SEVERE WEATHERSERVICE

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Emergency Content 2024

SEVERE WEATHER SERVICES OVERVIEW

HOW OUR SERVERE WEATHER SERVICE WORKS

  • When the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) directs HART to support an evacuation, regular bus service stops, and Severe Weather Service begins.
  • During Severe Weather Service, HART operates at special service levels. Please check the Severe Weather Service schedules for specific times, as they differ from regular schedules. Limited Express (LX) routes operate using Sunday route patterns.
  • Service will take riders to one of four meeting points:

    • Netpark Transfer Center
    • Northwest Transfer Center
    • University Area Transit Center
    • Yukon Transfer Center
  • School Bus to shelter iconFrom there, Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) will provide transportation to County evacuation shelters.
  • HART Shelter Access Connector Zone service is available to those within the zone by calling (813) 254-4278 for transportation to the nearest transit center, where riders can connect to HCPS shelter service.
  • Severe Weather Service will stop when sustained winds reach 35 mph or when road conditions become unsafe. Stay informed by monitoring local news and official
    updates.
  • Severe Weather Service is free of charge.
  • All HART buses are ADA-accessible and hold up to two wheelchairs.

SEVERE WEATHER SERVICES DOCUMENTS

INDIVIDUAL ROUTE MA​PS​

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HURRICANE EVACUATION ROUTES

MOVING YOU TO SAFETY​

HART buses run special evacuation routes for people who need transportation to shelters. HART and the Hillsborough County Office of Emergency Management urge you to make arrangements now for the safety of your family should a storm force you from your home. Emergency routes are designed to simply move people from low ground to higher ground.

PLAN AHEAD

If a major storm threatens our area, we will announce the need to interrupt service as early in the day as possible, and will work to restore service just as soon as it is safe to do so.

Don't wait for​ the last minute to make arrangements or to implement your evacuation plan, as you may find yourself stranded. 

If you are in need of public transportation before a storm, here’s what you need to know to use HART evacuation bus service:

HART PROVIDES EMERGENCY EVACUATION BUS SERVICES DURING A STORM

IF YOU HAVE NO WAY TO EVACUATE

HART provides free emergency evacuation bus services to one of the following open public shelters:

  • Smith Middle School, 14303 Citrus Pointe Drive in the Citrus Park area (Routes A, B, G)
  • Pizzo Elementary School, on Bull Run and Fowler in Tampa (Routes C, D)
  • Middleton High School on Osborne and 22nd Street in Tampa (Route E, F, I)
  • Shields Middle School, 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin (Route H)

There are 9 evacuation bus routes, which are designated with a letter from “A” to “I.” Each route is​​ assigned to deliver passengers to one of the four Red Cross shelters listed above.

WHEN EVACUATIONS START

These services begin after the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center instructs HART to commence and public shelters have been opened. For the safety of our bus operators, evacuation buses will operate during daylight hours only. Service will be suspended when the Emergency Operations Center advises HART to remove vehicles off the road. 

FOR THOSE WITH ANY SPECIAL NEEDS

The Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center manages transportation to special needs shelters. Explain your needs to the EOC. Residents who have a medical condition requiring special assistance should call Hillsborough County at 813-2​​​72-5900. ​

HOW AND WHERE TO BOARD

Blue and white “Emergency Shelter Bus Stop” signs are located along specific routes, or you may stand at a corner​ along the route and wave down the bus. All HART buses are ADA accessible. E​mergency evacuation bus service is free.

There will be five buses on each route circulating continuously every five to ten minutes.

WHAT TO CARRY ON BOARD

  • One suitcase per pe​rson
  • Medications and toiletries
  • Pillows and blankets
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Identification
  • Cash
  • Valuable papers
  • Drinking water and some non-perishable foods
​​
 

AREAS NOT PART OF REGULAR ROUTES

The Hillsborough County School District will operate school buses to evacuate people in areas not covered by the 9 HART evacuation routes. For more information, residents should call the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center at 813​-​272-5900.​
Click here to find out what it takes to prepare HART for a hurricane.

E​MERGENCY SERVICE

What Can You Carry On Board

  • You may bring one carry-on-sized bag that fits on your lap.
  • Please review the County's Stay Safe webpage for recommended evacuation items and the latest shelter information, including ADA-accessible and pet-friendly
    locations.
  • Pets should be in a carrier and have an ID collar, leash, medications, and proof of vaccinations.
  • Weapons, alcohol, and flammable materials are not allowed on the bus.
  • For County evacuation shelter rules, contact the EOC at (813) 272-6900.

After the Storm

  • Once the EOC confirms it's safe to return home, school buses will take riders from County evacuation shelters back to one of the meeting points.
  • HART buses will run Severe Weather Service levels from the meeting points to destinations along the routes.
  • Return trips may experience extended wait times due to high demand. Please allow families with small children, older adults, and persons with disabilities to board first.
    Your patience is appreciated.

Special Needs

  • If you have a medical condition or other need requiring special transportation or assistance, you must register with the Hillsborough County Health Department to be assigned to a special-needs shelter and transportation.
  • To register, call the Hillsborough County Health Department at (813) 307-8063.
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HART Administrative Offices
Raymond C. Miller Building
1201 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, FL 33605
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
HARTInfo Line: 813-254-4278
Monday - Friday 5am - 9pm
Saturday - Sunday 6am - 8pm
Lost & Found: 813-384-6301
Monday - Friday 5am - 9pm
Saturday - Sunday 6am - 8pm
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