For the safety of its riders and employees, Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) will cease all public bus service tonight at 5 p.m. This includes the Ybor-downtown streetcar and autonomous downtown Tampa vehicle, both operated by HART.
HART bus service could also cease early if sustained winds reach 39 mph before 5 p.m.
The suspension of service is in preparation for the effects of Elsa, a tropical storm projected to become a hurricane before making landfall in or near Tampa Bay early Wednesday morning.
HART plans to restore service Wednesday, July 8 at 10 a.m. if deemed safe.
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority ceased its operations at 3 p.m. today and will resume them when deemed safe.
A HART press release initially said service would cease at 8 p.m., but Public Information Officer Carson Chambers told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that HART is changing plans to stay fluid and in accordance with what the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County have planned for their emergency services.
“The last trip is at 5 p.m.,” Chambers said. “If you’re on a bus at 5 p.m. you’re gonna get where you’re going.”
HART customers can visit gohart.org to view updated maps, schedules, and a summary of the service changes. Customers with questions can contact HART Customer Service at 813-254-4278.
Hillsborough County officials say that people who are in need of a ride to the hurricane shelter located at Riverview High School (11311 Boyette Rd. Riverview, FL 33569) should call this number: 813-272-5900.
HART serves a population of more than 1.4 million residents in the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and parts of unincorporated Hillsborough County. Its total service area covers 1,000 square miles. HART was forced to cease service following Hurricane Irma in 2017 and Eta last year.
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