TAMPA, Fla. — One of Tampa's most popular bus routes could soon be fare-free.

Tampa City Council members voted 4 to 3 to approve free access for HART's bus route No. 1.

Route 1 primarily benefits workers traveling north and south of Tampa's dense urban core. The pilot program, which could last for a year, aims to reduce traffic, improve safety for people walking and biking, and help workers save money on the cost of living.

What You Need To Know

  • Tampa City Council members voted 4 to 3 to approve free access for HART's bus route No. 1

  • The pilot program, which could last for a year, aims to reduce traffic, improve safety for people walking and biking, and help workers save money on the cost of living

  • Officials say 3,000 riders travel on the route every day

  • Before the free-fare program can become a reality, funding must be approved during the next budget meeting, which is scheduled to take place later this month

“I’ve got four bucks,” said Dayna Lazarus as she paid her fare.

Officials say the average amount spent by riders on bus fare every day is between $4 and $5.

Lazarus, from Transit Now Tampa Bay, studies ridership and said that Route 1, which travels down Florida Avenue, is the busiest route for the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority.

According to her, more than 3,000 riders travel on this route every day. Plans to give free access to bus Route 1 could help bring that number to 6,000.

“At the bare minimum, you’re saving people money who really need it,” said Lazarus. “This could be the start of the spine of Tampa’s transit system.”

The Tampa streetcar ends at the intersection of Whiting Street and Franklin Street, and the bus route continues, allowing riders to transfer from one mode of transportation to the next.

Tatiana Morales, of YIMBY Tampa, says this will help downtown workers and residents, like her dad, who recently suffered a stroke.

“My dad couldn’t drive for like six months," she said. "I learned that transit was his lifeline."

She said her father’s struggle with mobility inspired her to advocate for free bus fares.

“Thousands of cities across the country have been doing this, have invested in bus service and invested in riding the bus and supporting the riders," Morales said. "And the working people of the community. And I’m glad the Tampa is going to be one of them."

She said she is also glad to be a part of the public transit movement taking residents in what she says is the right direction.

Before the free-fare program can become a reality, funding must be approved during the next budget meeting, which is scheduled to take place later this month. Additionally, the HART board must have a formal discussion on the funding proposal.