The funds will be used to continue the overhaul of the streetcars to guarantee that they have a useful life of 30 years

The Federal Transit Administration awarded the Hillsborough Transit Authority $1,140,921 on April 16, 2026, under the State of Good Repair Grants Program (CFDA 20.525) to rehabilitate one streetcar and perform related maintenance on the streetcar line and supporting infrastructure.

The streetcar, between 20 and 25 years old, meets the 40 percent useable life threshold for Federal Transit Administration involvement in restoration. Funds cover the cost of the streetcar overhaul, repairs, maintenance, and replacement parts, including collapsible ramps, pumps, and repair and maintenance tools. The award also funds replacement of the transformer at the South Substation, along with parts and supplies for repairs and maintenance. These upgrades are expected to extend the streetcar's useful life to 30 years and increase safety for Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) staff and riders while ensuring the streetcar line operates at maximum capacity.

Performance of performance spans Florida. The period of performance runs through March 30, 2033. The State of Good Repair program provides formula funding to assist state and local governmental authorities in financing capital projects to maintain, replace, and rehabilitate fixed guideway systems, rolling stock, track, equipment, structures, signals and communications, stations, and maintenance facilities. The award supports no subrecipient activities.

Activities

The activities to be performed include the overhaul of the streetcar maintaining the streetcar line and equipment. Additionally components and parts include collapsible ramps pumps and other repairs and maintenance tools along with the replacement of the transformer at the south substation.

Expected outcomes

The expected outcome includes that the upgrades will increase the safety of hart staff and riders and guarantee that the streetcars and streetcar line continue to function at maximum capacity.

Intended beneficiaries

The intended beneficiaries are hart patrons employees and local commuters.