Hillsborough County Sunshine Line Bus Pass Program
Transportation · Florida · Free
Free HART daily and monthly bus passes to low-income Hillsborough County residents living within 3/4 mile of a HART bus route and with no other transportation available. Program has operated for over 30 years. Located at 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. Call (813) 272-7272 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM for pre-screening. Email sunshinelineinfo@hcfl.gov or visit hcfl.gov for eligibility details and how to apply for free bus pass assistance.
Transportation assistance helps fathers get to work, court, medical appointments, and childcare. Public transit passes are often available free or discounted through TANF, Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), and social service agencies. Many job training programs cover bus passes. The Ways to Work program and some community action agencies provide low-interest car loans to working parents. State DMVs typically require proof of insurance and current registration; low-cost insurance programs exist for low-income drivers in several states (California's Low Cost Auto Insurance is one example). For rural fathers without reliable transit, dial-a-ride and volunteer driver programs are coordinated through Area Agencies on Aging and community action agencies. Medicaid NEMT covers rides to covered medical visits at no cost. This directory includes transit authorities, Medicaid NEMT providers, and car-ownership assistance programs.
Transportation in Florida
Florida handles family law in circuit courts across its 20 judicial circuits. The Department of Revenue Child Support Program oversees enforcement statewide. Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Fort Lauderdale are the largest metros. Florida has an active self-help court system, free online parenting courses, and Bay Area Legal Services, Three Rivers Legal Services, and other LSC programs providing representation.
More Transportation in Florida
Miami-Dade Transit (MDT) — Metrobus, Metrorail, and Metromover service across Miami-Dade County with 100+ bus routes and 23 rail stations. Use the EASY Card for discou
SunRail Commuter Rail (Central Florida) — Commuter rail connecting DeBary to Poinciana through downtown Orlando across four counties. 16 stations with convenient connections to LYNX
JTA — Jacksonville Transportation Authority — Bus, paratransit, and autonomous vehicle shuttle services throughout Duval County in Jacksonville. Operates fixed-route buses, the U2C auton
Broward County Transit (BCT) — Fixed-route buses and TOPS paratransit throughout Broward County. The Transportation Disadvantaged Bus Pass Program provides free monthly bu
Transportation — Common Questions
Can I get help affording a car?
Some community action agencies and programs like Ways to Work, Wheels to Work, or Good News Garage offer low-interest loans or donated vehicles to working parents. Eligibility typically requires employment or training and income under a threshold. Waitlists can be long.
What is Medicaid NEMT?
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation — Medicaid must cover rides to and from covered medical appointments at no cost. Call the transportation number on the back of your Medicaid card to schedule. Rides must be arranged in advance (usually 2–3 business days).
Are there reduced-fare transit options?
Most transit agencies offer reduced fares for seniors, disabled riders, and Medicaid enrollees. TANF and some workforce programs include transit passes. Some employers subsidize transit through pre-tax benefits. Contact your local transit authority for eligibility.
What if I live in a rural area with no bus?
Dial-a-ride services, volunteer driver programs through Area Agencies on Aging, rural transit partnerships, and Medicaid NEMT serve rural residents. Community action agencies coordinate much of this. Call 211 for a local referral.