HART Awarded Transit-Oriented Development Grant for Streetcar and Bus Rapid Transit Projects

Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) is pleased to announce the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has awarded the agency with a Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning grant totaling $300,000 to plan for TOD at four proposed stations along the planned TECO Line Streetcar extension and HART's bus rapid transit line that will link downtown Tampa and the University of South Florida.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced the award of approximately $11 million to 20 projects in 12 states to support comprehensive planning efforts to improve access to public transportation. Funding through FTA's Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning grants will help organizations plan for transportation projects that connect communities and improve access to transit and affordable housing. 

"Transit-oriented development offers easier, more affordable access to jobs, health care, school, shopping, and other daily needs," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. "We're pleased to award this funding to help more communities develop around transit in a way that reduces pollution, increases economic opportunity, and contributes to affordable housing."

For those interested in the TOD planning process, HART is holding the second of two Public Design Charrettes on February 12, 2022, from 10 AM - 2:30 PM at the Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association, 2005 N Lamar Ave. The purpose of the charrette is to share information about the HART TOD Pilot Project, explore strategies to guide land use and development, and share ideas for the community's future. 

HART TOD Pilot

For more information on the HART TOD Pilot Project, visit www.goHARTTOD.org.

For more information on HART and the TECO Line Streetcar, visit www.goHART.org. 

HART Board Elects New Leadership for 2022

HART Chair Pat Kemp

At its January 10 meeting, the HART Board elected Commissioner Patricia "Pat" Kemp as Chair, Commissioner Kimberly Overman as Vice-Chair and Director Melanie Williams as Secretary of the HART Board of Directors for 2022.

Commissioner Kemp takes over as HART Chair from Commissioner Mariella Smith, who served in the role for the last two years. Chair Kemp will serve a 1-year term.

"It is a great privilege to be elected as HART Board Chair and continue working alongside the dedicated Board members to serve our customers, employees and the community, said Chair Commissioner Kemp. "I look forward to working together to operate a safe, reliable, efficient and fiscally sound transit system that contributes to the economic success and quality of life of this region and Hillsborough County." 

Commissioner Kemp has been a Board member since November 2016 and served as Chair of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioner in 2021.

Commissioner Kemp has more than three decades of public service in Hillsborough County. As an attorney, she worked both in private practice and for Bay Area Legal Services, providing civil legal services for low-income clients.

Commissioner Kemp has long been an advocate for improving transportation in the county and the region.

Commissioner Kemp also serves on the following County and Regional Boards and Councils:

• Election Canvassing Board
• Environmental Protection Commission (Vice-Chair)
• Museum of Science and Industry
• Southwest Florida Water Management District Liaison
• Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority (TBARTA)
• Transportation Planning Organization (TPO)
• Vale Adjustment Board

In other business, the HART Board appointed HART CEO Adelee Le Grand to serve as the organization's representative on the Hillsborough TPO Board.

The HART Board is responsible for setting policy and making decisions for the Authority on matters ranging from system operations, service planning, fare structure, finance, customer service, and is made up of 14 volunteers who are appointed to represent Hillsborough County (seven seats), City of Tampa (four seats), State of Florida (two seats) and City of Temple Terrace (one seat). Officers of the HART Board (chair, vice-chair and secretary) are elected every year.

 

HART SMART AV Service Launches Near the Tampa Riverwalk!

HART has launched a new route for HART SMART AV, Tampa Bay's first, fully electric autonomous vehicle.

The free shuttle, operated by HART and BEEP Inc., an Orlando-based autonomous solutions provider, will now operate along the Tampa Riverwalk, following a looping route on City of Tampa streets, originating at Armature Works in Tampa Heights, running southbound near the Tampa Riverwalk, to the Barrymore Hotel and the David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts.

HART SMART AV will serve riders at three stops: Armature Works, Water Works Park and the Straz Center operating Monday – Sunday 9 am to 10 pm. The new pilot service consists of 2 NAVYA autonomous shuttles and will operate until January 1, 2022.

The shuttle can travel up to 15 mph in autonomous mode while along the route and has varying speeds based on the environment such as crosswalks, approaching stop signs or navigating intersections. 

The driverless shuttle is 100% electric and costs less than $30 per month to charge. HART SMART AV operates without a steering wheel and uses a pre-programmed, fixed route with a combination of localization techniques, involving state-of-the-art sensor technology. The shuttle uses eight sensors on the outside of the vehicle providing a 360-degree view of the environment. An on-board shuttle attendant serves as an ambassador for the riders to learn more about the technology and oversee the high-quality passenger experience. 

"HART is proud to be the regional leader in a new era of transportation innovation in Tampa Bay," said Adelee Le Grand, HART Chief Executive Officer. "We are looking at HART SMART AV to provide valuable data and insight to assist decision-making in the delivery of transit service in the future."

The first HART SMART AV first pilot route along the Marion Transitway allowed the agency and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to collect baseline data for the technology which operated alongside HART fixed-route buses, over a railroad crossing, and through traffic lights. The additional route allows local and state agencies to test the technology in a different environment which includes movement alongside the public and connecting activity centers on City of Tampa streets.  

HART SMART AV is funded by the Florida Department of Transportation and is operated in partnership between BEEP, Inc. and HART.

 

For more information on HART SMART AV, visit goHART.org/AVpilot.

HART Applies for FTA Funding to Support Cross Bay Ferry Service

HART has applied for grant funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to support the Cross Bay Ferry service.

The Cross Bay Ferry is a regional, seasonal ferry that started transporting riders in 2014 from Tampa to St. Petersburg.

“I am very excited about this opportunity to apply for a federal grant that would help us to increase the capacity of our current ferry service and set us up for expanded service connecting communities around the Bay. I have been a supporter of the ferry since day one, and I am thrilled that we are now taking action to expand the ferry into a year-round, premium regional transit system connecting Tampa and St. Petersburg with South Hillsborough County," said HART Board Chair and Hillsborough County Commissioner Mariella Smith.

In addition to the funding identified in the interlocal agreement, Hillsborough County has established $1 million dollars of matching funds in its fiscal year 2022 budget in support of the project.

“The Cross Bay Ferry ridership has already exceeded all expectations. With this grant, we can move to year-round, permanent service and use our waterways for wonderful, congestion-proof transit in Tampa Bay," said Hillsborough County Commissioner and HART Board member Pat Kemp.

Regional collaboration to support the Cross Bay Ferry includes letters from local, State and Federal representatives.

"The City of Tampa is excited to work with our partners at HART and Hillsborough County to take steps toward new transit solutions in Tampa Bay. Our waterways are a natural opportunity to connect people, jobs, and communities," said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor.

The FTA grant application process for the Passenger Ferry Grant Program 5307(h) FY 2021 was posted on August 6th and closed on October 5th, 2021.

To learn more about the FTA Passenger Ferry Grant Program click here: FTA Passenger Ferry Grant

"The hard-working team at HART and in Hillsborough County, along with our partners at HMS Ferries, have put together a really competitive grant application, and I have high hopes that we will be awarded this grant," said Chair Smith.

The project is backed by the following leaders who have submitted support letters:

• The Honorable Charlie Crist, U.S. Congressman District 13
• The Honorable Gus Bilirakis, U.S. Representative District 12
• The Honorable Kathy Castor, U.S. Representative District 14
• The Honorable Vern Buchanan, U.S. Representative District 16
• Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners
• Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners Chair, Pat Kemp
• City of Tampa Mayor, Jane Castor
• City of St. Petersburg Mayor, Rick Kriseman
• City of St. Petersburg Chair, Ed Montanari
• Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization
• Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority
• St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce
• Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce
• Hornblower Group DBA HMS Ferries

COVID-19 UPDATE: HART Bus Operator Tests Positive - 8.17.21

 

HART has received confirmation that a bus operator has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19).

The last routes operated include:

• August 14, 2021 - Route 36 (Dale Mabry)

This brings the total number of cases of HART employees testing positive for the coronavirus to 181 – including 77 bus operators, 18 van operators, 7 streetcar motorpersons, and 79 other employees.

All individuals are entitled to medical and health privacies and HART maintains the security of employees’ confidentiality. We respectfully ask the media to honor all HART employees’ privacy.

For the safety of everyone on board, following federal law, riders are required to wear a cloth face covering over their mouth and nose when in public and on transit, as recommended by the CDC. HART is providing face coverings to customers at transit centers, while supplies last. Face coverings can also be made from household items, including handkerchiefs, bandanas, or scarves. This is to protect people around you if you are infected but do not have symptoms and is not a substitute for social distancing. 

HART is committed to the safety of all our employees and riders. In accordance with CDC guidelines as well as local and state health departments, HART has taken the following steps to help reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• HART continues to disinfect the fleet, transit centers, amenities, and work areas - daily.
• HART provided onsite COVID-19 testing for all employees.
• HART is communicating with all employees and customers to practice CDC-recommended good hygiene and social distancing.
• HART is providing gloves, hand sanitizer, and face masks to frontline employees. Safety shields on fixed-route vehicles provide a barrier to reduce contact.
• The bus destination signs on the outside of all HART buses display “Masks Required” 
• Audio announcements and on-board seat signage have been installed to encourage staggered seating among riders and that masks are required.
• The first row of seats nearest to the front door is closed off to maintain additional distance between riders and the operator (but is still available for customers with disabilities that have mobility devices). HART has seen reduced ridership which provides the benefit of creating more space.
• HART operators are continually notified to contact the HART Operations Control Center (OCC) immediately to report if their transit vehicle is too crowded or other potential COVID-19 safety concerns. Responses may involve dispatching appropriate personnel, contacting emergency services, sending a swap vehicle, or sending a plug bus along the route.
• HART is offering alternative work schedules if the job function allows the employee to do the following: flexible/staggered work schedules, reduced work schedules, and remote working.

While we remain committed to serving those who serve us, HART asks customers and employees to exercise personal responsibility and follow the CDC recommended guidelines.

Thank you for your cooperation.

COVID-19 UPDATE: HART Bus Operators and Streetcar Motorperson Test Positive - 8.10.21

HART has received confirmation that several bus operators and a streetcar motorperson have tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19).

The last routes operated include:

• July 28, 2021 - Route 7 (West Tampa)
• July 28, 2021 - Route 8 (Progress Village/Brandon)
• July 29, 2021 - Route 360LX (Brandon/South Tampa)
• August 6, 2021 - Route 42 (University Area Connector); Route 44 (Sinclair Hills Connector)
• August 7, 2021 - Route 42 (University Area Connector); Route 44 (Sinclair Hills Connector)
• August 7, 2021 - Route 16 (Waters Ave.)
• August 8, 2021 - Route 38 (Mango/Brandon)
• August 9, 2021 - Routes 7 (West Tampa); Route 8 (Progress Village/ Brandon)
• August 9, 2021 - Streetcar #436 until 3:00 PM

This brings the total number of cases of HART employees testing positive for the coronavirus to 173 – including 72 bus operators, 16 van operators, 7 streetcar motorpersons, and 78 other employees.

All individuals are entitled to medical and health privacies and HART maintains the security of employees’ confidentiality. We respectfully ask the media to honor all HART employees’ privacy.

For the safety of everyone on board, following federal law, riders are required to wear a cloth face covering over their mouth and nose when in public and on transit, as recommended by the CDC. HART is providing face coverings to customers at transit centers, while supplies last. Face coverings can also be made from household items, including handkerchiefs, bandanas, or scarves. This is to protect people around you if you are infected but do not have symptoms and is not a substitute for social distancing. 

HART is committed to the safety of all our employees and riders. In accordance with CDC guidelines as well as local and state health departments, HART has taken the following steps to help reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• HART continues to disinfect the fleet, transit centers, amenities, and work areas - daily.
• HART provided onsite COVID-19 testing for all employees.
• HART is communicating with all employees and customers to practice CDC-recommended good hygiene and social distancing.
• HART is providing gloves, hand sanitizer, and face masks to frontline employees. Safety shields on fixed-route vehicles provide a barrier to reduce contact.
• The bus destination signs on the outside of all HART buses display “Masks Required” 
• Audio announcements and on-board seat signage have been installed to encourage staggered seating among riders and that masks are required.
• The first row of seats nearest to the front door is closed off to maintain additional distance between riders and the operator (but is still available for customers with disabilities that have mobility devices). HART has seen reduced ridership which provides the benefit of creating more space.
• HART operators are continually notified to contact the HART Operations Control Center (OCC) immediately to report if their transit vehicle is too crowded or other potential COVID-19 safety concerns. Responses may involve dispatching appropriate personnel, contacting emergency services, sending a swap vehicle, or sending a plug bus along the route.
• HART is offering alternative work schedules if the job function allows the employee to do the following: flexible/staggered work schedules, reduced work schedules, and remote working.

While we remain committed to serving those who serve us, HART asks customers and employees to exercise personal responsibility and follow the CDC recommended guidelines.

Thank you for your cooperation.

COVID-19 UPDATE: HART Bus Operators and Streetcar Motorperson Test Positive - 7.28.21

     

HART has received confirmation that a bus operator has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19).

The last routes operated include:

• July 18 – Route 30 (Kennedy Blvd./Town N Country
• July 22 
• July 24 – Streetcar (before 11:00 AM)
• July 24 – Route 275LX (New Tampa Limited Express)
• July 26 – MetroRapid (Nebraska Ave./USF)
• July 27 – Route 12 (22nd St.)

This brings the total number of cases of HART employees testing positive for the coronavirus to 152 – including 65 bus operators, 11 van operators, 6 streetcar motorpersons, and 70 other employees.

All individuals are entitled to medical and health privacies and HART maintains the security of employees’ confidentiality. We respectfully ask the media to honor all HART employees’ privacy.

For the safety of everyone on board, following federal law, along with the City of Tampa Executive Order 2020-27 (effective Friday, June 19, 2020 at 5:00 PM) and Hillsborough County Executive Order (effective Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at 5:00 PM), riders are required to wear a cloth face covering over their mouth and nose when in public and on transit, as recommended by the CDC. HART is providing face coverings to customers at transit centers, while supplies last. Face coverings can also be made from household items, including handkerchiefs, bandanas, or scarves. This is to protect people around you if you are infected but do not have symptoms and is not a substitute for social distancing. 

HART is committed to the safety of all our employees and riders. In accordance with CDC guidelines as well as local and state health departments, HART has taken the following steps to help reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• HART continues to disinfect the fleet, transit centers, amenities and work areas - daily.
• HART provided onsite COVID-19 testing for all employees.
• HART is communicating with all employees and customers to practice CDC recommended good hygiene and social distancing.
• HART is providing gloves, hand sanitizer, and face masks to frontline employees. Safety shields on fixed-route vehicles provide a barrier to reduce contact.
• The bus destination signs on the outside of all HART buses display “Masks Required” 
• Audio announcements and on-board seat signage have been installed to encourage staggered seating among riders and that masks are required.
• The first row of seats nearest to the front door is closed off to maintain additional distance between riders and the operator (but is still available for customer with disabilities that have mobility devices). HART has seen reduced ridership which provides the benefit of creating more space.
• HART operators are continually notified to contact the HART Operations Control Center (OCC) immediately to report if their transit vehicle is too crowded or other potential COVID-19 safety concerns. Responses may involve dispatching appropriate personnel, contacting emergency services, sending a swap vehicle, or sending a plug bus along the route.
• HART is offering alternative work schedules if the job function allows the employee to do the following: flexible/staggered work schedules, reduced work schedules and remote working.

While we remain committed to serving those who serve us, HART asks customers and employees to exercise personal responsibility and follow the CDC recommended guidelines.

Thank you for your cooperation.