Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) will be able to purchase up to four electric buses and supporting infrastructure with the $2.7 million dollar award of the Bus and Bus Facilities a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant.

"America needs to make different transportation and infrastructure choices in the years ahead than it has made in the past. And we have to do at an enormous scale. That's why I am so excited that we're really getting started here in my hometown," said U.S. Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL 14) during a virtual media conference held in Tampa on Wednesday, August 12th. 

As part of the grant award, Tampa Electric Company is committed to working with HART to provide 50% of HART's match for infrastructure to ensure the project is successful as a participant in this funding opportunity. 

"This successful grant application is great news for HART and for our community at large." said Gerry Chasse, Tampa Electric's Vice President of Electric Delivery. "We are proud to be a partner on a project that fits squarely within our mission and principles to seek cleaner, affordable and more sustainable energy solutions for our customers."

"HART will continue to seek opportunities to enhance our ability to improve access, mobility, and reliable, safe transportation for the patrons who depend upon our service. In these unprecedented times, it is even more important to deliver innovative transportation options, reduce the carbon footprint and make improvements to our fleet," said ICEO Carolyn House Stewart. "Again, we offer our sincerest thanks to you, Congresswoman Kathy Castor, the entire Congressional Delegation, and TECO Energy for your leadership, support and partnership."

HART has been working to replace its diesel engine buses as part of a mission to reduce air pollution in the greater Tampa Bay region. Battery Electric Buses are known for zero-emission, quiet operation and better acceleration for a more comfortable ride.

Since 2016, HART has reduced its carbon footprint over 22% primarily by shifting from diesel to Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles.  Hart will continue to reduce its inventory of diesel-fueled vehicles over the next few years by transitioning to electric buses as funding such as this becomes available. 

"I am very grateful to Congresswoman Kathy Castor, and to HART staff, for all their hard work to secure this funding for HART. This grant couldn't have come at a more advantageous time. Switching to a new technology will create more skilled jobs - right here in our community. Reducing our carbon footprint is very important to the future of the Tampa Bay area. And these new zero-emission electric buses will make our air cleaner - and that makes a big difference in the quality of life for so many in our community - whether they ride the bus or not. When we roll out these buses, I know our riders will be proud to say that they have one of the cleanest commutes in Hillsborough County," said HART Board Chair Mariella Smith.

"I am pleased that the Federal Transit Administration has awarded funds to the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART)," said U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (FL). "The services provided by HART are essential to the everyday lives of many in the Hillsborough community, and this grant will greatly improve those services and lessen their impact on the local environment."

HART is fortunate to have strong partners within its Congressional Delegation and is grateful for their unwavering support.