Just a little longer…….

The first of the new HART bus fleet has finally arrived! #2901 is currently at the HART facility in Tampa and will not likely roll out into service for another couple of months. However, there are slight variations between this fleet and some of the older fleets. This can be seen in the interior lookContinue reading "Just a little longer……."

Say goodbye to HART’s Gillig Phantom buses

The time is almost here for the delivery and rollout of HART's newest bus fleet, which comprise of 29 Gillig Low Floor 40 foot buses. This fleet will gradually replace the aging fleet of Gillig Phantom buses, which the agency purchased back in 1996 and 1997. You'll begin to see the transition in September whenContinue reading "Say goodbye to HART’s Gillig Phantom buses"

HART service changes to take effect July 26, 4th of July holiday services.

HART service changes for summer 2009 will take place on July 26, 2009. Among the changes to be made:*Weekday frequency increase on Route 6 (to 20 minutes during peak hours).*Weekday frequency reduction on Route 7 (to 1 hour all day, affects the segment north of West Tampa Transfer Center).*OWL service reduction on Route 8 (finalContinue reading "HART service changes to take effect July 26, 4th of July holiday services."

PSTA unveils new website, hybrid buses

Over the past several months, patrons who use the PSTA system may have noticed a few changes. First off, the agency has begun rolling out several of its newest buses, which include the beginings of a hybrid bus fleet. These 40 foot Gillig Low Floor buses have a hybrid-electric engine and the sleek BRT styleContinue reading "PSTA unveils new website, hybrid buses"

HART approves service changes, LRT Update

At the June 1st board meeting, HART approved the proposed service changes (posted earlier) for the course of 2009. Among the changes, Route 87 in Southshore will be converted into a flex route, spawning the HARTflex minibus system that has been planned since 2006. Also, a series of route reductions will go into effect dueContinue reading "HART approves service changes, LRT Update"

HART bus repainting accelerated thanks to the stimulus

If you haven't noticed in recent days, several more freshly painted HART buses have rolled out. This acceleration in efforts are due to the recent stimulus funding that HART recieved. As the months progress, you will see even more buses repainted. And starting in the fall, you'll begin to see the aging fleet of GilligContinue reading "HART bus repainting accelerated thanks to the stimulus"

HART to improve North Tampa service, cutback underperforming routes

This next batch of HART news, though mixed, will result in a much needed cost savings to the agency in a time when property taxes, the main fuel for HART's funding, continues to decline. The main fear is that HART will stand to lose about $3 million dollars according to the Tampa Tribune. And withContinue reading "HART to improve North Tampa service, cutback underperforming routes"

SunRail is gone for now…

This article pretty much sums it up. However, it is indeed a major blow to Central Florida Public Transit.http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/orl-sunrail-goes-down-043009,0,3858821.storySo with SunRail gone, and TriRail still in limbo, I wonder if Tampa's LRT could be next to be hit with a series of hurdles. Of course, Tampa's plan is nowhere near the circumstance of either SunRailContinue reading "SunRail is gone for now…"

Orlando’s SunRail pretty much at a standstill…

If you haven't heard all the controversy surrounding Orlando's commuter rail system, SunRail, then you're in for some good news and some very (devastating) bad news.First, an overview. Planning for SunRail started many years ago, but previous attempts to get it through the Florida congress have proved to be unsuccessful. One reason being is thatContinue reading "Orlando’s SunRail pretty much at a standstill…"