CUSTOMER SERVICE

Mission MAX represents the first comprehensive review of the HART transit network since 2003. In that time, the Tampa Bay region has grown and changed dramatically while the transit system has remained relatively constant. Mission MAX takes HART’s current resources and redesigns the system to better meet the mobility needs of our customers and operate efficiently, ensuring that we provide the best “bang for the buck”.

Importantly, nearly 80% of HART’s customers provided feedback saying they would rather have service every 10-20 minutes – even if they had to travel further to get to their stop.

While some walks will be longer, some will be shorter. The new system will now see 24% of HART service with a bus frequency of 15 minutes or less, up from 5% prior to the redesign. Hourly express service will be increased by 500% within the next 2-3 years.

People are traveling between homes and destinations all over Hillsborough County. If we tried to run direct service from all of those locations we’d have hundreds of routes and wouldn’t be able to afford to run any of them frequently. Instead, the new system is designed around simpler, straighter lines that are more useful to more people. It’s easy to transfer among these lines because they’ll run more frequently and the next bus is not that far away.

The planned improvements to the HART bus network will be implemented on Sunday, October 8, 2017 beginning with the first route at 4:00 a.m. HART will kick off the launch of the new network by offering “fare free” days on Sunday and Monday.

Mission MAX drastically redesigns the HART system and provides a foundation for future expansion over the next 10 years. As always, HART will review service data on an ongoing basis, and continue to implement three service changes annually.

For those worried that the redesign could negatively impact their commute, HART is committed to working with and informing them about other available transit options.

As a transit organization, HART not only provides bus transportation, it also has a robust network of transportation options to ensure that those impacted by the system redesign will be able to get to and from their location quickly and safely. These options include HyperLINK and HARTFlex.

No. There are no increases in fares included in this system redesign.

The redesigned system will result in overall savings of approximately $5.5 million in FY18.

We are not just redesigning the bus system, but also better aligning every aspect of our organization to meet the needs of our customers and Hillsborough County taxpayers. The plan reallocates existing service rather than imagining new resources.

The new pattern of routes is much simpler, and the frequencies are higher. Simplicity means it’s easier for HART to manage the operations and correct for lateness, while high frequency means that if a bus is delayed or broken down, another will be along soon, minimizing the impact on customers. Routes will be more direct, less winding, and easier for customers to understand.

This system redesign will also improve the average age of our bus fleet by almost three years, meaning that HART buses will be newer and more reliable.

Plant City opted out of HART service a number of years ago. HART has operated the Route 28X as a courtesy to those living on the outskirts of Plant City for many years. HART welcomes the opportunity to serve Plant City once again, should they once again choose to be a part of the HART system.

Mission MAX schedules can be viewed on goHART.org, on the “Maps and Schedules” page. Look for “HART Service Changes Effective: 10/8/17” at the bottom of the route schedule list.

Information on Mission MAX, including a “cheat sheet” of the upcoming changes, an interactive route map, and a countdown clock, can be found on the HART website at www.goHART.org/MissionMAX.

HARTPlus service mirrors the fixed route system, so if you’re within ¾ of a mile of a local bus route, your service remains the same (or may be expanded, if the service hours for fixed route are expanded). Because of changes to the fixed route system, a small number of current HARTPlus customers (approximately 100) would have been impacted by the changes to the fixed route system. These HARTPlus customers will continue to have HARTPlus service to and from their homes.

HARTFlex Brandon service was scheduled for elimination in October 2017 as part of Mission MAX. However, due to a number of concerns raised at the August HART Board Meeting, HARTFlex Brandon service will remain for an additional six months as we ramp up HART HyperLINK service in that area.

HARTFlex South Tampa will now serve the western section of Route 10 (which is being removed) to include connections to the MacDonald Training Center, Tampa Housing Authority, and the Social Security Office. Service will operate hourly.

With the launch of Mission MAX in October, three routes will serve Tampa International Airport (TPA) in FY2018: Route 30 (current service), Route 32 (new service to TPA), and Route 60LX (new service from Westfield Brandon to TPA). We have plans to launch a University of South Florida to TPA service (Route 275LX) in FY19, subject to funding.

Route 30 (weekends) and Route 32 (weekdays) will serve the Rental Car Facility and then proceed to the existing Red Terminal stop. This will last until February, when SkyConnect is operating. Route 60LX will only serve Rental Car Facility. Route 30 (weekdays) and Route 60LX patrons will have to transfer to the Route 32 until that time. This is necessary, in order to maintain schedule.

Mission MAX will see the addition of Route 360LX, providing all-day service from Westfield Brandon Mall to MacDill AFB. Routes 24LX and 25LX will continue to operate from Fishhawk/Brandon to MacDill AFB, but will now stop in Downtown Tampa to serve customers of the eliminated Route 27LX.

The HART Service Department will be reviewing Route 24LX/25LX runs. If necessary, HART will operate additional buses on the routes to ensure passenger comfort.

No. HART initially proposed “straightening out” routes 33 and 1 and removing routes 18 and 57. After receiving comments regarding HyperLINK being the only remaining option and reviewing the need, the Route 45 is going to split at Yukon Transfer Center. The northern portion from Yukon Transfer Center becomes a new Route 42 that travels north of Fletcher on Nebraska, Skipper/Bearrs and Bruce B Downs.

HART service (including Limited Express service) will continue to operate on holidays.

After customer feedback and reviewing the need, the Route 19 will now operate along Cleveland Ave., not Swann Ave. As a result, northbound Route 19 trips will once again serve the Lighthouse for the Blind and Tampa General Hospital.