TAMPA, Fla. — Drivers will now see new SUVs on the road in Hillsborough County.
What You Need To Know
HART is adding new SUVs to its HARTPlus Paratransit service
HARTPlus is a door-to-door ride share for residents with disabilities
HART plans on rolling out 36 new SUVs in the coming months
They are part of a new generation of the Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART)’s fleet to help with rising transportation needs in the area.
The SUVs, which are 2025 Ford Interceptors, will be used for the HARTPlus Paratransit service. HARTPlus is a door-to-door ride share for residents with disabilities who can’t use a regular bus route.
The SUVs are an alternative to the “cutaway” vans that have a lift for a wheelchair or scooter. If the riders don’t need that access, this smaller vehicle opens up more options.
“The flexibility with these vehicles is that we can maneuver a little bit better through neighborhoods and large medical campuses. And it’s better efficiency in our operations,” said Catherine Sanchez, HART’s manager of customer service.
The new cars also include technology like security cameras and direct access to emergency responders. They can also accommodate service animals with removable seat covers.
For driver Kevin Green, he feels the new vehicles will make a big difference for his passengers in need of a ride.
“It’s rewarding for me,” Green said. “I see their faces light up when they hug their family members. When they’re going shopping. They’re very independent, on their own. We give them their independence.”
HART plans on rolling out 36 new SUVs in the coming months.