Free Bus Service Available To Low-Income Hillsborough County Residents

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Did you know there is a Hillsborough County bus pass program that benefits low-income residents?

For 30 years the Sunshine Line Bus Pass Program has helped people get to where they need to go, at no cost to riders. The program provides free daily and monthly HART bus passes to low-income Hillsborough County residents. Qualifying residents can receive bus fare to attend appointments, grocery shop or make general personal trips. On average, 1,500 passes are issued every month.

Sunshine Line Bus Pass Program Eligibility and Details

Eligible residents must live within 3/4 of a mile from a HART bus route and meet the low-income critieria and have no other means of transportation.

Household income is one of the eligibility requirements used to determine who may qualify for the Sunshine Line Bus Pass Program. To view the federal poverty guidelines used when considering eligibility, visit the Determine Eligibility webpage.

HARTPlus riders may also qualify for the bus pass program.

Bus passes must be requested at least five days before our trip. This allows time for your daily or HARTPlus pass to be mailed to you. Monthly passes will be loaded to Flamingo Fare cards. (Riders must obtain a Flamingo Card before monthly passes can be issued.)

To apply for passes, call 813-272-7272 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to speak with a customer service representative.

You will need to provide the following information:

• Name
• Address
• Telephone number
• Social Security number
• Date of birth
• Disability (if applicable)
• Household income

If it is determined that you are likely to meet Sunshine Line Bus Pass Program eligibility criteria, you will be sent an application. This form must be completed and returned. If your application form is accepted, you will be able to participate in the bus pass program.

For more information, visit Sunshine Line Bus Pass Program or call 813-272-7272 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Questions may also be emailed to SunshineLineInfo@HCFLGov.net.

For routes and schedules, click here.

To find out more about HARTPlus, click here.