In an attempt to let Hillsborough County residents ages 17 and under beat the summer heat and commute by bus instead of foot, HART dropped the price of its Summer Blast Pass.
On July 18, the pass, which went on sale mid-May, was slashed in half from $30 to $15. With proof of age, the Summer Blast Pass can be purchased at any of the HART locations in the Marion Transit Center, at 1211 N. Marion St. in downtown Tampa; the University Area Transit Center, at 13110 N. 27th St.; and the HART Administrative Office, at 1201 E. 7th Ave. in Ybor City.
"Ridership continues for HART and we're on track to meet transportation needs for residents of Hillsborough County," says Marcia Mejia, HART public information officer. "We're implementing service changes a few times a year to remain effective and relevant to current ridership trends."
HART's June ridership was up 10 percent from last year and ridership year to date (October 2010 to June 2011) is up 13 percent compared to the same nine months last year. Ridership is projected to reach 13 million in 2011, which will break last year's record of 12.3 million trips.
"As ridership and population trends change, we're changing our services to remain effective and relevant to the communities," says Mejia.
Summer Blast Pass users can save money by taking advantage of unlimited rides on HART buses throughout August 31 while enjoying the three new HARTFlex zones introduced on July 11 in Northdale, South Tampa and Town 'N County. Saving even more money, users can take $3 off any family meal at Pollo Tropical by showing their pass at time of purchase.
Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Marcia Mejia, HART
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