Hillsborough Area Regional Transit
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Founded | 1980 |
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Headquarters | 1201 E. 7th Avenue |
Locale | Tampa, Florida |
Service area | Hillsborough County |
Service type | light rail, bus service, paratransit |
Routes | 49 (27 local, 13 express, 2 connector, 1 trolleybus, 1 light rail, 2 shuttle, 2 flex) |
Hubs | Downtown Tampa, USF Area |
Stations | South Tampa, West Tampa, Town-N-Country, University Mall, WestShore Plaza, Westfield Brandon, East Tampa, Sulfur Springs, Carrollwood, SouthShore |
Fleet | 214 |
Daily ridership | 40,000 [1] |
Fuel type | Diesel, Diesel-electric hybrid |
Chief executive | Jeff Seward (Interim) [2] |
Website | gohart.org |
Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (also known as the Hillsborough Transit Authority [1](HART)) provides public transportation for Hillsborough County, Florida. The agency provides fixed-route local and express bus service, door-to-door paratransit service (HARTplus), flex-route neighborhood connector service (HARTflex), a lightened version of Bus Rapid Transit (MetroRapid), and manages the TECO Line Streetcar System.
Fares
HART has a partnership with the University of South Florida where students can ride HART local, limited express, and flex routes for free if they show the bus operator their USF ID. USF Faculty & Staff can use the same services for only 50 cents[2]
Bus and rail routes
HART currently operates 34 local bus and 5 express bus routes. In addition, the agency operates one trolleybus route, one light rail route, and the MetroRapid BRT line.
Local
No. | Name | Terminus 1 | Terminus 2 | Operates | Direction | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Florida Avenue | Marion Transit Center - Tampa | University Area Transit Center - Tampa | Daily (Frequent Weekday Service) | Bi-Directional | Buses run every 15 minutes during the day on weekdays, every 30 minutes during the day on weekends, and every 30 to 60 minutes during evenings. On October 8, 2017, extended south to Whiting Street and rerouted along Fletcher, with the old route along Nebraska and Skipper transferred to new Route 42. Service on 22nd discontinued.[3] |
5 | 40th Street | Marion Transit Center - Tampa | University Area Transit Center - Tampa | Daily | Bi-Directional | On October 8, 2017, rerouted on Fowler Avenue rather than through the University of South Florida. |
6 | 56th Street | Marion Transit Center - Tampa | University Area Transit Center - Tampa | Daily | Bi-Directional | On October 8, 2017, the section on Puntan Road, 50th Street, and Sligh Avenue transferred to rerouted Route 39. It was rerouted on 56th Street and Fletcher Avenue, replacing part of Route 57. The old route along Fowler and 50th through the University of South Florida campus lost service. Service on Fowler and 50th was restored as part of the new Route 48 on July 1, 2018, which does not go through the University of South Florida campus. |
7 | West Tampa | Marion Transit Center - Tampa | Tampa Bay Blvd @ Dale Mabry Hwy - Tampa | Daily | Bi-Directional (buses travel along Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa Bay Blvd, Lois Ave, and MLK Blvd in a one-way clockwise pattern). On January 16, 2005, rerouted over part of Route 11 to the Wal-Mart. On October 8, 2017, rerouted south of M L King Jr. Blvd so it ran on North Blvd (replacing part of Route 14). Old Route along Howard/Armenia became part of Route 14; service along Spruce Street discontinued. Select Trips to Wal-Mart discontinued. | |
8 | Progress Village/Brandon | Marion Transit Center - Tampa | Westfield Brandon Mall - Brandon | Daily | Bi-Directional | On October 8, 2017, deviations at Progress Village (via Fir Dr and 83rd St, and west as a loop on Progress Blvd, 78th St, Flower Ave, and 82nd St). Rerouted directly via 79th and Progress Blvd. Rerouted on the same roujte in both directions south of downtown on July 1, 2018. |
9 | 15th/30th Streets | Marion Transit Center - Tampa | University Area Transit Center - Tampa | Daily | Bi-Directional | On October 8, 2017, rerouted on Hillsborough and 30th Street (replacing part of Route 18), with sections transferred to Route 16 and new Route 42. Service on 15th Street and Sligh Avenue discontinued. |
12 | 22nd Street | Marion Transit Center - Tampa | University Area Transit Center - Tampa | Daily | Bi-Directional | |
14 | Armenia/Howard Avenues | Yukon Transit Center - Tampa | Swann Ave @ Howard Ave - Tampa | Daily | Bi-Directional (buses turn northward at Howard Ave and Swann Ave) | On October 8, 2017, routed south of M L King Jr. Blvd so it ran on Howard/Armenia (replacing part of Route 7 and part new) to Swann. |
15 | Columbus Drive | WestShore Plaza - Tampa | NetPark Transfer Center - East Tampa | Daily (Frequent Weekday Service) | Bi-Directional | On October 8, 2017, service along 50th (south of Columbus Avenue), Broadway, and Orient (including the county jail) was discontinued, with the part north of M.L. King Jr. Boulevard north and west to netp@rk Transfer Center served by new Route 38. Rerouted via 50th to netp@rk Transfer Center. |
16 | Waters Avenue | Northwest Transfer Center - Town-N-Country | Waters Ave @ Rowlett Park Dr - Tampa | Daily | Bi-Directional (buses travel along Waters Ave, Rowlett Park Dr, Mullberry Dr Sitka Ave, and 17th St in a one-way clockwise pattern). | On October 8, 2017, extended east from the Yukon Transit Center to Rowlett Park Dr, replacing part of Route 9. |
17 | Port Tampa/Manhattan Avenue | Britton Plaza - Tampa | Idaho St and O'Brien St - Tampa | Daily | Bi-Directional (buses travel along WestShore Blvd, Idaho St, Elliott St, Ingraham St, Kissimmee St, and Commerce St in a one-way clockwise pattern). | Hourly service seven days a week. Created on October 8, 2017 replacing replacing select trips on Route 19. |
19 | South Tampa | Marion Transit Center - Tampa | Britton Plaza - Tampa | Daily | Bi-Directional | Does not serve Davis Islands in the southbound direction. Use 19A to connect to Tampa General Hospital from Downtown Tampa. On October 8, 2017, service on Platt Street was discontinued, as the route was rerouted south replacing part of Route 4. Service south of Britton Plaza now served by new Route 17 (service on Westshore was discontinued). On February 25, 2018, serves Tampa General Hospital again. |
30 | Kennedy Boulevard/Airport | Marion Transit Center - Tampa | Tampa International Airport CONRAC Facility | Daily | Bi-Directional | On October 8, 2017, service west of Tampa International Airport was replaced by new route 60LX. |
31 | South Hillsborough County | Westfield Brandon Mall - Brandon | SouthShore Regional Service Center | Weekday Only | Bi-Directional | Rerouted on Riverview Drive on July 1, 2018. |
32 | MLK Boulevard | NetPark Transfer Center - East Tampa | Tampa International Airport CONRAC Facility | Daily | Bi-Directional | On October 8, 2017, extended west from the West Tampa Transfer Center to Tampa International Airport. Select Service from netp@rk Transfer Center to Mango Wal-Mart replaced by new Route 38. |
33 | Fletcher Avenue | Hidden River Corporate Park - Tampa Palms | Dale Mabry Hwy @ Fletcher Ave - Carrollwood | Daily | Bi-Directional | Buses travel between Dale Mabry Hwy and the University Area Transit Center only on weekends. On October 8, 2017, extended east from University Area Transit Center to Hidden River Corporate Park replacing part of the MetroRapid. Servince along Florida, Bearss, Nebraska, 139th, 20th, and 140th discontinued as Route 33 was rerouted straight on Fletcher. |
34 | Hillsborough Avenue | NetPark Transfer Center - East Tampa | Northwest Transfer Center - Town-N-Country | Daily | Bi-Directional | |
35 | Tampa International Airport | Northwest Transfer Center - Town-N-Country | Daily | Bi-Directional | Began service on February 25, 2018. | |
36 | Dale Mabry Highway/Himes Avenue | Britton Plaza - Tampa | Dale Mabry Hwy @ Fletcher Ave - Carrollwood | Daily | Bi-Directional | On January 16, 2005, extended south from West Tampa Transfer Center to MacDill Air Force Base, replacing part of Route 4. On October 8, 2017, section south of Britton Plaza Transfer Center became part of new Route 360LX. Rerouted on ML King Jr. Blvd., Lois Ave.,Tampa Bay Blvd., and Dale Mabry Hwy. around HCC rather than Hines Avenue to Columbus Ave to make better connections with Route 7 (the old route lost service). |
37 | Brandon/NetPark | NetPark Transfer Center - East Tampa | Westfield Brandon Mall - Brandon | Daily | Bi-Directional | On October 8, 2017, select service to Brandon Hospital discontinued and replaced by rerouted Route 46. |
38 | Mango | NetPark Transfer Center - East Tampa | Mango WalMart - Mango | Daily | Bi-Directional | Hourly service seven days a week. Created on October 8, 2017 replacing select trips on Route 32. |
39 | Busch Boulevard/Gunn Highway | Northwest Transfer Center - Town-N-Country | 50th St @ Sligh Ave - East Tampa | Daily | Bi-Directional (buses travel along 56th St, Sligh Ave, 50th St, and Puritan Rd in a one-way clockwise pattern). On October 8, 2017, service to Yukon Transit Center was discontinued. Rerouted to end at a loop on Puntan Rd, 50th St, and Sligh Ave, replacing part of Route 6. The old route south to netp@rk Transfer Center was transferred to rerouted Route 6 | |
42 | University Area Connector | University Area Transit Center - Tampa | Yukon Transfer Center - Tampa | Daily | Bi-Directional (north of 131st Ave, buses travel along 15th St, Fletcher Ave, Nebraska Ave, Skipper Rd, Bearss Ave, Bruce B. Downs Blvd, and 131st Ave in a one-way clockwise pattern, serving the University Area Transit Center via 131st Ave). | Route interlines with Route 45. Began service on October 8, 2017 replacing parts of Route 1, Route 9, and Route 57. |
45 | WestShore/Rome Ave/Yukon | WestShore Plaza - Tampa | Yukon Transfer Center - Tampa | Daily | Bi-Directional | Route interlines with Route 42. On October 8, 2017, shortened to end at Yukon Transfer Center. Old route along North Blvd and Fowler Ave to University Area Transit Center discontinued. |
46 | Brandon Boulevard | Westfield Brandon Mall - Brandon | Dover Park-N-Ride Lot - Dover | Daily | Bi-Directional | Hourly service seven days a week. On October 8, 2017, section west of Westfield - Brandon Transfer Center transferred to Route 60LX. Rerouted to stop at Brandon Hospital, replacing select trips on Route 37. Shifted bach to old route on February 2, 2018. |
48 | Temple Terrace | University Area Transit Center - Tampa | NetPark Transfer Center - East Tampa | Daily | Bi-Directional | New route that started July 1, 2018. Restoration of the deleted parts of Route 6 and Route 57 that lost service on October 8, 2017; also replaced part of Route 51X. |
Former Routes
No. | Name | Terminus 1 | Terminus 2 | Operates | Direction | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 | Nebraska Avenue | Marion Transit Center - Tampa | University Area Transit Center - Tampa | Daily Service | Bi-Directional | On October 8, 2017, the MetroRapid was rerouted to match this bus route. |
3 | Ybor City/Tampa General Hospital Connector | Ybor City | Tampa General Hospital | Weekday only | Loop | Combined with rerouted Route 17 (now Route 19 and 46) on September 25, 2002. |
4 | Palma Ceia/South Tampa | Marion Transit Center - Tampa | MacDill Air Force Base | Weekdays Only | Bi-Directional | On January 16, 2005, rerouted over Route 17 from the Britton Transit Center to MacDill Air Force Base. Route 36 extended over the old route. On October 8, 2017, eliminated due to low ridership. Service along Swann Avenue became part of eastbound Route 19. Service on Bay to Bay Boulevard now served by the new Route 360LX. Remainder of the route (east, northeast, and north from SR 618 to Swann Avenue and along Euclid and MacDill Avenue) lost service. |
10 | Cypress Street | Marion Transit Center - Tampa | Social Security Administration Building (Laurel St/Frontage Rd) | Weekdays Only | Bi-Directional | On October 8, 2017, eliminated due to low ridership. Section west of MacDill Avenue served by rerouted HARTFLEX. Service on Cypress Street from MacDill Avenue to North Street discontinued. |
11 | Northwest Tampa | Marion Transit Center - Tampa | Waters/Hanley Plaza | Weekdays and Saturdays only | Bi-Directional | Combined with Route 7 on January 16, 2005; service to Waters/Hanley Plaza from the Wal-Mart was discontinued. The old route of Route 7 became Routes 44/45. |
17 | MacDill Avenue | Marion Transit Center - Tampa | MacDill Air Force Base | Weekdays Only | Bi-Directional | On September 25, 2002, rerouted away from Tampa Bay Center and replaced Route 3. Combined with Route 19 and Route 4 on January 16, 2005. Number reused on October 8, 2017 for unrelated route. |
18 | 30th Street | Marion Transit Center - Tampa | Livingston | Daily | Bi-Directional | On October 8, 2017, replaced by Route 9 from Hillsborough Avenue. Service on 30th from Hillsborough Avenue to 21st discontinued. Service on 30th and Skipper north of the University Area Transit Center transferred to Route 42. Service on Livingston discontinued. |
19A | Tampa General Hospital Shuttle | Marion Transit Center - Tampa | Tampa General Hospital - Tampa | Daily | Bi-Directional | Operated every 35 minutes between 6:00am and 8:00pm. Discontinued on February 25, 2018. |
41 | Sligh Avenue | West Tampa Transfer Center - West Tampa | NetPark Transfer Center - East Tampa | Bi-Directional | On October 8, 2017, eliminated due to low ridership. Went on Habana, Sligh, 30th, Hanna, 43rd, Sligh, and Harney Rd to netp@rk Transfer Center. Service on Harney Rd was restored on July 1, 2018 as part of the new Route 48. | |
44 | Habana Avenue | WestShore Plaza - Tampa | University Area Transit Center - Tampa | Discontinued on March 30, 2008; section along Habana Avenue was already part of Route 41 (earlier Route 41 ended at Hanley & Waters). | ||
57 | UATC/Temple Terrace/netp@rk | University Area Transit Center - USF Area | NetPark Transfer Center - East Tampa | Weekdays Only | Bi-Directional | Was 57LX until January 16, 2005, when the route was truncated to end at UATC rather than the Oldsmar Transfer Center. Discontinued on October 8, 2017, with part replaced by Route 6 and new Route 42. Service on 42nd, Skipper, Fowler Ave, Davis Blvd, Bullard Pkwy, 78th, Harney Rd, Sligh Ave, and Orient Rd discontinued. Service on Fowler Ave, Davis Blvd, Bullard Pkwy 78th, and Harney Rd was restored on July 1, 2018 as part of the new Route 48. |
70 | Strawberry Connection | McCall Park | McCall Park | Weekdays and Saturdays Only | Loop | Discontinued on August 28, 2005. |
71 | Strawberry Connection | McCall Park | McCall Park | Weekdays and Saturdays Only | Loop | Discontinued on August 28, 2005. |
72 | Strawberry Connection | McCall Park | McCall Park | Weekdays and Saturdays Only | Loop | Discontinued on August 28, 2005. |
73 | Strawberry Connection | McCall Park | McCall Park | Weekdays and Saturdays Only | Loop | Discontinued on August 28, 2005. |
81 | Westshore / Britton Plaza Connector | WestShore Plaza - Tampa | Britton Plaza - South Tampa/Interbay | Weekdays Only | Bi-Directional | Eliminated on January 16, 2005. Consolidated with Route 89. |
83 | University Area Connector | University Area Transit Center - USF Area | Florida Avenue & 131st Ave - North Tampa/Sulfur Springs | Daily | Bi-Directional | Became part of Route 33 (which no longer served the University Mall) on November 8, 2009. |
84 | South County Circulator | Ruskin Neighborhood Service Center | Wimauma Senior Center | Split into routes 86 and 87 on November 19, 2006. | ||
85 | South Tampa Weekend Connector | WestShore Plaza - Tampa | MacDill Air Force Base | Became part of Routes 89 and 36 on November 2, 2008. | ||
86 | Ruskin SouthShore Connector | Ruskin Neighborhood Service Center | SouthShore Regional Service Center | Combined with Route 87 Sun City Center SouthShore Connector on November 18, 2007. | ||
87 | Town 'N Country Connector East | Hanley Waters Plaza | Paula Dr. @ Ambassador Dr. | Weekdays Only | Combined with Route 88 on Fall 2003. | |
87 | SouthShore Connector | Sweetbay Supermarket @ US 41 - Ruskin | RCMA Daycare - Wiamuama | Weekdays Only | Bi-Directional | Discontinued on July 10, 2011. No service to Ruskin Neighborhood Service Center or Sun Coast Health Center. |
88 | Town 'N Country Connector | Northwest Transfer Center - Town-N-Country | Northwest Transfer Center - Town-N-Country | Weekdays Only | One-Way Loop (west, then south, then east, then north) | Discontinued on July 10, 2011. |
89 | South Tampa Connector | WestShore Plaza - WestShore Business District | Britton Plaza - South Tampa/Interbay | Weekdays Only | Bi-Directional | Discontinued on July 10, 2011. |
95 | WestShore Lunchtime Shuttle | International Plaza - WestShore Business District | One Urban Centre - WestShore Business District | Weekdays Only (Midday) | Bi-Directional | Funded by WestShore area business partners. Discontinued in Summer 2013. |
96 | In-Town Trolley Purple Line |
Marion Transit Center - Downtown Tampa | Dick Greco Plaza - Downtown Tampa | Weekdays Only | Peak Direction | The Purple Line Trolley operated weekdays from 6:00am to 8:30am and 3:30pm to 6:00pm. Service was funded by the City of Tampa. Discontinued July 1, 2018. |
97 | Eastside Limited Connector | Jefferson & Laurel | Jefferson & Laurel | Friday/Saturday Nights | Bi-Directional | Service was funded by the City of Tampa. Discontinued 2003. |
97 | In-Town Trolley Green Line |
Tampa Performing Arts Center - Downtown Tampa | Dick Greco Plaza - Downtown Tampa | Friday/Saturday Nights | Bi-Directional | Discontinued October 12, 2003. |
98 | In-town Trolley Hyde Park | Southern Transportation Plaza | Old Hyde Park Village | Friday/Saturday Nights | Bi-Directional | Discontinued on November 18, 2007 due to low ridership. |
Neighborhood Flex
HART provides the HART Flex Service consisting of commuter vans that have routes in designated areas. Walk-up service is provided at regular HART stops along the Flex service route, or patrons can reserve a pick-up or drop-off at a location not a HART stop by calling to reserve between 2 and 72 hours in advance. Walk-up service may be limited by the number of reservations. Fare is $1 per way, and an all-day flex pass available for $2. There is no discount available for seniors, Medicare or disabled as there are on other HART routes; however, up to 3 kids under 6 are free with fare-paying rider. Regular HART 1-Day and 31-Day passes are accepted. The service areas are typically 2.5 miles from a preset route, although at least one Flex area does not have a specific route.
In-Towner Trolley
HART operates the "In-Towner" trolleybus service (rubber tires buses that are styled as replica trolleys) that provide convenient access to popular locations in downtown Tampa. The sole operating line is currently Route 96, which operates Monday through Friday between 6 and 9 AM and between 3 and 6 PM and serves Harbor Island and the business district and the Marion Transit Center. In 2015, HART eliminated the 25 cent fare.[4]
Commuter Express
In 2004, HART revised its express bus route system. The changes included new routes to Brandon and Pasco County, changes to existing routes (such as Route 28X), and the addition of 12 new Gillig BRT buses to the existing HART bus fleet. Almost all of the Commuter Express routes connected to Downtown Tampa. Due to changing ridership patterns, these routes were modified as needed. With the 2016 Mission MAX restructuring, Routes 21LX, 22X, 27LX, 28X, 47LX, 61LX, and 200X were all eliminated.
No. | Name | Terminus 1 | Terminus 2 | Operates | Direction | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
20X | Lutz Express | Lutz Target - Lutz | Mac Dill Air Force Base. | Monday through Friday Only | Peak Direction | This is the only express route to remain largely unaltered by Mission MAX |
24LX | Fishhawk/South Tampa Limited Express | FishHawk Sports Complex Park-n-Ride - Brandon | MacDill AFB - Tampa | Monday through Friday Only | Peak Direction | Was 24X before October 8, 2017, and downtown stops were added that day. |
25LX | Bloomingdale/South Tampa Limited Express | Bloomingdale Park-n-Ride - Brandon | MacDill AFB - Tampa | Monday through Friday Only | Peak Direction | Reclassified as "LX" service on July 11, 2010 |
60LX | Cross-County Limited Express | Tampa International Airport | Westfield Brandon Mall - Brandon | Daily | Bi-Directional | Hourly service seven days a week. Operates full route on weekdays, west of Marion Transit Center only on Saturdays, and west of Tampa International Airport CONRAC Facility only on Sundays. New Route, with service west of Tampa International Airport replacing part of Route 30 and west of Downtown replacing part of Route 61LX. On February 25, 2018, section west of Tampa International Airport was transferred to new route 35. |
75LX | South County Shopper Limited Express | Kings Point Shopping Center - Ruskin | Westfield Brandon Mall - Brandon | Limited Service - Tuesdays and Thursdays ONLY | Bi-Directional | |
275LX | South County Shopper Limited Express | Tampa International Airport | Wiregrass Park and Ride | Daily | Bi-Directional | New route starting July 1, 2018; replaced Route 51X. |
360LX | Brandon/South Tampa Limited Express | MacDill AFB - Tampa | Westfield Brandon Mall - Brandon | Daily | Bi-Directional | Hourly service seven days a week. Operates full route on weekdays and Saturdays, and south of Britton Plaza only on Sundays. |
Former Routes
No. | Name | Terminus 1 | Terminus 2 | Operates | Direction | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
21X | Town N' Country Express | Marion & Whiting | Memorial Hwy. & George Rd. | Discontinued. | ||
21LX | UATC to Downtown Tampa via 56th St. Limited Express | Marion Transit Center - Tampa | UATC | Discontinued on October 8, 2017; replaced by new morning trips on the 51X and also redundant with Route 6. | ||
22X | Dover/Brandon | Marion Transit Center - Downtown Tampa | Dover Park-N-Ride - Dover | Weekday Rush Hours | Peak Direction | Discontinued on October 8, 2017; replaced by new routes 60X & 360X and part replaced by Route 46. |
23X | Temple Terrace | Marion Transit Center - Downtown Tampa | Temple Terrace City Hall Park-N-Ride - Temple Terrace | Weekday Rush Hours | Peak Direction | replaced by route 6/6 LTD on July 10, 2011. |
26X | Carrollwood Express | Marion Transit Center - Tampa | North Lakeview Park-N-Ride | Discontinued on March 30, 2008 due to low ridership. Now covered by Route 20X, Route 33, and Route 36. | ||
27LX | Riverview/Fish Hawk/South Brandon
Limited Express |
FishHawk Sports Complex Park-N-Ride - Brandon | Marion Transit Center - Downtown Tampa | Weekday Rush Hours | Peak Direction | Discontinued on October 8, 2017 due to low ridership. Reclassified as "LX" service on July 11, 2010 |
28X | East County Express | Marion Transit Center - Downtown Tampa | Mt. Zion Assembly of God Park-N-Ride - Plant City | Weekday Rush Hours | Peak Direction | Discontinued on October 8, 2017 due to low ridership. |
35LX | Brandon/SouthShore | Westfield Brandon | Wimauma Senior Center - Wiamauma | Weekdays Only (Limited Trips) | Bi-Directional | Renamed Route 53LX July 10, 2011. Service to SouthShore Regional Library, LA Estancia Apartments, and Wilauma Senior Center was discontinued. |
47LX | SouthShore Limited Express | Marion Transit Center - Tampa | South 301 Park-n-Ride (S.R. 674 @ Wal-Mart) - Ruskin | Weekday Rush Hours | Peak Direction | Discontinued on October 8, 2017 due to low ridership. Alternative service served by Route 60LX/360LX and Route 31. |
50LX | Citrus Park/Carrollwood | Marion Transit Center - Tampa | Carrollwood Baptist Church Park-n-Ride/Citrus Park Park-n-Ride | Discontinued on November 11, 2012; merged with Route 61X; service to Orange Grope Park-n-Ride cancelled. | ||
51LX | New Tampa/Pasco Limited Express | Wiregrass Park-n-Ride - Wesley Chapel | Marion Transitway - Tampa | Monday through Friday Only | Peak Direction | On October 8, 2017, added service from the new Florida Hospital/Wesley Chapel
Park-n-Ride to downtown. Morning trips on Route 51LX started serving the Temple Terrace Terrace City Hall, replacing Route 21X. Discontinued on July 1, 2018, replaced by new Route 48 and new Route 275X. |
52LX | UATC/New Tampa/Pasco Limited Express | Marion Transit Center - Tampa | Victorious Life Church Park-N-Ride | Discontinued on November 18, 2007 due to low ridership. | ||
53LX | South County/Brandon via US 301 Limited Express | Westfield Brandon | Kings Point - Wiamauma | Weekdays Only (Limited Trips) | Discontinued on October 8, 2017 due to low ridership. Alternative service served by Route 31. | |
54X | South Hillsborough County Express | Marion Transit Center - Tampa | Ruskin K-Mart | Weekdays Only (Limited Trips) | Peak Direction | |
56X | North / Northwest Express | Tampa General Hospital | Citrus Park P&R | Weekdays | 1 trip north only | |
58LX | Oldsmar Limited Express | Marion Transit Center - Tampa | Tri-County Business Park | Discontinued on January 20, 2006 due to low ridership. Replaced by Route 59LX east of Tri-County Business Park; west of there eliminated. | ||
59LX | Town-N-Country/Westchase Limited Express | Marion Transit Center - Downtown Tampa | Tri-County Business Park - Northwest Town-N-Country | Weekday Rush Hours | Peak Direction | Renamed Route 61X on July 10, 2011 and shortened to serve only the Northwest Transfer Center Park-n-Ride. Service to Tri-County Business Park and St. Matthew's Park-n-Ride discontinued. |
59LX | Westchase/Town 'n Country | Marion Transit Center - Tampa | Tri-County Business Park | Renamed Route 61X on July 10, 2011 and shortened to serve only the Northwest Transfer Center Park-n-Ride. Service to Tri-County Business Park and St. Matthew's Park-n-Ride discontinued. | ||
61LX | Northwest Limited Express | Marion Transit Center - Tampa | Carrollwood Baptist Church Park-n-Ride | Discontinued on October 8, 2017 due to low ridership. Portion from downtown to Northwest Transfer Center Park-n-Ride served by new Route 60LX (which goes on a slightly different route). Service to Citrus Park Park-n-Ride and to Carrollwood Baptist Church Park-n-Ride discontinued. | ||
200X | Clearwater Express | Marion Transit Center - Tampa | Eddie C Moore Park-n-Ride | Discontinued on October 8, 2017 due to low ridership. |
MetroRapid Service
MetroRapid is HART’s "light" Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service, which launched on May 28, 2013. Between May 28 and June 7, HART provided customers a chance to use MetroRapid for free. This allowed customers to get a feel for the new service, while allowing HART staff to work out any last-minute problems before the start of revenue service. MetroRapid officially began revenue service on June 10, 2013, with a formal ribbon cutting held at the Hidden River Corporate Park grounds in Tampa Palms.
MetroRapid currently consists of one line, the North-South line, which runs from Downtown Tampa to the University Area Transit Center (UATC) via Nebraska and Fletcher Avenues. Selected trips continue along Fletcher Ave from the UATC to Hidden River Corporate Park near Interstate 75. It replaced Route 2.
TECO Line Streetcar System
HART in partnership with Tampa Electric (TECO) operates the TECO Line Streetcar System, which is a classic streetcar rail system between Centro Ybor in Ybor City and the Fort Brooke Parking Garage at Franklin and Whiting Streets, with eleven stops along the way serving Ybor City, the Channel District, and the Amalie Arena/Tampa Convention Center areas. The route runs 11 AM - 10 PM Monday through Thursday, 11 AM - 2 AM Friday and Saturday, and Noon - 8 PM on Sunday. Service is provided every 20 minutes, except between 1 and 2 AM when service is every half-hour. Fare is $2.50 each trip with multiple-trip fare cards and discounted fares available. Regular multiple-day passes as well as the HART/PSTA Passport are also accepted.
Due to decreased funding, the hours and frequency for the TECO Streetcar Line were reduced in November, 2011.[5]
Late-night service
In 2006, HART introduced late-night bus service on nine local bus routes in order to meet the diverse needs of its patrons. Some of these routes now run as late as 1 am as a result in the increase of service. Since 2007, the number of routes running weekday services beyond 8:00pm has increased to 16 routes. Due to recent budget cuts, some routes have had several trips cut, resulting in an earlier end to service. If further cuts are made due to depleting funding avenues, late-night service may be up for further reduction or elimination in 2013.
- Route 1 - Florida Ave (runs until 12:37am on weekdays, 11:07pm on Saturdays, and 9:07pm on Sundays)
- Route 2 - Nebraska Ave (runs until 12:33am on weekdays, 11:40pm on Saturdays, and 10:10pm on Sundays)
- Route 5 - 40th St (runs through 10:19pm on weekdays. Saturday service ends at 7:30pm and Sunday service ends at 6:30pm)
- Route 6 - 56th St (runs until 12:35am on weekdays and 9:35pm on weekends)
- Route 8 - Progress Village/Brandon (runs until 10:00pm on weekdays, and 9:50pm on weekends)
- Route 12 - 22nd St (runs until 1am on weekdays and 10:30pm on weekends)
- Route 18 - 30th St (final northbound weekday trip leaves Marion Transit Center at 8:30pm. The final weekday southbound trip leaves Livingston Ave at 9:40pm. Weekend services end at 8:00pm)
- Route 19 - Port Tampa (runs until 1:20am on weekends and 10:30pm on weekends)
- Route 30 - Town n' Country/Airport Runs until 1:15am on weekdays and 11:15pm on weekends).
- Route 32 - MLK Blvd (runs until 1am on weekdays and 11pm on weekends)
- Route 33 - Fletcher Ave (runs until 11pm on weekdays, 10pm on Saturdays, and 8pm on Sundays)
- Route 34 - Hillsborough Ave (runs until 1am on weekdays, 10:30pm on Saturdays, and 9:50pm on Sundays)
- Route 36 - Dale Mabry/Himes Ave (runs until 10:30pm on weekdays and 9:00pm on weekends)
- Route 39 - Busch Blvd (runs through 10:30pm on weekdays and Saturdays and through 9pm on Sundays)
- Route 45 - UATC/WestShore (runs through 10pm on weekdays and 8pm on weekends)
- Note: Routes 2, 12, and 18 have their last southbound trip terminate at Columbus Drive. Route 6 has its last southbound trip terminate at the HART Operations Facility.
Holiday service
HART operates service on all major holidays, but the level of service may be reduced:
- New Year's Day - Sunday service.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Weekday service with no express service.
- Memorial Day - Sunday service.
- Independence Day - Sunday service (Saturday service may operate if July 4 falls on a Saturday).
- Labor Day - Sunday service.
- Veterans Day - Weekday service with no Route 24LX or Route 25LX service.
- Thanksgiving Day - Sunday service.
- Day after Thanksgiving - Weekday service with no express service.
- Christmas Eve - Varies (typically weekday service with no express service or Saturday service. Sunday service will operate if December 24 falls on a weekend).
- Christmas Day - Sunday service.
- Day after Christmas - Varies (typically weekday service, unless December 26 falls on a weekend).
- The TECO Line Streetcar system operates on a normal schedule regardless of holiday. If a holiday falls on a weekend, weekend service will operate respectively. The only exceptions are Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, where there is no streetcar service.
Bus Terminals/Transit Centers
Like many transit agencies, HART has operated its bus system similar to a hub and spoke model. However, with system redesigns taking place in 2005 and 2017, the reliance on traditional hubs has lessened in favor of a grid-based system where transfers are done at key intersections and corridors. The main hub for HART is the Marion Transit Center in Downtown Tampa, serving nearly 30 local and express routes (including PSTA's 100X and 300X), and also serves as stops for Megabus and RedCoach. The center was constructed in 2001, replacing the obsolete Northern Terminal, which sat underneath the I-275 viaduct. The Marion Transit Center includes a customer service center, office space, bus driver lounge, restrooms, bus shelters, and an array of public art displays and flanks the northern end of the Marion Street Transitway, which was constructed in 1989 as a "fare free" zone (though the designation was eliminated in 2008). Serving Routes 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 19, 30, 60LX, 275LX, and the MetroRapid North-South Line.
Other major bus terminals include:
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/16/HART_University_Area_Transit_Center.jpg/300px-HART_University_Area_Transit_Center.jpg)
- University Area Transit Center: Constructed in the late 1990s and located in the USF area (within the quadrant of 131st Ave, Livingston Ave, N 27th St, and 132nd Ave), the UATC is the transfer point for 12 local bus routes. This facility includes bus shelters, restrooms, and a customer service center. Prior to the UATC's construction, HART spent several years juggling around several different locations as a transfer point in the University area, including University Mall. However, the University Mall plan failed to materialize due to financial problems and community opposition. [3] [4] [5].. Serving Routes 1, 5, 6, 9, 12, 33, 42, 48, and the MetroRapid North-South Line.
- NetPark Transfer Center: Located in east Tampa (off 56th Street and Hillsborough Ave), this facility is a transfer point for 9 local routes and includes restrooms, phones, and vending machines and will serve as a stop for HART's MetroRapid system. Serving Routes 6, 15, 32, 34, 37, 38, and 48.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/27/HART_West_Tampa_Transfer_Center.jpg/300px-HART_West_Tampa_Transfer_Center.jpg)
- West Tampa Transfer Center: Located right across the street from Raymond James Stadium, this facility is the transfer point for 5 local routes and a future station for HART's MetroRapid system. Amenities include restrooms, vending machines, and phones. Permanently closed following the Mission MAX system redesign in 2017. HART currently has no immediate intention to reactivate the hub and could sell the land in the distant future for redevelopment if longer-term plans deem it necessary to do so.
- Northwest Transfer Center: Located on the corner of Sheldon Road and Waters Ave, the Northwest Transfer Center replaced the makeshift bus depot at Hanley/Waters Plaza. Construction began in the spring of 2007 and was dedicated/opened to patrons July 29, 2008 [6]. The new facility is equipped with vending machines, restrooms for both patrons and employees, an adjacent park-n-ride lot for Route 61LX and local bus routes, and eight bus loading bays. Serving Routes 16, 30, 34, 35, 39, Town-N-Country FLEX service, and the PSTA Tampa/Oldsmar Flex Connector.
- Tampa International Airport Rental Car Facility Bus Hub: Located on the grounds of TPA Airport, adjacent to the new Rental Car Facility, five bus loading bays along a straightaway drive allows for loading and unloading of transit buses, with future expansion in mind. Customers can easily connect to and from the airport terminal via SkyConnect. Serving Routes 30, 32, 35, 60LX, 275LX, and PSTA Route 300X.
Secondary Bus Terminals
- WestShore Plaza - WestShore Business District: Routes 15, 45, and South Tampa FLEX.
- Britton Plaza - South Tampa/Interbay: Routes 17, 19, 36, South Tampa FLEX, and PSTA Route 100X.
- SouthShore Regional Service Center - SouthShore/Ruskin: Routes 31 and SouthShore FLEX.
- Westfield Brandon - Brandon: Routes 8, 31, 37, 46, 60LX, 75LX, and 360LX.
- Yukon Transfer Center - Sulphur Springs: Routes 14, 42, and 45.
The Marion Street Transitway
Constructed in the 1980s, the Marion Street Transitway provides a line of bus shelters along the street to allow patrons to easily board and deboard buses within Downtown Tampa. The transitway runs from the Marion Transit Center to Whiting Street and was originally a "fare-free" zone until 2008. All of the shelters along the transitway were equipped with departure time signage at one time, allowing patrons to view when the next bus would arrive. Such technology in the past have malfunctioned and were removed as a result. The remaining "shells" of this signage will eventually be removed as well, being replaced with new technology.
Awards
In 2009, the Florida Public Transit Association awarded HART with the "Outstanding System" award. The award was granted to HART based on numerous system improvements and growing ridership over the past three years. The FPTA also awarded HART in several other categories including marketing, safety, and Mechanic of the Year. [7]
On May 27, 2010, HART announced that they have been awarded the 2010 "Most Outstanding Mid-sized Public Transportation System Achievement" Award. The award touts HART's achievements in ridership growth, financial management, environmental sustainability, workforce development, and community relations. The American Public Transportation Association honors one public transportation system in North America in three size categories every year. Systems are judged on their performance over a 3-year period. [8]
Budget cuts and system reorganization (2007 through 2011)
Like many local agencies throughout Florida, HART was forced in 2007 to cut its budget by $1.7 million. As a result of this, HARTflex service was canceled and numerous routes saw drawbacks in service. Limited Express Route 52 and Trolley Route 98 were eliminated due to low ridership.
During the 2009/2010 fiscal year, HART slashed another $3 million from its budget in order to compensate for additional property tax revenue losses. This move was achieved by trimming service in Town-N-Country and North Tampa, as well as cutting underutilized trips on numerous routes [9].
To counteract plummeting property tax revenues, HART proposed to switch to a sales tax-based system which many other transit agencies in Florida already use. However, this proposal requires voter approval and the chances of such a move passing during the nationwide recession is extremely low. HART and Hillsborough County attempted to pass such a measure during the 2010 election season, but it failed by a 58/42% margin [10].
Despite drawbacks caused by state and county mandated budget cuts and the global recession, HART is striving to improve transit service in the future by managing existing service while only cutting under-performing service and gradually raising fares. HART's 2008 Community Report[permanent dead link] outlined several key changes, such as the introduction of HARTflex service and the upcoming MetroRapid system.
Since 2010, a majority of HART's routes have been realigned to better serve patrons throughout the county. These changes included eliminating inefficient segments and trips, realigning travel times, and adding services that would better serve patrons in the long term. Several under-performing routes (such as Neighborhood Connector routes 87, 88, and 89) were eliminated in favor of neighboring transit routes, HARTflex service, or (in the case of Route 59LX) by improved services (Route 61LX). HART also began testing a limited stop route, Route 6LTD, to replace Route 23X.[6]
Mission MAX (2017-2020 System-wide Restructuring)
With many fiscal impacts looming to negatively impact HART's future plans and budgeting - including, but no limited to: reducing the size of the agency's debts, preparing for possible reductions in property tax revenues and federal transit funding support, and the national trend of declining transit ridership - the agency announced in early 2017 that it would launch a Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) of the entire system as part of its next Transit Development Plan (TDP) update. This analysis allowed HART to essentially evaluate every route in the system to see which ones can be improved and which ones would have to be eliminated based on ridership levels and demand. Public outreach began during the spring of 2017 and continued through the summer - eventually leading up to the announcement of a system-wide restructuring effort called Mission MAX, which focuses on modernizing the system to operate with less reliance on traditional transfer hubs and more on a grid system, shorten travel times on key core routes, eliminate out-of-direction travel, and provide more direct service to key destinations. Mission MAX will also provide HART with the foundation that it needs to better analyze and execute future expansion endeavors [11].
Plans
HART has the following projects planned to begin service within the next five years.
West Shore Multi-Modal Center
HART and the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority have been discussing plans to build a transfer center at Tampa International Airport since 2008. Originally, the facility was to be located at the corner of O'Brien and Spruce streets [12][permanent dead link] but was dropped in 2011 in favor of a site closer to the TIA terminal. [13] Plans for any type of transfer center on TIA property collapsed in 2012 following the impact of global economic downturn and the consolidation of the airline industry on TIA's broad terminal expansion plans. In March, 2013, plans were unveiled for a possible Multi-Modal center along Interstate 275 in the WestShore Business District that could cater to multiple bus connections, light rail or commuter rail lines, and a People Mover system connecting the airport. This plan is heavily dependent on whether public transit in both Hillsborough and Pinellas counties are able to further expand. This in-turn, would be dependent on future funding situations [14][15].
Intelligent Transportation Systems
According to HART's 2008 Community Report, efforts are currently underway to construct an intelligent transportation system (ITS). Elements of this project include installing surveillance cameras and audio monitoring equipment, GPS systems, automated annunciator systems, real-time information display signs and other elements to all HART buses and several transfer centers. Such systems will allow patrons in the future to see in real-time, upcoming departures, major intersections, landmarks, and connecting routes. Many of these elements, including GPS, security, and automated annunciator systems were installed during the course of 2008 through 2010.
Bus fleet reorganization/improvements
Another improvement to HART's existing bus fleet is the repainting of buses to better match the livery that is already carried by Commuter Express buses. However, instead of the purple and white livery of the express buses, local buses are being repainted in a blue and white scheme (matching the colors of HART's logo). Bus #2015 was the first bus to be painted in the new colors, returning to service in August 2008, upon the receipt of federal stimulus funds in 2009, HART accelerated the repainting process, allowing more buses to sport the new livery.
In 2008, the agency acquired 12 25-foot Champion/Freightliner T-300 buses (from Dallas Area Rapid Transit) to be used on the fixed-route system while its existing fleet was repainted. These buses were retired in March and April 2010, with the arrival of the 29 40-foot 2010 model (10XX) Gillig Low Floor buses.
Beginning in August 2009, HART retired its fleet of Gillig Phantom buses, which the agency purchased in 1996 and 1997 to replace Flixible Metro buses purchased during the 1980s. These buses were replaced by 30 2009 model (29XX) year 40-foot (12 m) Gillig Low Floor buses that were purchased with the help of federal stimulus funds. Although seven of the 30-foot (9.1 m) Phantoms were already taken out of service in 2007, HART kept three (#s 602, 608, and 609) in service beyond that time. By mid September, 2009, all of the 30-foot (9.1 m) Gillig Phantom buses were retired, along with most of the 35-foot (11 m) models. The final nine buses that were phased out during the week of September 30, 2009 included #s 703, 708, 711, 713, 717, 720, 723, 725, and 726, with #725 being featured at HART's 30th Anniversary Ceremony on September 30.
In 2010, HART retired all but two of its 2000 model (20XX) 30 ft Gillig buses after the arrival of the 10XX Gillig fleet. Bus #2005 and #2015 (which were repainted in HART's new livery) will remain active until 2012, due to extended downtime earlier on in 2008/2009. In 2009, bus #2006 was retired due to an accident that permanently put it out of service. During the summer and fall of 2010, the 25XX and 26XX buses were all repainted in HART's blue and white livery. The MetroRapid system will bring forth another fleet of new buses, including the possibility of articulated buses further down the road.
American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009
HART is slated to receive just over $15 million from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 that President Barack Obama signed into law in February 2009. Among the improvements that HART proposed to make: an expansion and upgrade to its operations facility in Ybor City, secure the purchase of 30 forty-foot Gillig Low Floor buses, streetcar extension, and the repainting of HART's existing fleet. ([16])
Conversion to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
In November, 2011, HART was awarded a $2.3 million federal grant to build a CNG fueling station at its operations facility. This will allow all of HART's existing fleet to gradually be replaced by CNG fueled vehicles. Construction is slated to begin sometime in 2012, with completion in 2013 [17].
Active fleet
- As of November 2010, all local/express HART buses are in the blue and white livery. Trolley buses are in a similar blue/white livery, and MetroRapid buses (except #1212) are in a green/gray/white livery.
Year | Builder/Model | Example | Numbers | Length (ft) |
Active | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2005 | Gillig
Low Floor BRT 40FT |
2502–2512 | 40 | 12 | 2501 was retired as of 9/1/18. | |
2006 | Gillig
Low Floor 40FT |
2601–2612 | 40 | 12 | Used as spares only. | |
2007 | Gillig
Low Floor Replica Trolley 30FT |
![]() |
2701–2705 | 30 | 5 | Currently active, but slated for retirement in 2019. Currently used as spares. |
2009 | Gillig
Low Floor 40FT |
2901–2930 | 40 | 30 | ||
2010 | Gillig
Low Floor 40FT |
![]() |
1001–1029 | 40 | 29 | |
2011 | Gillig
Low Floor BRT Suburban 40FT |
1101-1106 | 40 | 6 | Acquired from Sarasota County Area Transit - Former #'s 1101X-1106X [18][19] | |
2012 | Gillig
Low Floor 40FT |
![]() |
1201-1212 | 40 | 12 | Standard Low Floor units with rear roof fairing option, wrapped in special livery for MetroRapid. As of 7/20/16, #1212 was repainted in gold colors with a full ad wrap and is operating on local and express routes. As of 6/1/18, the bus has been re-wrapped back to MetroRapid livery and is once again operating there. |
2012 | Gillig
Low Floor BRT Suburban 40FT |
1213-1214 | 40 | 2 | Acquired from Sarasota County Area Transit - Former #'s 1201X-1202X [20][21] | |
2012 | Gillig
Low Floor 40FT |
1215–1216 | 40 | 2 | ||
2013 | Gillig
Low Floor 40FT |
![]() |
1301-1312 | 40 | 12 | |
2015 | Gillig
Low Floor 40FT CNG |
![]() |
1501-1522 | 40 | 22 | |
2016 | Gillig
Low Floor 40FT CNG |
1601-1613 | 40 | 13 | All buses have been delivered to HART as of 9/5/16. All buses are in revenue service as of 10/29/16. | |
2017 | Gillig
Low Floor 40FT CNG |
1701-1715 | 40 | 15 | All buses have been delivered to HART as of 9/1/17. All buses are in revenue service as of 10/2/17. | |
2017 | Gillig
Low Floor 40FT CNG (BRT Plus) |
1716-1725 | 40 | 10 | Funding obtained through a grant from the Federal Transit Administration. All buses are in revenue service as of 12/17/17. | |
2019 | Gillig
Low Floor 40FT CNG |
1901-1910 | 40 | 10 | Currently on order with expected delivery in early 2019. |
Retired fleet
Year | Builder/Model | Example | Numbers (if available) | Length (ft) |
Time in service | Number of buses in fleet | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1971–1974 | Flxible | 121-154,221-245 | 35 | 1981–1993 | 48 | These buses were among HART's initial fleet, given by the city of Tampa, when the agency was formed in 1981. Numbers 130,140,150,160,222,230,233,240,244 not used. | |
1974 | GMC | 246-248;097-099 | 35 | 1981–1993 | 6 | These buses were among HART's initial fleet, given by the city of Tampa, when the agency was formed in 1981. Some of these buses were used for a Tampa-St Pete shuttle experiment by the state of Florida, the others were acquired second-hand by HART from the Florida Department of Transportation in the early 1980s.. | |
1978 | GMC | 249-269 | 35 | 1981–1993 | 17 | These buses were among HART's initial fleet, given by the city of Tampa, when the agency was formed in 1981. Numbers 250,255,260,266 not used. | |
1982 | Flxible | 111,112,215-219,271-309 | 40 | 1982–1994 | 40 | HART purchased these buses in 1981 to expand its initial fleet. Numbers 277,280,288,290,299,300 not used. | |
1983–1985 | Flxible | 113-115,171-199,351-379 | 35 | 1983-1995/96/97 | 57 | HART purchased these buses in 1981 to expand its initial fleet. These buses were replaced by Gillig Phantom buses, beginning in 1996. Numbers 180,190,360,370 not used. | |
1983–1985 | Flxible | 311-319,321-326,341-346 | 40 | 1983-1995/96/97 | 21 | HART purchased these buses in 1981 to expand its initial fleet. These buses were replaced by Gillig Phantom buses, beginning in 1996. | |
1986/1987 | GMC | 221-235,401-420 | 40 | 1986–1999 | 35 | HART purchased these buses between 1986 and 1987 to further expand its fleet. They were later replaced by Gillig Low Floor models. 200's model T80606, 400's model T80604. | |
1988/1989 | Flxible | 121-140 | 40 | 1988–2001 | 20 | Twenty of these buses were ordered in the late 1988-89 time frame and were later replaced by Gillig Low Floor models. | |
1996/1997 | Gillig | 601-610, 701-727 | 30/35 | 1996/97-2009 | 37 | The Gillig Phantom bus fleet replaced the early 1980s models of Flxible Metro buses, as well as other older models. HART purchased 10 30-foot models in 1996, followed by 27 35-foot models in 1997. In 2007, the authority began phasing out all but three of the 30-foot (9.1 m) models. The remaining models continued to run on lower frequency routes. HART retired the remaining 30 and 35-foot (11 m) models in August 2009 in favor of 40-foot (12 m) Gillig Low Floor models (29XX buses), with the final nine (703, 708, 711, 713, 717, 720, 723, 725, and 726) being retired in late September. | |
1998 | Optima
American Heritage Streetcar |
801-802 | 28 | 1999–2007 | 2 | HART used trolley type buses around downtown Tampa on more than one occasion.
The most recent retired trolley fleet was acquired in 1999 from Optima Bus Corporation. These buses were retired after HART purchased a small fleet of replica trolleys from Gillig Corporation. | |
1999 | Gillig
Low Floor 35FT |
901-917 | 35 | 1999–2012 | 17 | These buses ran in the HART system from 1999 through 2012. Although some buses had an interior refurbishment, high maintenance costs forced HART to retire them as well. There are no immediate plans to replace this fleet due to a lack of funding. | |
2000 | Gillig
Low Floor 29FT |
2001–2017 | 29 | 2000–2012 | 17 | These buses ran in the HART system from 2000 through 2011. HART originally had plans to keep these buses in a contingency fleet, but those plans were scrapped after a sales tax referendum failed in November 2010. #2015 was rebranded and placed back into service in August 2008 (due to a period extended downtime). #2005 was rebranded and placed back into service as of April, 2010. These two buses were retired in early 2012 due to high maintenance costs. There are no immediate plans to replace this fleet due to a lack of funding. | |
2001 | Champion
T300 27FT |
52XX - 55XX | 27 | 2008–2010 | 12 | HART acquired 12 of these buses from Dallas Area Rapid Transit in Dallas, Texas, in 2008 as part of their contingency fleet during fleet rebranding. These buses have since been retired in favor of 40-foot (12 m) Gillig Low Floor models (10XX buses). | |
2001 | Gillig
Low Floor 40FT |
2101–2123 | 40 | 2001-2016 | 23 | All buses, except #2106, were retired as of October, 2015. #2106 was decommissioned from revenue service as of 7/5/16, replaced by #1601. | |
2002 | Gillig
Low Floor 40FT |
![]() |
2201–2210 | 40 | 2002-2016 | 10 | All buses, except #2210, were retired as of October, 2015. #2210 was decommissioned from revenue service as of 8/16/16, replaced by #1602. |
2002 | Gillig
Low Floor 29FT |
![]() |
2215–2229 | 29 | 2002-2015 | 15 | All buses have been retired (replaced by the 1500s) |
2003 | Gillig
Low Floor 40FT |
2315-2327 | 40 | 2003-2016 | 12 | All buses, except #'s 2325 and 2327 were retired as of October 29, 2016. Replaced by #'s 1603 through 1613. The remaining units were replaced by #'s 1701 and 1702. | |
2003 | Gillig
Low Floor 29FT |
![]() |
2301–2310 | 29 | 2003-2017 | 10 | All buses have been retired (replaced by the 1600s & 1700s) |
2003 | Gillig
Low Floor 40FT |
![]() |
2315–2327 | 40 | 2003-2017 | 2 | All buses have been retired (replaced by the 1600s & 1700s) |
2004 | Gillig
Low Floor 40FT |
2401–2419 | 40 | 2004-2017 | 18 | All buses have been retired (replaced by the 1700s) | |
2004 | Gillig
Low Floor HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) 40FT |
![]() |
2425–2427 | 40 | 2004-2017 | 3 [22] | All buses have been retired (replaced by the 1700s) |
HART has also used several sub-types which were retired, such as Blue Bird coaches 551-555 and Orion II's 451-453.
The city of Tampa operated the municipal bus system starting in 1971 until the formation of the Hillsborough County Transit system in 1981. The city took over the bus operation from National City Lines. Just prior to the city takeover, National City Lines operated a rag-tag fleet of 1950s vintage coaches, plus 19 GM New Look TDH-4517 (A.C.) 35-foot buses purchased in 1960 (one bus from the original order of 20 burned down in the mid-1960s), and 10 GM Old Look TDH-3501 (A.C.) buses acquired new in 1967. The fleet also included 19 35-foot GM TDH4512 buses from 1958 and 1959 and 20 or more GM TDH-3612 30-foot buses acquired in the early 1950s. Most of the buses were transferred to the city operation. Then Mayor Dick Greco decided to repaint the fleet in various colors,including orange, pink, blue, yellow, and the original National City Lines pale green. The multi-color scheme was carried over to the Flxible new looks which were ordered in 1974 but the "jellybean" scheme was abandoned when the order for 17 GM RTS buses delivery in 1980. A wite[clarification needed] color scheme with a rainbow stripe under the windows was adopted in 1980 and used until the HART take-over and the adoption of a red and orange stripe on a white bus background.
City of Tampa (Tampa Bus Lines) All-time Roster 1971-1981:
4500-4501 1949 GMC TDH3612 ex Tampa Transit Lines 2909,2912, originally Mobile City Lines 2909,2912
4502-4506 1950 GMC TDH3612 ex Tampa Transit Lines 3242,3246,3248,3252,3254. Delivered new Dec. 1950 as part of a 14 bus order.
4507-4510 1951 GMC TDH3612 ex Tampa Transit Lines 3367-3370, originally Terre Haute City Lines 3367-3370
4511-4514 1951 GMC TDH3612 ex Tampa Transit Lines 3371-3373,3375. Delivered new on 3/51 as part of a 5 bus order.
4515-4529 1958 GMC TDH4512 ex Tampa transit Lines 3830-3844. Delivered all 15 new buses between Feb. and Jun. 1958. These were the first new buses delivered to Tampa Transit Lines in 8 years.
4530-4533 1959 GMC TDH4512 ex Tampa Transit Lines 3845-3848. All 4 buses delivered new in Jun. 1959.
4534-4553 1960 GMC TDH4517 ex Tampa Transit Lines 4004-4012,4014-4024. Delivered new in 1960 to replace a fleet of Mack buses and were returned to City Transit Lines as the new Flxibles arrived.
4554-4561 1967 GMC TDH3501 ex Tampa Transit Lines 4138-4147 (except two, numbers unknown. Delivered as part of a 10 bus order in 1967. Previous order for new buses was in 1960 for 20 "new-look" 35-foot (11 m) buses.
(Tampa Bus Lines reused fleet numbers of retired buses for new purchases)
4562-4588 1971 Flxible 111DD-D051 (Buses had plastic seats without cushions)
4536-4548 (2nd) 1973 Flxible 45096-6-1
4501,4503,4508-4510,4514,4534-4535,4549-4554,4558-4561(2nd),4589-4590 1974 Flxible 45096-6-1
4591-4593 1974 GMC T6H4523A
4555-4557 (2nd) 1974? Nicrobus MB-711
4600-4616 1980 GMC T7H603
4501,4503,4508-4510,4514,4534-4554,4558-4593,4600-4616 to HART 1983, renumbered 121-129,131-139,141-149,151-159,161-164,221,223-229,231-232,234-239,241-243,245-249,251-254,256-259,251-265,267-269 in numerical order Also three New-Look second hand buses (numbered 097-099) for use in new Commuter Express routes were added to the fleet pending the arrival of the initial batch of 40 ft (12 m). Flxibles.
References
- ^ http://www.gohart.org/departments/executive/packets/pdf_packets/archive/board_packet_09-08-2008A.pdf[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-05-11. Retrieved 2015-07-27.
{{cite web}}
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{{cite web}}
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(help) - ^ "HART In-Towner now free to ride". Tampa Bay Times. St. Petersburg, FL. October 6, 2015. Retrieved 2015-12-26.
- ^ Shopes, Rich (August 2, 2011). "Economy hurting HART streetcar ridership". TampaBay.com. The St. Petersburg Times. Archived from the original on 2011-08-11. Retrieved 2011-10-14.
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- HART's 2006/2007 proposed fare and service changes A list of service and fare changes that will encompass FY 2006/2007.
- HART To Take Riders From Door To Store[permanent dead link] Tampa Tribune - January 29, 2007.
- Hillsborough County to start door-to-door bus service Bay News 9 - 4/3/07.
- HART To Scale Back Service[permanent dead link] Tampa Tribune - June 24, 2007.
- Bus systems roll with cuts St. Petersburg Times - July 8, 2007.
- MetroRapid project information - www.goHART.org
- HARTflex Information - www.goHART.org
External links
- GoHART Redesigned website introduced on December 31, 2008.
- TECO Line Streetcar System
- Why Transit?[permanent dead link] from goHART.org
- Tampa Bay Transit
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)