TAMPA, Fla. — The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) says it might start charging passengers on the streetcars as early as October because it faces a major funding shortfall of $700,000.

What You Need To Know

  • HART could start charging riders on its popular streetcars

  • Streetcars facing a $700,000 shortfall after state grant is set to expire 

  • HART officials are confident new funding will be secured 

  • Could charge $5 for all-day use starting in October 

The funding issue stems from the ending of a grant program with the Florida Department of Transportation.

HART hasn’t charged passengers for the streetcars since 2019.

If new funding isn’t found then people could be charged possibly $2.50 for a trip or $5 all day.

For some like Rick Gossett, the streetcar is their only mode of transportation.

“I usually use the city buses but it went up to 4 dollars,” Gossett said.

Gossett is 64 years old, disabled, and dealing with homelessness.

He says he’s on a fixed income and uses the streetcar to go to the grocery store.

“I am 64 and I got 3 stints in me, two screws in left ankle. I am breaking down,” said Gossett.

The streetcars connect downtown Tampa with Ybor City and the Channel District.

HART estimates around 1.7 million people will use the streetcar this year.

Officials say they are confident that new funding will be secured through the state.