the festivities!

The TECO Line Streetcar is your best bet to Tampa Pride with over 80,000 attendees expected in historic Ybor City for the 7th Annual Tampa Pride Diversity Parade.

Tampa Pride attendees are encouraged to park in the Port Tampa Bay parking garage and pick up free streetcar service from Cumberland Avenue Station (#7) or Amalie Arena Station (#8) to Ybor City.

HART Bus and Streetcar Service for Tampa Pride

The TECO Line Streetcar will operate every 15 minutes with Saturday service until 2 AM. Streetcar service will cease north of 7th Avenue on Saturday from 3 PM - 8 PM.

The TECO Line Streetcar will serve a temporary station just south of the 7th Avenue parade route in front of the Streetcar barn / HART Administrative Office. Stations #1-4 will not be served during that time.

For those interested in HART bus service, routes 5, 8, 9, and 12 serve Ybor City. Customers can use the HART Trip Planner to map their Ride to Pride!

A HART 1-day pass is just $4. Customers can pay onboard with exact change or download the Flamingo Fares app to pay via smartphone.

Visit www.TECOLineStreetcar.org for a live streetcar map, schedules, and more information on the TECO Line Streetcar or www.goHART.org for HART bus service.

HART is Your Ride to Tampa Pride!

HART Restores Weekday Service to 95% of Pre-COVID Levels

HART will be restoring regular service schedules for all local routes and the TECO Line Streetcar System beginning on Sunday, November 15, 2020. HART continues to disinfect daily and continues to require face coverings onboard and stagger seating onboard. The restoration brings HART up to 95% of pre-COVID service levels.

"It is critically important to restore frequency on local routes throughout Hillsborough County to ensure that our customers and the communities we serve continue to rely on HART to take them to places that enhance their lives," said Interim Chief Executive Officer Ruthie Reyes Burckard. "HART has delivered over 3.5 million essential trips since March 1, 2020. Restored frequency will provide our customers confidence to ride knowing local route schedules will return to pre-COVID levels." 

Summary of Service Restoration:

• All local routes will operate on their regular service schedule beginning November 15, 2020
• Route 275LX will continue to operate between the Wiregrass Park-and-Ride and the University Area Transit Center only 
• Route 360LX is operating on a regular schedule
• There is no service for all other Express and Limited Express routes and HARTFlex routes. 
• The TECO Line Streetcar System is returning to regular hours.

Visit www.goHART.org for the latest service information or call Customer Service at 813-254-4278.

All Aboard the Winter Village Express!

Winter Village Express operates Sundays through Dec. 22!

The holiday season is so close, we can almost feel Jack Frost nipping at our nose - 65° at night. Brr! ❄

The Tampa Downtown Partnership is once again holding their Winter Village, featuring an ice rink, a cafe with warm beverages, and a holiday marketplace with local boutiques! The winter wonderland is located in Curtis Hixon Park and will take place from November 22 - January 5.

Along with the Winter Village, comes the transformation of the TECO Line Streetcar System into the Winter Village Express! Launching November 24, the Winter Village Express offers a festive experience aboard a holiday-themed Streetcar. Enjoy treats, music, and fun, while on board!

The Winter Village Express will operate every Sunday through December 22. You can pick up the Winter Village Express at either Whiting Station in Downtown Tampa (Station #11) or Centro Ybor Station (#2) in historic Ybor City.

The Winter Village is open 11/22-1/5

Winter Village Express Operating Schedule:

Whiting Station in Downtown Tampa:

• 3:25 p.m.
• 4:25 p.m.
• 5:25 p.m.
• 6:25 p.m.
• 7:25 p.m.

The cost of the Winter Village Express is $10.00 for a roundtrip ticket. Tickets are ONLY available online. All trips are first-come, first-serve, due to limited availability. Arrive early!

For more information on Winter Village, or the Winter Village Express, visit http://www.wintervillagetampa.com/.

Happy Holidays!

Ride the TECO Line Streetcar System FREE for Fourth Friday!

The TECO Line Streetcar System has joined in on the Fourth Friday Tampa fun! Streetcar riders with Fourth Friday Tampa wristbands can ride FREE all night during the event!

Simply show the streetcar motorperson your event wristband and you are good to go!

The addition of the TECO Line Streetcar System to the Fourth Friday Tampa discount lineup is noteworthy, because it provides a valuable connection to Ybor City. The multi-venue event now features all three of the districts that the Streetcar serves!

Fourth Friday Tampa is a monthly celebration (the fourth Friday of each month) of Downtown Tampa and Ybor City's culture! The night features special offers and curated programs by museums, restaurants, and more!

Visit the Fourth Friday Tampa website for a full list of special offers.

Enjoy the all that Downtown Tampa and Ybor City has to offer, and only park once!

Ticket to Dine - Half off on TECO Line Streetcar!

We've got your ticket to ride during Ybor City's 'Ticket to Dine' promotion. From now until May 31, use your Florida Aquarium admission receipt or your Tampa Bay Times Forum ticket stub to get half-off an adult round trip fare on the TECO Line Streetcar!

Leave the car behind and enjoy the beautiful spring weather on one of our air-conditioned heritage streetcars or the open air 'Breezer' car for HALF the price.

You can also use your receipt or ticket stub for discounts at a number of Ybor City's best restaurants!

Bernini of Ybor

Half off an adult round trip fare! (Breezer shown)

$2 Martinis
1702 E. 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 248-0099
BerniniofYbor.com 

King Corona
10% Off Drinks & Purchases
1523 E. 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 241-9109
KingCoronaCigars.com

New World Brewery
10% Off Food
1313 8th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 248-4969
NewWorldBrewery.net
     
Sunday's Fine Dining
15% Off Food
1919 E. 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 248-4000
SundaysFineDining.com

The Laughing Cat Bistro
1811 N. 15th Street, Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 241-2998
TheLaughingCat.com

Click here for more information on the 'Ticket to Dine' promotion.

For TECO Line Streetcar fares, maps and schedules visit www.TECOLineStreetcar.org.

Things to Do in Tampa this Weekend: 2/24 - 2/26

The 65th Annual Fiesta Day
7th Avenue - 2/25 - 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

A day to celebrate Ybor City's culture and heritage, this free, family friendly "street festival" offers food, entertainment and shopping. Prepare your senses as the smells of Latin food and the rhythms of Latin music will fill 7th Avenue, along with vendors, dancing and a whole array of family fun.

Please note: 7th Avenue will be closed from 15th Street to 20th Street from 6:00am to 7:00pm to accommodate crowds and vendors. The TECO Line Streetcar might be your best bet as 15,000 attendees are expected and parking might become scarce. Simply park in the Channelside garage or any of Downtown's parking garages and catch the streetcar to Ybor.

The TECO Line Streetcar will have an information booth, so don't be afraid to come by and say hi!

Ybor City is served by TECO Line Streetcar stations 1-4.

Visit www.ybor.org for more information.


The 9th Annual Flan Fest
Centennial Park - 2/25 - 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Flan is the star of this fest!

Consider yourself a big flan fan? The fabulous dessert will be featured once again at Flan Fest, held in conjunction with Fiesta Day. The flan-tivities will be held this Saturday, Feb. 25 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Centennial Park in Ybor City. The main attraction is the Annual Flan Bake-Off, a 40 contestant flan slug-fest to determine who has the best custard treat the Bay area. Judging begins at noon with winners announced at 2:30 p.m.

The event will also feature live entertainment, shopping, and all day food and flan sampling.

And if you really, really, LOVE flan, a Flan Eating Contest is also scheduled for the event.

Flan Fest is a fundraiser for the Ybor City Saturday Market, a non-profit organization.  Make it a flan-filled day in Ybor and support a great Ybor City group!

Centennial Park is served by TECO Line Streetcar station 1.


Comedian D.L. Hughley
Tampa Improv - 2/24 - 2/26

Funnyman D.L. Hughley might be most known for starring in his own sitcom "The Hughleys," but Hughley's comic roots are what have provided him staying power.  This "Original King of Comedy" has been featured in a number of television shows, movies, and comedy specials. Most recently, Hughley took the helm of his own late night talk show "D.L. Hughley Breaks the News" on CNN. Catch him while you can, as he'll only be in town for the weekend. 

Shows are 21+ except the 10:00 p.m. Friday night show, which is 18+.


Nuclear Cowboyz
Tampa Bay Times Forum - 2/24 - 2/25 - 7:30 p.m.

Motocross Mayhem!

The world's top freestyle motocross riders are in town to perform some of the craziest tricks you have ever seen. If that isn't enough, this theatrical performance will be paired with state-of-the-art lights, lasers and pyrotechnics. It's sure to be a mind-blowing motocross experience!

Sounds like the perfect date night... for your significant other and his friends.

Visit www.nuclearcowboyz.com for more information and to purchase tickets!

The Tampa Bay Times Forum is served by TECO Line Streetcar HSBC station (station 9).

Tampa Tips for FMEA Conference Attendees!

HART and the TECO Line Streetcar would like to welcome all those in town for the Florida Music Educator's Association (FMEA) Conference!

We understand the difficulties in attempting to navigate the local public transportation scene without an idea on what to see and do and how to get there. So, we 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:

• Busch Gardens - Routes 5, 18, 39
• Lowry Park Zoo - Routes 41, 45
• Florida Aquarium - Route 8, 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
• International Plaza (Shopping) - 15, 30, 59LX
• Lowry Park Zoo - Routes 41, 45
• Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) - Route 6
• St. Pete Times Forum - Route 8, In-Town Trolley, TECO Line Streetcar
• David A. Straz Jr. Center - In-Town Trolley, TECO Line Streetcar
• Tampa Convention Center - Route 4, In-Town Trolley, TECO Line Streetcar
• Tampa Museum of Art - Routes 7, 10, In-Town Trolly
• Tampa Theatre - In-Town Trolley
• Glazer's Children Museum - Routes 7, 10, In-Town Trolley
• University of South Florida - Routes 5, 6, 18, 57
• Westshore Plaza (Shopping) - Routes 5, 30, 45, 89
• Raymond James Stadium - Routes 7, 32, 36, 45

Only $1.75 for a one-way ride!

Flying out? Route 30 runs between downtown and Tampa International Airport every 30 minutes on weekdays and weekends. Service begins at 4:40 a.m. through midnight during the week and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the weekends.

A 3-day Visitor Unlimited HARTride card is your best bet at only $11.00 and valid on all HART local buses, In-Town Trolley and the TECO Line Streetcar System.

Things to know about the In-Town Trolley and TECO Line Streetcar System:

• In-Town Trolley: The In-Town Trolley is a rubber-wheeled vehicle, that makes stops at popular locations in downtown Tampa weekdays, 6 - 9 a.m. and 3 - 6 p.m.  The line operate on a 15-minute frequency and costs only 25¢!

• TECO Line Streetcar Line: The streetcar line runs on rails that connects Ybor City, Channelside and Downtown Tampa. It operates 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. on Thursday, and 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Streetcar Operators do not provide change.

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).

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

Welcome to Tampa and have a great time!

Streetcar Holiday Connections: Dec. 10, 25¢ Rides from 9 am - 5 pm!

Santa Claus is coming to town!

Mark Santa's arrival with 25¢ one-way rides on the TECO Line Streetcar this Saturday from 9 am - 5 pm, courtesy of Centro Ybor!

Santa will be making appearances in the morning at Centro Ybor and Centennial Park. In addition to the jolly man's arrival in Ybor City, several activities are also planned along the streetcar line. There will be an entertainment stage at Centro Ybor, Art in the Park and entertainment at Centennial Park; Ybor Art Association's Deck the Walls (art exhibits at multiple locations along the streetcar line); and behind-the-scenes tours at Stageworks Theatre.

Multiple businesses will also have special deals in the Streetcar Holiday Connections Brochure: $5 off at the Florida Aquarium, free child's admission with the purchase of an adult admission at the Glazer Children's Museum and $2 off admission at the Tampa Bay History Center, to name a few.

Looking to fill up your tummy like ol' Saint Nick? There are a variety of food and drinks specials at restaurants along the streetcar line. A quick peak shows: 20% off your entire bill at Pizza Fusion in Downtown Tampa, 15% off your food bill (with brochure) from Blue Dog Bistro in Centro Ybor and 10% off your order (with brochure) at Cold Stone Creamery in Channelside!

You can also receive a FREE kid's meal from Gametime in Ybor just by visiting the streetcar information tent located at Centro Ybor - while supplies last.

A few things to consider:

• The TECO Line Streetcar serves Ybor City, the Channel District and Downtown Tampa, for maps and schedules visit www.TECOlinetreetcar.org.
• Bust open that piggy bank. It's 25¢ fares, so you're going to need those quarters, our streetcar motormen don't provide change.
• The special 25¢ one-way fare is valid from 9 am - 5 pm.
• The TECO Line Streetcar System is not responsible for changes to any special offers listed in the Streetcar Holiday Connections brochure. Special offers are valid on Saturday, Dec. 10 only.

  Is there a better way to spend the day than 25¢ rides with Santa on his (yellow) sleigh?

Streetcar Holiday Connections - Dec. 10, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Things to Do in Tampa this Weekend: 10/28 - 10/30

With a number of ghoulish events going on in Tampa this weekend, it's a good time to be a friend of the undead.  Even if you're not in the mood for madness, we've got a number of big events for you.  We'll start off with...

Scaredy-cats

Friday:

*Credit WEBN-TV

Josh Groban
St. Pete Times Forum

If you sleep with the lights on... then this is probably a safe bet.  Part-time talk show host (filling in for Regis Philbin) and young pop-opera star, Josh Groban is looking to bring the lights down low and sing into the audience's soul. Hop off at the HSBC station, if you plan on taking the TECO Line Streetcar. The show starts at 8:00 p.m.

Alex Reymundo
Tampa Improv

Looking for some laughs instead of some shrieks?  Check out one of the original Latin Kings of Comedy, along with George Lopez.  Arrive to the Improv in style with the TECO Line Streetcar, get off at the Tampa Bay Federal Credit Union Station for the Improv and Centro Ybor.

Shows are 21 and up only. Except Friday at 10:30 p.m. which is 18 and up.

Saturday:

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Winnipeg Jets

*Credit: Pointinshoot's Flickr

Check out the NHL's newest franchise as the Winnipeg Jets fly into Tampa on Saturday to take on your hometown Bolts.  The Lightning are looking to match their longest win streak over another opponent, when they host the Jets, which use to be the Atlanta Thrashers.  The HSBC station is your stop if you plan on taking the streetcar to the St. Pete Times Forum.

Time isn't an issue as streetcar service ends at 2:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.  During the week, games also aren't a problem as streetcar service is extended during regular season Lightning games.  More information can be found here.

Fright-seekers

All weekend:

*Credit: Ricky Brigante

Howl O' Scream
Busch Gardens

If you like to pay to get the ____________ scared out of you, Busch Gardens' Howl O' Scream is probably you're best bet (without driving to the land of Mickey and Potter). It's the last weekend for the annual event with tons of  haunted houses, scare zones, roller coasters in the dark and spooky live shows. The theme this year is "The Dark Side of the Gardens: Zombies Live Here.".

Don't bring the little ones, it's obviously too intense for scaredy-cat adults who'll probably be at the Josh Groban concert or Tampa Bay Lightning game. The park stays open until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Visit www.howloscream.com for ticket and attraction information.

Ghost Tour Tampa
Indigo Cafe

Didn't know Tampa has a dark-side? Take a candlelit walking through through Tampa to discover it's haunted and secret past. The tour has multiple stops and include ghost stories, visits to haunted houses and tales of restless spirits and supernatural oddities.

Visit www.ghosttour.net/tampa.html for ticket and attraction information.

Saturday:


Guavaween
Ybor City

Not so scary... minus some of the scandalous costumes you'll see people wearing.  Let your inner zombie go wild with this Tampa tradition.  The roughly 20-year-old festival began as a big Halloween party between local Ybor residents and now has morphed into one of the area's biggest annual celebrations. We actually wrote a whole write up on Guavaween, which you can find here.  Basically, festivities begin at 3 p.m. and are expected to end early the next morning.  Admission is $12 in advance and can be purchased online from the Ybor Chamber's website.  Tickets are $17 at the gate.

Just a taste of the madness...

Ybor City garages fill up fast for the event, so either plan to arrive early or plan to park in the Channelside/Port Authority garage or the Fort Brooke parking garage and take the TECO Line Streetcar.  Please note that beginning at 2:30 p.m., southbound streetcar service will terminate at the TECO Line Streetcar Barn until 2 a.m.  Oh, and it's ADULTS ONLY this year, don't bring the little guavas with you.





Enjoy your weekend! There is plenty to make it Spooktacular!

Ready for a double feature?

Interested in seeing Dolphin Tale, the true story of local (for now) animal celebrity, Winter the Dolphin? Maybe a sweet new action thriller? Or, a romantic comedy for the first date? 

After you're done with your first feature, get ready for seconds as the TECO Line Streetcar has partnered up with Muvico Centro Ybor 20 to give you a free ride! Just give your ticket stub to the Streetcar Motormen and receive a free ride on the TECO Line Streetcar! It's a perfect excuse to follow your movie with a double feature of dessert and drinks in Channelside or Downtown.

The promotion is valid until December 8, 2011.  Movie ticketholders do not need to use their free streetcar ride on the same day they watch a movie.

More information on the Muvico promotion can be found here.

Muvico Centro Ybor 20 showtimes can be found here.

We'll see you at the movies!

Hispanic heritage events throughout Tampa Bay!

National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 - October 15 and celebrates the culture, contributions and histories of our friends and neighbors whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

There are a number of events coming up in celebration of the month. Below is a listing of several events planned throughout Tampa Bay.



"Gitano" (Gypsy)



Elio Lopez art on display - Sept. 1 - 30

The Kotler Art Gallery, at the John F. Germany Library, has Spanish-American, Elio Lopez's artwork on display throughout the month of September, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.  The event is free to the public.

Examples of Elio Lopez's work can be found at his website - http://www.arteespanol.us/.

MOSI $10 Admission - Sept. 15 - Oct. 15

Head on over to MOSI throughout National Hispanic Heritage Month, for $10 general admission! Some restrictions apply. Visit http://www.blogger.com/www.MOSI.org for details.

27th Annual Hispanic Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner - Sept. 29, 6 p.m.

Hosted by the Sheriff's Hispanic Advisory Council, this annual dinner recognizes personnel of the Sherrif's Office for their outstanding service and also awards scholarships to deserving students. The event costs $40.00, and includes dinner and entertainment.

Our Hispanic Heritage Bookmark Contest

The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with three annual contests.

• Kindergarten - 5th grade students may enter the Our Hispanic Heritage Bookmark Contest
• 6th - 12th grade students may enter the Our Hispanic Heritage Poster Contest
• Adults (age 18 and older) may enter the Our Hispanic Heritage Poetry Contest.

These contests are open through Sept. 30. Winners will be announced at an award ceremony at the Town 'N Country Regional Library on Sunday, Nov. 13 at 2 p.m.

For contest rules and entry forms, visit www.hcplc.org/hcplc/events/hh/. Entries must be turned in no later than Sept. 30.

La Ley 760AM Live Remote at Marion Transit Center - Sept. 30, 5 p.m.

Join HART and La Ley 760AM at Marion Transit Center (MTC), this Friday, Sept. 30 from 5-6 p.m.  La Ley will host another live radio remote from MTC, and once again they are bringing great food and music! Thanks to everyone who participated in the previous remote to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month on September 16.

Experience the Flavor of Ybor!


Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a historic tour through Ybor City with the TECO Line Streetcar! Visit the Ybor City Museum State Park at the Centennial Station, show your Streetcar Savings Pass (your TECO Line Streetcar fare card) and receive 50% off admission and 10% off in the gift shop. The museum features the history of Ybor City, including: the cigar industry, social clubs and the Spanish immigration experience. The park also features a Mediterranean-style garden and a re-creation of a Ybor City cigar worker's house. Ybor City walking tours are also provided from the museum. Explore the flavor of Ybor City's past!

When you've worked up a hunger from all that walking, take the TECO Line Streetcar over to Channelside and enjoy traditional Spanish tapas from Tinatapa's. Just like before, enjoy a discount with your TECO Line Streetcar farecard - 20% off your bill!

Plan on attending any of the above events?

Public hearing on proposed FY 2012-2013 budget is today

The final public hearing for the proposed HART FY 2012-2013 budget is today at the HART Administrative Office, 1201 E. 7th Ave in Ybor. As a part of the FY 2012-2013 budget, the HART Board is considering a restoration of the historic millage rate to .500, in order to maintain existing levels of transit service. The public hearing begins at 5:30 p.m.

Public comment is welcome at the meeting. See below for video from the first public hearing.

A regular HART Board meeting will immediately follow the public hearing.

Save money with the Streetcar Savings Passport!

We're testing a pilot program that could save you a lot of moolah, just for riding the TECO Line Streetcar.

Throughout the month of September, streetcar patrons can show their farecard to participating businesses along the line and receive special discounts. Whether you're hungry for tapas, history or a little bit of both, the Streetcar Savings Passport has you covered.

Present your TECO Line Streetcar farecard to your server at Tinatapa's in Channelside and receive 20% off your total bill. The Ybor City Museum is offering 50% off admission for TECO Line Streetcar farecard holders, along with 10% off in the Ybor City Museum store.

Tinatapa's is located at 615 Channelside Drive and is served by the TECO Line Streetcar via The Tampa Tribune Station (stop #8). The Ybor City Museum is located at 1818/1820 East 9th Avenue at the beginning of the streetcar line - Centennial Park Station (stop #1).

Offers are valid from Sept. 1 - Sept. 30 and you must present your TECO Line Streetcar farecard in order to receive the deals.

We hope to expand the Streetcar Savings Passport program in the future.

Visit www.TECOlinestreetcar.org for more information.