December marked another month of more than 1 million in bus ridership, as well as an increase in bus ridership of 9.7 percent over December 2009. December 2010 bus ridership tallied at 1,056,626 compared to December 2009 bus ridership of 962,879.

“HART continues to revitalize, restructure and reposition itself to preserve a high-level of service while constraining operating costs,” said HART CEO David Armijo. In addition, more University of South Florida faculty, staff and students are riding HART. U-Pass ridership increased by 21.9 percent in fiscal year 2010 compared to fiscal year 2009. Moreover, U-Pass ridership for the first quarter of fiscal year 2011 is up by 18.9 percent.

As part of their tuition, students who show valid USF identification can ride HART’s local, connector and limited express bus routes free. USF faculty and staff pay only 25 cents with valid USF identification.

HART operates 10 bus routes in the USF area, including several routes that operate until midnight. In addition, the Bull Runner (USF’s campus shuttle service) connects to the University Area Transit Center, HART’s main bus hub for all routes operating in North Tampa. Map of bus routes in USF area: http://www.gohart.org/ride_guide/usf/USF_late_night.pdf

The University Area Transit Center is located at 13110 N. 27th St. in Tampa, and open Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturdays, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

For more information, visit www.goHART.org or 813-254-4278.

High Speed Rail Exhibition at MOSI October 8-9

Posted on September 20, 2010 by Admin4

Florida is about to make U.S. transportation history as the first state to create a high-speed rail network with trains connecting its metropolitan areas at speeds of up to 200 mph. The first segment to be constructed will be Orlando to Tampa, with Miami to Orlando scheduled to follow.

To bring this future to life now, Siemens – the world’s leading provider of Complete Mobility solutions – announces The Future of Florida High-Speed Rail Tour. Come hear the bold vision in store for Florida’s transportation future that Siemens and its consortium partners are envisioning. Walk through a full-size model of a Velaro high-speed train from Siemens and learn about what make these trains run—safely, super fast and sustainably!

Dates: October 8, 2010 (2 PM – 7 PM) and October 9-10, 2010 (9 AM – 5 PM)

Location: MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry)
4801 E. Fowler Avenue
Tampa, Florida

Register now!

USF Bull Runner D Route Detour

Posted on September 20, 2010 by Admin4

Beginning September 20 through November 18, the USF Bull Runner D Route will be on a detour route due to construction on 22nd Street. This will cause some delays and may interfere with BullTracker effectiveness. USF Parking and Transportation is actively monitoring and making adjustments as necessary to minimize the impact.

USF Transportation Expo

Posted on September 17, 2010 by Admin4

Transportation at USF is not just about cars. Learn about alternatives for students, staff and faculty at the Transportation EXPO.

When: Wednesday, September 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Phyllis Marshall Student Center Atrium

What you will find:

Zimride: a new carpooling service at USF that lets you find rides using your social network
New Preferential Parking for Carpoolers: offered by USF Parking and Transportation Services
WeCar: hourly car rental saves you big money and makes a car available when you need it
Bull Runner Shuttle features automated vehicle tracker, use your iPhone to know exactly when the next bus arrives
HART regional bus service: Students ride for free!
8 free Emergency taxi Rides Home: available to those who use transportation alternatives
SAFE Team: night time escort provided by Student Government
ZingoTampa: gets you and your car home safely when you shouldn’t be driving
Borrow Our Bikes Bull Rider Program at Campus Recreation: provided by Student Government
Campus Police bicycle anti-theft registration: from 2-4 pm
Free classes on bicycle and pedestrian safety every hour

And more!

Learn about long range transportation plans for Tampa Bay area
Learn about the proposed rapid transit service that could connect downtown Tampa to USF and beyond and differing perspectives about it
Join Tampa BayCycle, the USF Bicycle Club and WalkWise Tampa Bay for safe bicycling and walking
Find out about plans to place electric plug-in infrastructure throughout the region to make electric vehicles a reliable transportation option
Register to vote! Hillsborough County League of Women Voters, and volunteers from the USF Residence Hall Association and the USF Student Chapter of ITE will help you from 11 am –2 pm

Co-Sponsored by: USF Office of Sustainability and the New North Transportation Alliance

For more information, contact Sara Hendricks at Hendricks@cutr.usf.edu.

HART Needs Your Help on the Alternatives Analysis Study

Posted on September 17, 2010 by Admin4

Attend a public hearing on the Alternatives Analysis Study

Use of U-Pass Spikes

Saturday, September 25
9AM – 12 Noon
University Area Community Development Center
14013 North 22nd St.
Tampa, Florida 33613

Thursday, September 30
4:30PM – 6:30PM
County Center, 2nd Floor
BOCC Board Room
601 East Kennedy Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33602

Provide your feedback and comments on the alignments and technology

*All comments on the Alternatives Analysis must be received by October 7. For more information, visit www.gohartaa.org.

HART is in the final phase of the Alternatives Analysis (AA) study and will develop recommendations on the preferred alternative in each corridor. The following work is being undertaken:

Finalizing the remaining alternatives, including the alignment, vehicle requirements, station locations, supporting park and ride lots, operating and capital costs
Comparing the performance of each alternative against several factors, including ridership, travel time, land use, and economic development, cost and cost effectiveness
Developing recommendations on the alternative that would best address community needs:

– Specific technology: bus, bus rapid transit, light rail
– Specific route alignment and end points

We Need Your Input!
Public input is a critical part of the AA study. Six Community Open Houses and two Public Hearings will be held in September. Click here to ensure your voice is heard!

For more information regarding the Alternatives Analysis process and the alternatives being studied, or to share your comments, questions and concerns, visit the AA website at www.goHARTAA.org.

New North Transportation Alliance

at the Center for Urban Transportation Research

USF Bull Runner Adds New Route

University Area Community Plan Update

HART December Ridership Increases by 9.7%

High Speed Rail Exhibition at MOSI October 8-9

USF Bull Runner D Route Detour

USF Transportation Expo

HART Needs Your Help on the Alternatives Analysis Study

New Tampa and Wesley Chapel Mobility Forum

HART Community Open Houses and Public Hearings on Alternatives Analysis Study

New Parking Permit Available for Carpoolers at USF Tampa Campus