News Summary
The University of South Florida announced that starting this Saturday, students and staff will need a new Flamingo card to use HART buses instead of their USF IDs. The Flamingo card allows students to ride for free while faculty pay a nominal fee. Students can obtain the card from the Parking and Transportation Services office. Concerns have been raised regarding the accessibility and communication of this new requirement. Half of USF students have already transitioned to the Flamingo card, and it’s crucial for all to be informed and prepared for this update.
Attention USF Community: New Flamingo Card Required for HART Bus Travel!
Exciting times at University of South Florida, located in sunny Tampa, Florida! But wait, there’s a change coming your way that you need to know about. Starting this Saturday, there’s a new requirement for hopping on HART buses. Students and staff will no longer be able to use their old trusty USF IDs to board. Instead, everyone will need to get their hands on a shiny new Flamingo card.
Get Your Flamingo Card Today!
To keep riding those buses for free (students, you’re lucky!), or at a discounted rate (hey faculty and staff, it’s only 50 cents), you’ll need to pick up your new Flamingo card in person. Head on over to the Parking and Transportation Services (PATS) office. It’s located off Plum Drive and is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Don’t wait until the last minute; get your card early!
Free Rides for Students
Let’s talk benefits! Students can ride HART buses for free with the Flamingo card, while faculty and staff will enjoy a reduced rate of just 50 cents. The previous discounts that were available through the U-Pass program will still be applicable, but remember, these will only work when you are using the Flamingo card. If you opt to grab your Flamingo card through the HART website instead, you might be missing out since those cards won’t be linked to your USF accounts, meaning discounts won’t apply!
General Public Fares
For those who aren’t part of the USF family, the fares for the general public are $18 for three days, $25 for a week, and $85 for a monthly pass. Quite a difference from the free rides students enjoy!
Concerns from Students
Have You Transitioned?
According to data from customer service at PATS, it seems that half of USF students who regularly take the HART bus have transitioned to the new Flamingo card as of last week. This means there’s still some work to be done to ensure everyone is in the loop about this crucial update. Signs around campus and announcements on some buses have been put up to help inform everyone, but it sounds like there might still be some gaps in communication.
What’s Next?
So, if you’re part of the USF community and rely on HART for your transportation, now’s the time to act! Make sure to swing by the PATS office to pick up your Flamingo card if you haven’t already. And remember, once you have it, you can continue enjoying your free rides, while keeping that wallet of yours happy. Let’s make this change smooth and embrace the new Flamingo card together!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- USF Oracle: Flamingo Card Requirement
- WTSP: Free Rides for Veterans
- HART Blog: Transportation Updates
- Wikipedia: Bus Transportation in the United States
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transportation
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.
