August 30, 2025

Hillsborough County Transit Agency Overhaul Proposed

News Summary

State Representative Michael Owen has proposed to dismantle the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) and create the Tampa Transit Authority, focusing solely on transit within Tampa. This controversial plan suggests a sales tax for city residents to fund transit, which has raised concerns among officials about inadequate options for those outside Tampa. While there’s support for the change, the implications for county-wide transit services remain unclear as the debate continues over public transportation funding and management.

Tampa – Hillsborough County’s primary bus system, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART), is facing a significant overhaul as State Representative Michael Owen proposes legislation to dismantle the agency and establish a new entity called the Tampa Transit Authority. This proposed authority would operate solely within the limits of Tampa, marking a significant shift in public transportation management in the area.

The potential funding mechanism for the Tampa Transit Authority might include introducing a city sales tax specifically for transit purposes. This could mitigate the impact on county residents who may not utilize transit services if they do not live in the city. Owen argues that the majority of HART’s riders are based in Tampa and believes that it is fair for city taxpayers to cover the operational costs.

However, the proposal has sparked controversy among some officials. HART board chairman and Tampa City Councilman, Luis Viera, expressed concerns that dismantling HART could leave over a million residents outside of Tampa without adequate public transit options. He argued that taking mass transit funding away from the entire county does not represent a viable solution to the region’s public transit challenges.

Support for Owen’s viewpoint has also emerged from Hillsborough Commissioner Josh Wostal, who believes that county residents should not be responsible for financing services that do not benefit them. This sentiment reflects a growing debate over the allocation of resources for public transportation across the diverse geographical landscape of Hillsborough County.

Owen has criticized HART’s recent consideration of raising property taxes as a means to support transit funding. Under the proposed legislation, if passed, local voters in Tampa would have the opportunity to approve funding for new transit projects, which may include the introduction of light rail systems. Owen anticipates that the bill will be finalized by October and suggests a transition period for the proposed changes could range from two to four years.

At present, HART has not been formally approached regarding the transition to a Tampa-only transit agency and continues to focus on providing comprehensive transit services across Hillsborough County. The organization’s commitment to improving public transportation includes a recently launched pilot program offering free rides on Route 1. This route operates between the University area and downtown Tampa, connecting crucial locations such as the Social Security Office and various employment centers.

The fare-free initiative on Route 1 began in January 2025 and is set to run until January 4, 2026. This program has seen a significant response, with reports indicating a 21 percent increase in ridership compared to the previous year. The increase suggests a strong demand for affordable public transportation options within the city.

In addition to the fare-free program, HART is actively working on enhancing customer experience through the development of new technology and applications that provide real-time travel updates, aiming to further improve service accessibility and mobility for users across the region.

This ongoing debate about the future of public transit in Hillsborough County underscores the complexities of ensuring equitable transportation choices for all residents. As discussions progress and proposed legislation takes shape, stakeholders from various sectors will continue to weigh the implications of these changes on the region’s transit landscape.

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Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER

The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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