TAMPA — Hillsborough Area Regional Transit is reporting a 66% increase in ridership since the launch of its Route One fare-free program.

Tampa City Council approved $1.6 million in funding to allow Route 1 passengers to ride free in 2025.

Resources are being made available to educate riders who are new to the bus transit system.

What You Need To Know

  • HART is reporting a 66% increase in ridership since the launch of its Route One fare-free program.

  • Tampa City Council approved $1.6 million in funding to allow Route 1 passengers to ride free in 2025.

  • HART reports an increase in new riders enrolling in their one-on-one training program.

“It has been an absolute game changer,” said City Councilwoman Lynn Hurtak during the University Area CDC second quarter partners coalition gathering

The Route One fare-free program has been a game changer indeed for Tony Barrett, who rides his bike and the bus two to three times per day for appointments.

“I’m a disabled veteran. I’m here at the Salvation Army. I go to the VA. So it helps,” said Tony Barrett.

The bus line has also increased its frequency and arrives every 15 minutes. Hurtak, who uses the bus herself, believes the new program will enhance affordability for local commuters, including workers and students.

“As we see tariffs go up and cars become more expensive, people will move to bikes, and I think buses have a part in that,” said Hurtak.

Since the free-fare program started in January, ridership has increased from 3,000 to 5,000 per day. To educate new riders, HART offers a one-on-one travel training program and another program for students.

"HCC, the YBOR Campus Sustainability Office, did a ride-along. So we picked students up and walked on the streetcar. We rode the free streetcar all the way to the end in downtown, where it connects to Route One. So if you’re on Route One, you can connect to the streetcar and go to Uber totally for free. So we connected there and rode the one up to Seminole Heights,” explained Hurtak.

HART reports an increase in new riders enrolling in their one-on-one training program.

“This has been a big, big help,” said Barrett.

Barrett says having such access and affordabiliy makes him feel more connected to the community he lives in. The free-fare program will end on Jan. 4 of next year until the Tampa City Council approves new funding to continue it.