HART FY2018 System Redesign: Brandon Area

HART has over 25 meetings planned throughout the County!

Have you seen HART staff out at transit centers with maps and surveys, etc.? Wondering what's going on?

You're in the right place.

HART is undergoing a major system redesign, in which EVERY route will be affected in some way.

With such an undertaking, we felt it might be easier to break down the changes locally within Hillsborough County.

Let's start with Brandon.

A little background. HART is currently conducting a Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA) of service. The COA analyzes the system, providing recommended short-term and long-term modifications for efficiencies. In the HART picture, the COA essentially "resets" service, providing a foundation for our FY2018-2027 long-term plan.

HART last conducted a COA in 2003. As you can imagine, a lot has changed since then in Hillsborough County, including employment centers, and commuting patterns.

With that in mind, Brandon generally sees improved service from the system redesign come October 2017.

Map of Proposed FY2018 System Redesign for Brandon Area

Summary of Changes:

• Service Additions:

• Route 60LX: Proposed all-day service would provide hourly service between Brandon Mall, Downtown Tampa. Tampa International Airport, and Northwest Transfer Center.

• Route 360LX: Proposed all-day service would provide hourly connections between Westfield Brandon Mall, Downtown Tampa, Britton Plaza and MacDill Air Force Base. Combined with 60LX service, 30 minute LX service would exist from Westfield Brandon to Downtown Tampa.

• Route 8: No changes on Route 8.

• Route 31: No changes on Route 31.

• Route 37: Route would operate between Netp@rk Transfer Center and Westfield Brandon Mall. Brandon Regional Hospital service would be provided by Route 46 and HART HyperLINK.

• Route 46: Palmetto Beach and Causeway Blvd segments would be removed, and the route would now serve Brandon Regional Hospital. Hourly Sunday service would be added.
  
  • All-day, 30-minute service would be provided by a combination of routes 60LX and 360LX between Westfield Brandon Mall and Downtown Tampa.
• Route 22X: Route would be replaced by Route 46. Routes 8, 25LX, 60LX and 360LX would provide service from Westfield Brandon Mall, to Downtown Tampa.

• Route(s) 24LX, 25LX: Would operate with similar schedule, with added stops in Downtown Tampa.

• Route 27LX: Downtown Service: Route 27LX would be replaced with service available on 8, 24LX, 25LX, 60LX, and 360LX.

• HARTFlex Brandon: Service would be replaced by HART HyperLINK

Overall, the Brandon area will see the addition of crucial all-day connections to Downtown Tampa, Tampa International Airport, and Northwest Transfer Center.

We have tried our best to minimize any coverage loss and to provide alternatives for eliminated service. Should you find yourself in such a situation, a vanpool may make a great option. Visit TBARTA's website for more information.

Please also note, these are proposed changes, that must be approved by the HART Board. A Public Hearing will be held at the HART Administrative Office (1201. E. 7th Ave., Tampa, FL, 33605) on July 26th, from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Public comment will be available at that time.

In the meantime, visit goHART.org/TDP to see upcoming meetings, take a survey, share comments and learn more about the HART service redesign process!

Take The Streetcar FREE to Channelside July 4th Fireworks!

Channelside July 4th fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m.

FREE rides to the "Light Up Tampa Bay Independence Day Celebration" at Channelside Bay Plaza! The TECO Line Streetcar System will operate from noon-midnight on Tuesday, with free fares beginning at 4:00 p.m.

The fireworks display begins at 9:00 p.m., with live music starting earlier in the day. The event draws a HUGE crowd, so it is suggested that visitors arrive a couple hours early in order to get a good viewing spot. Only the first 3,500 people will be able to see the fireworks from the Wharf area of Channelside, with wristbands being handed out.

Channelside Bay Plaza is located at Amalie Arena Station

Officials suggest taking The TECO Line Streetcar System to avoid congestion and limited parking that Channelside will experience with thousands converging on the area.

Don't worry about getting stranded! The TECO Line Streetcar System has free service until midnight for Independence Day to ensure you get to your car safely!

Suggested parking garages are the Palm Avenue garage in Ybor City or the Ft. Brooke garage in downtown, both garages are less than a block from the TECO Line Streetcar System.  Click here for an interactive map of downtown/Ybor City showing the relation of the parking garages to the streetcar line.

HART bus and van service will be operating on a Sunday schedule in observance of Independence Day.
   

Visit TECOlinestreetcar.org for TECO Line Streetcar System fares, maps and schedules.

Dump the Pump with HART!

Save $ and the planet by "Dumping the Pump" Thursday!

HART is joining public transportation agencies across the country by participating in the 12th Annual "National Dump the Pump Day" on Thursday, June 15, 2017.

We know HART riders make a commitment to "Dump the Pump" each weekday by taking transit. With over 45,000 daily trips, they know riding HART is a more productive commute, that also reduces air pollution and saves money on gas.

HART wants to see how you "Dump the Pump" during your commute.

HART is inviting passengers to show their support of public transit by taking a picture of themselves whether it is riding the bus, carpooling, walking, biking or even telecommuting! Upload a photo of yourself showing how you "Dump the Pump" to social media with the hashtag #DumpThePump.

Taking transit saves money on gas, wear and tear on a vehicle, relieves traffic congestion, creates cleaner air, and gives you extra time to text, or just relax.

Help spread the word about the many benefits of riding public transportation!

Over 45k trips taken on HART daily!

Quick Facts

Public Transportation provides economic opportunities, drives community growth and revitalization.

• Over 65 percent of the trips taken on public transit are work commutes.
• Every $1 billion invested in public transportation supports and creates more than 50,000 jobs.
• Residential property values performed 42% better on average if they were located near public transportation with high-frequency service.
  

Saving Fuel, Time and Money

Riding public transportation is an economical way to save money. The latest APTA Transit Savings Report shows that a two person household that downsizes to one car can save - on the average - more than $9,377 a year. Access to the HART transit network, provides transportation to work, school, and travel to medical and other appointments.

Environmental Benefits

Public transportation systems help to create a healthier environment by reducing pollutants and greenhouses gases. Research from APTA shows that public transportation reduces carbon emissions by 37 million metric tons, and saves the equivalent of 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline in the United States annually. Locally, HART provided more than 14,550,000 trips in FY 2016.

Health Benefits

• Transit users are 3x more likely to reach their recommended level of activity, simply by walking to and from the bus stop.
• Using public transportation helps reduce the stress of driving, while also allowing users to socialize (on board, and with friends at events), read books, etc.

#DumpThePump today and everyday! Visit www.goHART.org for trip planning, schedules, and more.

HART taking System Redesign to the Community

HART is now in the midst of redesigning its transit system in time for FY2018 in October.

Recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach to transit does not meet every community's needs, HART began working with Hillsborough County residents last year to identify transportation options that are more cost effective and better meet their needs.

Employment centers and commuting patterns have changed quite a bit since the last time a Comprehensive Operations Analysis of HART service was done in 2003. This service redesign takes that into account with new proposed connections, such as Brandon and the University area to WestShore and Tampa International Airport.

In the first phase, we collected community feedback on travel preferences and with this next phase, we are taking the result of those conversations (a redesigned network) to the public.

In the short-term, the service redesign will provide better travel times and more direct service to roughly 80% of current riders.

Long-term, HART is preparing for the future. The proposed network hits the "reset button" on HART service, providing a solid foundation for the future expansion of the HART network, as laid out in our 10-year Transit Development Plan. The proposed redesign provides the right mix of services and connections to get people where they need to go as our communities grow.

Plenty of opportunities to comment on the proposed redesign!

HART is Seeking Input 

HART will be hosting a series of public meetings beginning June 14 for residents and riders to give feedback on the proposed network redesign. HART staff will be on hand to gather feedback and answer any questions. A public hearing will be held on July 26.

Following extensive community outreach throughout June and July, HART staff will present the plan to the HART Board of Directors at the August meeting.

Your ideas are encouraged at any of the following public meeting opportunities.

In addition, you can visit www.goHART.org/TDP for more information on this important plan, including an interactive map of the proposed network redesign.

Take the Streetcar to Memorial Day Weekend Events!

The Streetcar will operate late night all weekend!

Memorial Day weekend is upon us!

Typically seen as a day for cranking up the grill with family, Memorial Day has become an extended weekend full of events!

From Fourth Friday Tampa, to a Memorial Day celebration at Channelside Bay Plaza, downtown is chocked full of fun this weekend!

The fun kicks off on Friday with the monthly Fourth Friday Tampa. The event is a monthly celebration of Downtown Tampa's culture. The night features special offers and curated programs by museums, restaurants, and more!

Beginning this Friday, the TECO Line Streetcar System is joining in on the fun with free rides! The addition of the TECO Line Streetcar to the event opens up Ybor City venues to Fourth Friday Tampa for the first time.

Saturday celebrates a Memorial Day favorite, the margarita. The Tampa Bay Margarita Festival in Curtis Hixon Park calls for a huge variety of the famed beverage, a fireworks display, and a headline performance from the Barenaked Ladies! Have fun, but enjoy responsibly. TECO Line Streetcar service will be available from 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 a.m.

Sunday provides a number of ways to celebrate the holiday.

Streetcar service extended until MIDNIGHT on Sunday!

Enjoy Memorial Day weekend at Channelside Bay Plaza! The free event features an eclectic mix of food and beverage on the waterfront in downtown Tampa. Live music from the Jimmy James Band kicks off Sunday at 6:00 p.m.

Next door, titans of Country music, Alabama, will be rocking the house at Amalie Arena.

As we do with all weeknight Amalie Arena events, the TECO Line Streetcar System is extending service hours until MIDNIGHT on Sunday.

Avoid all of the event traffic in the Channel District and Downtown this weekend, by parking in Ybor City and taking the TECO Line Streetcar!

The TECO Line Streetcar System will operate on a normal schedule on Monday for Memorial Day.

Have a safe and fun holiday weekend!

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!

Flamingo Fares is Taking Flight!

Smart card readers are installed on HART buses

The Now

By now, you have probably heard of the Flamingo Fares Tampa Bay app. For those that are unfamiliar, the app allows riders in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties to pay their transit fare via smartphone and (with a Regional Fare) travel on multiple services between HART and PSTA. Ultimately, Flamingo Fares will morph into a smart card system.

It appears that the holidays have come early to HART, as we will be the first agency in the region to install the smart card readers. Installation is currently underway and is expected to be completed in June.

Installation will then bounce back-and-forth between HART and PSTA, culminating in August, with the entire TECO Line Streetcar System being outfitted with the Flamingo Fares smart card readers.

The Near

A new iteration of the Flamingo Fares app will be available in September. Meanwhile, testing of the smart card readers will be taking place on board HART buses (and later streetcars) around the same time.

This is where YOU come in! We will be reaching out to our riders to help test the smart card system! Stay tuned to the HART social channels for more information as we get closer to that time.

Why are the readers going up so soon if we are not expecting to roll them out until Summer 2018? We are planning on testing the system for a year to ensure that the system is ready for customers on both sides of the Bay!

The Future

Flamingo Fares smart card design

Soon Flamingo Fares will bring HART and PSTA into the future by providing easier, faster, and more convenient ways for riders to pay their fares.

No scrambling for change. Save time and prepay your fare online, while you wait for the bus!

No stressing about losing your 31-day pass. Check your balance online daily!

Leave the worries behind. Just tap and go!

Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota Counties are also implementing the new technology in the coming years. HART and PSTA expect to have the complete system, which will include smart card technology, up and running by summer 2018.

From Flamingo Fares to autonomous vehicles, this is another way HART is going Beyond The Bus!