HART and USF Team Up for the Holidays

And now...let's hear it for the starting lineup of your hometown team - the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority and the USF Bulls!



With the holidays upon us, the University of South Florida Athletic Department and HART are taking the field with Feeding America and the Marines Toys for Tots with the second annual "Take HART" food and toy drive.

If you're heading out to watch the Bulls take on the Pitt Panthers tomorrow, bring along some non-perishable food items and new or slightly used toys. We'll have HART buses stationed at the north and south ends of Raymond James Stadium between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to take your donations.

We want to fill those buses!

HART's head coach, David Armijo, gave us a pep talk about the USF/HART holiday drives.

"Last year, this effort collected hundreds of pounds of food, hundreds of toys, as well as cash donations," Coach Armijo said. "This year we hope fans will once again support this great cause that will help so many during the upcoming holidays, while supporting their college football team and local public transit."

Special Kids Get a Ride to the Game
Just as we did last year, HART is bringing some special football fans to the game with us. We'll be loading up kids from Javamo's Art For Autism, many of whom will be attending their first Bulls football game.

"We're really fortunate to have such a solid relationship with HART and value their impact on the Tampa community," said USF Executive Associate Director of Athletics, Bill McGillis. "We hope to make this Food and Toy drive the staple of a late November game every year and HART is a terrific partner in this pursuit."

Join the team! Bring along your donations and cheer on your USF Bulls tomorrow!

Need a Ride to the Airport? We're Going Your Way!

If you're making travel plans this holiday season, here's a thought: let us drive you to the airport!

HART's Route 30 provides service between downtown Tampa and Tampa International Airport every 15 minutes from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. on weekdays, and every 30 minutes on weekends.

And at only $1.75 each way, you could save enough to cover your holiday gift budget!

Ready to give it a try? Here are some tips.

Tip #1 - Use Your Connections
Route 30 runs from downtown Tampa along Kennedy Boulevard to Westshore and then to the airport, with many stops along the way. If you work downtown, or anywhere else near the route, just park at the office and hop aboard at the nearest stop (call the HARTinfo Line at 254-HART to find it - not all stops are published timepoints). If you don't live or work close to Route 30, check to see if you can make a connection - many HART routes serve the Marion Transit Center downtown, so you could easily connect there.

Just remember to check the schedule for your connecting route before you book your return trip. While many routes have extensive schedules, several do not operate on nights and weekends.

From north of the airport, you've got an easy trip. You can park in the Park-n-Ride lot at HART's Northwest Transfer Center at Waters Avenue and Sheldon Road, then hop aboard Route 30!

Tip #2 - Travel Light
HART's buses are designed for the urban traveler, so there are no luggage racks or bins. If you'll be traveling for a week or so, you should have plenty of room for your carry-on bag and another piece of luggage. And always remember to bring your exact fare (for your return trip, too!), since HART drivers do not carry change.

Tip #3 - At the Terminal
If you've always hurried through the airport trying to make your flight, you might have missed the HART bus stop outside the Red Baggage Claim area. We'll drop you off right by the door, where you can head inside and up the escalators to check in. And when you get home, just follow the signs guiding you to Ground Transportation and Local Buses. If you get lost or confused, keep the HARTinfo Line number handy (254-HART, or 4278 if your phone doesn't have letters on the number pad). There are also computer kiosks at the terminal you can use to access HART's website, http://www.gohart.org/, if you need a quick info check.

Tip #4 - Be Flexible
As with any travel plan, you should build in a little fudge room. Traffic, lines at the airport, security measures and weather will all factor in your travel time. It's about a 40-minute bus trip from Marion Transit Center at the northeast corner of downtown to the airport - shorter if you get on somewhere in between - so just include that in your schedule.

Tip #5 - Relax
Once you're onboard, we'll take it from there. All you have to think about is the holiday fun you're going to have!

Thanks for riding, and all of us at HART wish you safe travels this holiday season.

For the complete Route 30 schedule, click here.
To download a printable PDF map of Route 30, click here.

For more travel options, check out HART's online trip planner, powered by Google, on the front page of our website at http://www.gohart.org/.

HART's 50K Day

These folks are in good company on HART buses!

Remember the picture of Tropicana Field we showed you a couple of weeks ago? We used it to point out that HART's daily ridership would just about fill the stands at a Rays game.

Well, we need a new picture because we've outgrown the Trop!

On Wednesday, November 3, HART set another record. It was the first day in the agency's history that ridership was more than 50,000 for a single day.

Fifty-thousand. Five followed by four zeroes. Fifty-K. If we were still trying to fit them all in the Trop, we'd have to take the tarps off the upper-deck seats - and even then, we'd still have people waiting outside!

The 50,000-ride day follows the eighth consecutive month of more than 1 million rides on HART services, with October's bus ridership up more than 30,000 from the previous month and more than 7% over October 2009.

At yesterday's meeting, HART Board Chairman Ron Govin encouraged his fellow Board members to carry the ridership report with them to help spread the good news.

"You ought to pull that page out, put it in your back pocket and when people ask if we have transit in Hillsborough County, you can tell 'em, we have transit," he said.

Here are some random thoughts on 50,000:

50,000 trees were planted in 30 minutes by volunteers in India.

50,000 light years from the sun encompasses the Milky Way galaxy.

50,000 milk cartons were used to build a record-breaking castle in Spain.

About 50,000 was the population of Ames, IA, Biloxi, MS  and 11 other cities in the 2000 census.

Thanks to everyone who rides HART every day - all 50,000 of you!

AA Study to Continue, Other Decisions Still to Come

HART's Alternatives Analysis study is still underway.

What's next?

That's the essence of discussions by the HART Board of Directors during a scheduled meeting this morning at County Center.

For now, the Board agreed its previous direction that HART finish the Alternatives Analysis study is still in effect, and that completing the work is essential to future transit plans.

But some of the decisions to be made in light of the AA study will have to wait for more information and discussion.

"What you've been commissioned to do, you will continue to do until we meet and decide if there would be any changes," Temple Terrace City Councilman and HART Board Chairman Ron Govin commented to the staff.

"The amount of content that has gone into this is amazing. It has been done on a very thorough basis, but there is a need for more time going forward."

Mary Shavalier, who has spearheaded HART's work on the AA, reported on the study's status, and the impact the failure of the referendum would have on the process. As the study wraps up, she said it will be important to show factors besides local funding in the agency's presentation to the FTA, particularly reducing costs and emphasizing opportunities for economic development.

As for any possibility of identifying an alternate source of local funding, Ms. Shavalier said HART has a lot of work to do, and that it would require many discussions by the HART Board and with other community partners.

The work done so far builds upon what's known as the Tampa Rail Plan, the 2002 study that received a federal record of decision, but was shelved due to lack of local funding. Ms. Shavalier showed the Board how the current work has improved the plan dramatically, with enhanced connections for an increased ridership base, service into and through Tampa International Airport, and plans to serve the communities of northwest Hillsborough County, Tampa Palms and New Tampa.

Board members recognized that given the mood of the country, now is the time for prudence.

"We do need to absorb the message - not just local voters, but a state and national message," said Dr. Steven Polzin. "What we thought was a good project a few weeks ago may not be a good project going forward. I want to continue to capture information, but we need to be very careful making decisions right now."

Board member Fran Davin was also circumspect, but urged her colleagues to consider implications for the future.

"Many years ago, another board got to this point, and because of funding constraints it was shelved," she said. "I would hate to think we would come this far and just drop it."

"I agree there needs to be time for reflection and to listen to other voices in the community, but I'm concerned that we waste the investment to date," Ms. Davin continued. "I think we want to be prudent. We should contemplate our next step. If we have to put something on the shelf for a number of years, let's make sure the next group has something they can build from."

After discussion, the Board voted to allow staff to continue work on the AA, and to convene another meeting to talk about next steps and the Board's actions related to the study.

Tour de Streetcar

Imagine all the activities you could pack into 2.4 miles, then add in a few more blocks of fun, food and great family deals, and what have you got?

It's the 8th Annual Streetcar Fest presented by Kimmins Construction, taking place tomorrow all along the TECO Line Streetcar System and In-Town Trolley Green Line, including Ybor City, the Channel District and downtown Tampa. Get onboard for just 25 cents from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and have a day full of family fun.

Come along for a guided tour of some of the great activities we have planned for you! Click here for the full streetcar and trolley system map so you can follow along.

Station #1 - Centennial Park

Station 1 serves Centennial Park and eastern Ybor City

We start at the northern end of the line next to Centennial Park. First, be sure to visit the Streetcar Fest information tent and grab a brochure - you'll need to present it for some of the deals being offered throughout the day.

When you arrive at this station, don't miss the Ybor City Saturday Market, which is open between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., for fresh produce, gourmet foods and sauces, fresh baked breads, plants, gifts, jewelry, crafts...you name it, they have it.

This is also your stop for the Ybor City Museum State Park, where you can get a first-hand look at historic Ybor. You can also visit our friends at Mema's Alaskan Tacos and Tribecca Color Salon for discounts available during Streetcar Fest.

Station #2 - Tampa Bay Federal Credit Union Station

Hop off at Station 2 for Centro Ybor and more

Stop here for all the fun, food and shopping of Centro Ybor! You can catch entertainment on the plaza from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., including Rayzilla’s PBS Band (Latin influence), the HCC Stage Band (Jazz), a Lifestyle Family Fitness workout demonstration, and an appearance by Teddy Roosevelt with stories of old Ybor City.

Hang onto the brochure you picked up earlier, because you'll need it for some of the discounts offered by merchants in the Centro Ybor area, like Roma Pizza, Gaspar's Grotto and La France Vintage Clothing.

Station #4 - Cadrecha Plaza

From Station 4, take a short walk to the streetcar barn,
just across the street from the Hampton Inn

Hop off the streetcar at Cadrecha Plaza and walk one block south to the streetcar barn. Here you can join the Friends of the Streetcar Society for behind-the-scenes tours of the streetcars' home, and ride into the past on the restored 1923 Birney Streetcar No. 163.

This is also your stop for the Underground Coffee & Thrift Store, where you can get great coffee for a cause - proceeds help in the restoration of vulnerable women.

Pulling away from the streetcar barn and leaving Ybor City, our next stop is the Channel District!

Station #7 - Cumberland Avenue 

Stations 7 & 8 are your connection to all the fun
in the Channel District

Jump off at the Cumberland Avenue station for the Florida Aquarium! Say hello to the fish and other undersea creatures for $5 off regular admission with your Streetcar Fest brochure (told you you'd need it!)

Station #8 - Tampa Tribune Station
Here's your stop for all the fun and excitement of Channelside Bay Plaza! If you're out and about early, you can pick up tickets for a special one-hour sightseeing cruise of Tampa Bay aboard Yacht Starship. The cruise departs at 2 p.m., with boarding between 1:30 and 1:45. Word to the wise - the sightseeing cruise is always a very popular activity, and tickets sell out fast. If you want to hit this one, be sure to pick up your tickets as soon as the office opens.

Inside Channelside Bay Plaza, don't miss deals and discounts from the Tampa Bay Visitor Information Center & Gift Shop, the American Victory Ship Mariners Museum, Channelside Bennigan's, Coldstone Creamery and Wine Design.

Station #9 - HSBC Station

At Station 9, visit the Tampa Bay History Center and
St. Pete Times Forum

Stop here to go back in time at the Tampa Bay History Center. Since you're already in the mood to ride the rails, don't miss the center's new exhibit, "From the Orange Blossom Special to High Speed Rail: Train Travel in Tampa Bay," and get a $2 discount off your regular admission.

While you're in the neighborhood, drop by the St. Pete Times Forum box office and pick up a free ticket for kids 12 and under with the purchase of an adult ticket to see your Tampa Bay Lightning take on the Minnesota Wild on Sunday, November 14 at 5 p.m. (some restrictions apply, see box office for details).

Station #10 - Dick Greco Plaza

At Station 10, explore beautiful Greco Plaza and other
scenic locations

The beautiful Dick Greco Plaza is the southern end of the streetcar line, at least until the Whiting Street extension opens in the next few weeks. Hop out here and take a walk among the lush landscaping adjacent to the plaza (and take your picture with our former mayor, Dick Greco). You can also meander across the street and take in the views along the Riverwalk behind the Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina.

If you're feeling really energetic, you can catch a workout demonstration by Lifestyle Family Fitness or rent a bicycle from City Bike Tampa, with your second hour free (rental hut on the Riverwalk under the Harbor Island Bridge at the Marriott). City Bike Tampa will also be offering a free safety class at 10 a.m. at the Forum.

Feel more like relaxing? Sail Pavilion on the Riverwalk outside the Tampa Convention Center has drink specials for Streetcar Fest attendees.

That's the end (for now) of the streetcar line, but there's even more fun waiting for you in downtown Tampa. From Greco Plaza, just hop aboard the In-Town Trolley Green Line, HART's rubber-wheel trolley network, and head a few blocks north. The In-Town Trolley fare is just 25 cents.

Some of the downtown venues served by the
In-Town Trolley Green Line

Once you've arrived downtown, check out the following Streetcar Fest specials:

• Avanzare Bar & Restaurant in the Hyatt Regency - $5 and $3 drink specials noon to 10 p.m.
• Ashley Street Grille at the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk - $2 drafts and 2-for-1 wells; 20% off meals with your Streetcar Fest brochure
• Glazer Children's Museum - 15% off gift shop purchase Saturday only with brochure
• "Paws for a Cawse" event next to the Tampa Museum of Art

After the Streetcar Fest, you can enjoy a show at Straz Center for the Performing Arts:
Opera Tampa's "The Merry Widow," 8pm, Ferguson Hall
"Forbidden Broadway," 2pm & 7:30pm, Jaeb Theater
Jobsite Theater's "Mindgame," 8pm, Shimberg Playhouse
Jazz @ The Straz presents Ken Loomer Big Band, 7:30 p.m., TECO Theater

Whew! Are you tired yet? That's a whole lot of great stuff to do, packed into one terrific day along the TECO Line Streetcar System and In-Town Trolley Green Line. Gather the family, find a bunch of quarters, and come out tomorrow for all the fun. We'll see you on the line!

For more information about the TECO Line Streetcar System, visit our website, http://www.tecolinestreetcar.org/.

Honoring our Heroes

HART salutes our military, past and present

At the eleventh hour, on the eleventh day, of the eleventh month in 1918, armistice was declared, effectively ending four years of battle that would come to be known as World War I.

By 1954, a veteran of another war, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, signed a bill recognizing November 11 as a day to honor the brave men (and women) who fought in all of America's wars.

That's why we recognize veterans on November 11 each year. Today, we take a page from history and salute our own heroes on this Veterans Day. HART is proud to provide free service to all active and retired military personnel today, along with their dependents.

A House of Heroes
Not long ago, a veterans' advocacy group approached HART with a request: could we offer free rides for veterans in need? From those conversations, a special salute to veterans on their day of honor was born.

One of the local organizations that we've been working with is Liberty Manor for Veterans, a "non-profit organization with the objective of promoting the developmental and social needs of veterans who have served our country and fought for our independence...but fallen victim to homelessness."

Liberty Manor, which declares "the home of the free because of the brave" on its website, provides transitional housing to homeless veterans, helping them with job skills and connecting them with sources of financial support such as military pensions or Social Security disability compensation, putting them back on the road to self-sufficiency.

Stories of people helped by Liberty Manor range from an 86-year-old member of the "Greatest Generation" who fought in World War II, to a young Iraq War veteran who developed a severe medical condition while serving - along with veterans of every war in between.

In fact, one of Liberty Manor's success stories is a veteran who was eventually hired as a HART bus driver!

Having veterans behind the wheel of our buses helps us understand how important reliable transportation is for men and women who bravely served and have now fallen on hard times. The James A. Haley VA Hospital in the USF area is one of our most requested destinations, with former military personnel making frequent medical trips there.

HART is honored to play a small part in making the lives of our veterans a little easier. We thank all military personnel, past and present, for your sacrifice and your service.

For more on Liberty Manor for Veterans, visit their website here.

We also thank our other military partners, including the Veterans Advocacy Council, the Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County, and Friend of Families Foundation.org.

Your Own Economic Stimulus Plan

Get onboard with your HART farecard and save!

What would you do with an extra $9,000 in your pocket?

With all the talk of bank bailouts, Wall Street excess and economic stimulus, there's something you can do to stimulate your own bottom line: try transit. You could save enough to make a real difference.

The American Public Transportation Association just released its monthly Transit Savings Report for November 2010, and the numbers show how parking the car and taking transit can add up to more dollars for you.

The report found that riding public transportation could save individuals more than $9,000 a year, or almost $800 a month.

APTA notes that the total is based on the November 8 average national gas price of $2.85 per gallon as reported by AAA, and the national unreserved parking rate.

You can read APTA's press release on the November Transit Savings Report, including the methodology used to arrive at the final numbers, here.

Want to find out what you might save by riding instead of driving? Calculate the cost of your commute at http://www.publictransportation.org/.

Just one more great reason to get onboard with HART!