HART Operator Reunites Lost Child with Mother

HART is celebrating the heroic actions of Bus Operator Barbara Baker, whose quick thinking and compassion helped reunite a lost child with his family.

As captured in a recent onboard video, Operator Baker demonstrated remarkable initiative when she spotted a small child in the middle of a busy roadway. Without hesitation, she safely pulled her bus to the side, exited the vehicle, and brought the child out of harm’s way. She remained with the child until officers from the Tampa Police Department arrived. Thanks to her quick and heroic actions, the child was safely reunited with his family shortly after being discovered.

“This is a powerful reminder that our Operators do far more than drive buses — they also serve as guardians of the community every single day,” said HART CEO Scott Drainville. “Operator Baker’s courage and attentiveness exemplify the dedication and heart that define our team.”

HART vehicles are designated as a Hillsborough County Safe Place, and HART Operators are trained to remain vigilant and situationally aware for instances such as a lost child, human trafficking, etc. This incident highlights the vital role they play in protecting and serving the residents and visitors of Hillsborough County.

Well done, Operator Baker — your heroism inspires us all!

HART Has You Covered: New Bus Stop Upgrades Improve the Customer Experience

The Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) is making significant strides to improve the customer experience in East Tampa. Since January 2025, HART has completed construction on seven upgraded bus stops and installed 17 new bus shelters, with an additional six stops currently in the engineering and design phase. These improvements represent a $908,013 investment in District 3 as part of HART’s FY25 Basic Transit Infrastructure (BTI) program.

Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers joined HART CEO Scott Drainville in Riverview on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, to celebrate the opening of the newest bus shelter with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Bloomingdale Avenue and Simpson Road. The bus stop serves Routes 8 and 31, connecting Riverview with Ruskin and Downtown Tampa.

“Investments like these in District 3 not only modernize our transit system but also show our commitment to the customers who rely on HART every day,” said District 3 Commissioner Gwen Myers. “Better bus stops and shelters mean a more comfortable and accessible travel experience for everyone in our community.”

The upgrades aim to enhance the customer experience by offering greater comfort, safety, and accessibility. New shelters provide shade and protection from the weather, improved seating, and ADA-compliant features, creating a more reliable and pleasant environment for daily customers.

Overall, HART is investing roughly $5 million into HART’s BTI program countywide, thanks to a Community Investment Grant secured by Representative Kathy Castor.

The Community Investment Grant is funding:

• Design and construction of 50-60 bus stops that need improvement ($2.7 millio
• Further developing shelter program with the purchase and installation of 60 shelters ($1.2 million)
• Launch of a new Bus Stop Technology program ($1.1 million)
• "Next bus" real-time display information
• ADA-accessibility
• Braille / push button “next bus” announcements at stops

These capital investments also support broader community goals, including economic development, sustainability, and equitable access to public transportation.

TECO Line Streetcar Track Maintenance to Affect Service Sept. 22-26

The TECO Line Streetcar will replace all wooden cross ties on ballasted track between Harbor Street and McCay Street from Monday, Sept. 22, through Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. The track maintenance will impact streetcar service, resulting in a shuttle bus operating between Cadrecha Plaza Station (#4) and Port Tampa Bay Station (#5).

Streetcar Service plan during track closure:

• Streetcar operations: One car will serve Stations #1–#4 in Ybor City; two cars will operate in the downtown area Stations #5–#11
• Bus bridge: Running during regular streetcar hours between the closure points, with pickups north of Station #4 on 8th Avenue in Ybor and at McCay Street next to Station #5.
• Rider information: Signage with service details will be posted at stations; please allow extra travel time.

Project completion is targeted for Friday, Sept. 26, 2025.

Customers with questions can contact HART Customer Service at 813-254-4278 or visit TECOLineStreetcar.org for more information.

Streetcar Track Closure Service Map - Sept. 22 - Sept. 26

HART Welcomes Councilman Alan Clendenin to the Board of Directors

HART announces that Councilman Alan Clendenin has been appointed to the HART Board of Directors, representing the City of Tampa. His appointment follows the unexpected passing of Councilwoman Gwen Henderson, who previously represented the City of Tampa on the Board.

Councilman Clendenin brings decades of public service and operational experience to the HART Board. He served 32 years with the Federal Aviation Administration as an air traffic control specialist, gaining extensive labor-management experience in a safety-critical environment.

He is Chairman of the Tampa City Council representing District 1 (citywide) and serves on the Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, Tampa Sports Authority, and the Tampa Bay Committee on Foreign Relations, with prior service on the City of Tampa Civil Service Board.

A Tampa resident since 1985, he and his partner raised two children in the city’s public schools.

HART welcomes Councilman Clendenin to the Board of Directors and looks forward to his stewardship!

Councilman Clendenin

Hop on HART this School Year with the Youth Pass!

Welcome back, HCPS students!

HART riders ages 6–18 are required to pay the Youth Fare when riding.

The Youth Fare is 50% off the regular fare, offering an affordable way for students to get to school, work, and activities:

• $2 Day Pass
• $32.50 Monthly Pass

Children age 5 and under continue to ride free when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

How to Register for the HART Youth Pass

Eligible riders must register in person at one of our Customer Service locations:

1. Marion Transit Center - 1211 N. Marion Street
   Mon–Fri: 6 AM – 6 PM | Sat: 8 AM – 5 PM
2. University Area Transit Center - 13110 N. 27th Street
   Mon–Fri: 6 AM – 5 PM | Sat: 8 AM – 5 PM

The Youth Fare is only available through Flamingo Fares, HART’s convenient mobile app and smart card system.

Start the school year right — ride smarter, save more!

Visit goHART.org for more info.

HART Seeks Public Input on Route 1 Fare-Free Pilot

HART is inviting customers to participate in a new survey to help gather feedback on the City of Tampa-funded Route 1 Fare-free Pilot. The customer survey is open through Sunday, June 15, 2025.

The survey will gather critical community input on the fare-free Route 1 pilot and overall transit needs.

The Route 1 Fare-free pilot was launched in January 2025 to explore the benefits of fare-free service on one of Tampa’s key transit corridors. The pilot removed the fare on Route 1 and increased frequency on Route 1 from every 20 minutes to every 15 minutes during peak hours. The Pilot is scheduled to end in January 2026.

Community members who ride Route 1 are encouraged to participate and help inform long-term planning, including service expansion and evaluating the success and future of fare-free options like the Route 1 Pilot.

The survey is quick to complete and available in English and Spanish.

Survey Links:

• English: Route 1 Rider Survey
• Spanish: Encuesta para pasajeros de la Ruta 1

Storm Season is Here! HART Ready to Operate Emergency Service

In the event of a declared emergency, the Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) will operate its Emergency Evacuation Service at the direction of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

The Emergency Service level is a modified service designed to assist residents in safely reaching designated evacuation shelters. HART buses will transport passengers to four key transfer centers: Netpark, Northwest, Yukon, and the University Area Transit Center. From these locations, Hillsborough County Public Schools will provide transportation to county-approved evacuation shelters.

In low-lying areas, residents in need of transportation to a designated transit center can request HART’s on-demand zone service by calling (813) 254-4278. This service connects individuals to the nearest transit center, where they can then transfer to routes serving designated evacuation meeting points, if necessary.

Emergency Evacuation Service concludes once sustained winds reach 35 mph or if road conditions become unsafe for continued operations. HART urges the public to monitor local news outlets for real-time updates.

Both the Emergency Evacuation and on-demand zone services are free of charge.

“Preparedness is key when severe weather approaches, and HART stands ready to serve our community when called upon,” said Richard Campbell, HART Chief Safety Officer. “As we saw last hurricane season, our team is committed to providing safe and reliable transportation to help residents reach shelter and stay out of harm’s way.”

All HART buses are ADA-accessible and equipped to accommodate up to two wheelchairs per vehicle, ensuring inclusive transportation for all residents.

Residents are encouraged to review the Emergency Service maps and schedules in advance by visiting www.goHART.org.