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TPO adds $32 million federal grant to TIP, clearing way for HART to replace 33 buses and expand training
Summary
The Hillsborough TPO approved a TIP amendment to add a $32 million federal award plus $8 million local match so HART can replace 33 aging diesel buses with compressed natural gas vehicles and invest in mechanic training; HART also presented proposed service changes for board review.
Elizabeth Watkins, a TPO staff member, told the Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization on Feb. 11 that a federal grant award would allow HART to replace 33 diesel buses and transition its fixed-route fleet to 100% compressed natural gas. "It's $32,000,000 to replace their aging fleet and transition to a 100% compressed natural gas or CNG fleet," Watkins said. The TIP amendment adds $32,000,000 in federal funds and $8,000,000 in matching dollars, a $40,000,000 total, to the FY2026-2030 Transportation Improvement Program so HART can access the grant.
Why it matters: The board approved the amendment by roll call, enabling HART to begin procurement and to expand an apprenticeship program run in partnership with Hillsborough County. TPO staff and HART officials framed the grant as both an emissions-reduction and reliability investment; Watkins said the award will reduce particulate emissions from diesel buses and lower maintenance costs, and HART staff noted newer buses should improve on-time performance.
HART staff answered board questions about technology choices and operations. Board member Gray asked whether electric buses were evaluated; "electric buses are over $1,000,000 [each], CNG buses are 850,000," Jesus Perez of HART said, adding that electric buses require substantial charging infrastructure and heavy-facility retrofits. HART's Heather Sobush said the agency is also researching renewable natural gas compatibility for future fuel use.
HART also presented proposed operational changes that would take effect in June if approved: the agency proposed removing three low-performing services (limited-express routes 24LX and 25LX and the HartFlex South County deviated-route service) and reallocating resources to increase frequency on Route 38 (from hourly to every 30 minutes on weekdays), add an extra morning trip on Route 360LX, and make on-time-performance improvements to selected routes. Donnie Murray, HART's manager of community engagement, said outreach included 37 community events, reaching about 750 people and generating 212 unique public comments; HART revised its initial plan in response to feedback.
Board action and vote: Council member Clendenin moved to approve the TIP amendment and board member Joseph seconded; the board approved the amendment by roll call vote (motion carried 16 to 0). The motion directed staff to add the award to the TIP so HART may access funds and proceed with replacement and related training investments.
What happens next: HART will proceed with procurement steps enabled by the TIP amendment and continue outreach on the proposed service changes; staff said route and scheduling details will return to the board for final approval as needed.
