HART Bus Transportation
HART offers emergency evacuation service by bus within Hillsborough County. It is free and ADA accessible. This transportation option requires people to get themselves to a HART bus route or bus stop.
Customers are encouraged to call 813-254-4278 for more information.
Bus service will stop when conditions are not safe for the buses to be on the roads, such as in high winds.
Callers should monitor local news for transportation announcements. Announcements also will be provided to the call center.
Script
Are you able to go to a HART bus stop?
NO - NOT able to access a Bus Stop: Do you have a friend/relative/neighbor who can help you evacuate? Another option is to try contacting Uber or Lyft to see if they can assist. (If caller still needs transportation assistance, use the Transportation Assistance Requests page and enter the call in WebEOC.)
YES - Able to access a Bus Stop: HART is running its regular Monday through Friday routes and will take riders to the nearest open public evacuation shelter, or to any location along the bus route - such as a friend or relative’s home.
Do you have any pets? It is unsafe and illegal to leave pets behind when evacuating!
NO Pets: (Read Public Shelter - What to Take script to caller, then end the call. Do NOT enter in WebEOC.)
YES - Has pets: Small pets are allowed on the buses. They must be kept in secure, clean, hand-held, and leak-proof cages and must held on your lap at all times while they are on the bus. There is a very limited number of cages on the buses for people who do not have their own to bring - these are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and each can hold one pet up to 40 pounds. You may be allowed to ride the bus with larger un-crated dogs IF the dogs are well behaved and in your control at all times. Aggressive or uncontrolled dogs will not be allowed on the bus. Does your pet meet these requirements?
YES - Pet meets requirements: Read to them the preparing pets script to advise what to bring, then end the call. Do not enter in WebEOC.
NO - Pet might not/does not meet requirements: Ask them the questions on the Transportation Assistance Requests page and enter the call in WebEOC.