What You’ll Spend on Transit in Riverview
Savvy Riverview commuters save an average of $2,500 per year by taking public transportation instead of driving. But what exactly will you pay to ride the bus or hop on the light rail in this Tampa suburb? Public transportation costs in Riverview are on par with many midsize U.S. cities, with standard bus fares starting around $2.00 each way. A 30-day bus pass in Riverview typically costs $65, giving frequent riders the best bang for their buck.
Of course, your total transit spend depends on how often you ride and which services you use. In cities like Riverview, a monthly transit pass typically runs between $60–$100 depending on the routes and modes it covers. Seniors, students, and low-income riders can often snag discounted rates, while commuters with employer-sponsored benefits may get transit passes tax-free.
Transit Options Available
The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) is the primary public transportation provider in Riverview and the greater Tampa area. Riders can take their pick of:
- Local and express bus routes serving Riverview, Brandon, Tampa, and St. Petersburg
- TECO Line Streetcar connecting downtown Tampa, Channelside, and Ybor City
- HARTFlex on-demand van service in select Hillsborough County zones
- HART’s paratransit program offering door-to-door rides for those with disabilities
The TECO Line Streetcar is a hit with tourists and locals alike, with one-way fares of just $2.50. The bad news? It doesn’t extend to Riverview. For most Riverview residents, the bus is the way to go for affordable commuting. The most popular option is the HART 31-day Fare Pass for local routes, which will run you $65. If your travels take you further afield, a $95 HART Passport covers both local and express routes.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
To give you a sense of what you might spend on transit each month in Riverview, let’s look at a few common commuting scenarios:
| Commuting Scenario | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 5-day a week bus commuter | $65 (31-day local pass) |
| Weekend-only bus rider | $20 (5 round trips at $2 each way) |
| Heavy bus + express route user | $95 (31-day HART Passport) |
🏆 Winner: For most Riverview commuters, the 31-day $65 HART bus pass offers the best value. If you ride at least twice a day, 5 days a week, you’ll come out ahead compared to paying per trip. The $95 Passport is worthwhile if you’re a super commuter who regularly rides express routes in addition to local ones.
Is Public Transit Worth It in Riverview?
Riverview doesn’t have the extensive public transit network you’d find in a bigger city, but taking the bus can still be a smart financial move — especially with gas prices on the rise. The average bus commute in Riverview takes about 35 minutes each way, which is often faster than battling rush hour traffic on I-75 or I-4.
Of course, buses are subject to the same traffic snarls as cars. And while local routes run every 15 to 30 minutes on weekdays, you might wait longer on nights and weekends. Still, when you compare the costs of car ownership (think gas, parking, maintenance, and insurance) to a monthly transit pass, many Riverview commuters come out ahead. Downtown Tampa parking alone can cost $50–$150 per month, making the $65 bus pass look like a bargain.
That said, public transit isn’t the most convenient option for every Riverview local. If you live and work in the suburbs, you’ll likely need a car to get around. Riverview neighborhoods like Panther Trace, Summerfield, and Boyette Springs offer plenty of affordable homes, but you can’t always walk to the bus stop. Check out our guide to the average monthly expenses in Riverview to see how transportation costs stack up against housing, food, and more.
Ways to Save on Transit
Even with Riverview’s wallet-friendly fares, there are ways to save even more on public transportation:
- If you qualify, take advantage of discounted fares for seniors, students, and low-income riders
- Ask if your employer offers subsidized or pre-tax transit benefits
- Use a 31-day HART pass instead of paying per ride if you commute daily
- When paying per trip, buy tickets in advance via the HART OneBusAway app for a small discount
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to get around Riverview?
For short neighborhood trips, walking or biking is the most cost-effective. If you need to go further, the bus is your best bet, with one-way fares starting at $2. Frequent commuters will save the most with a 31-day HART pass for $65.
Are there monthly transit passes in Riverview?
Yes, HART offers a 31-day Fare Pass for $65 that covers unlimited trips on local bus routes. A $95 HART Passport adds express route access. Both offer great value for daily commuters.
Is public transit reliable for work commutes?
It depends. Those commuting from Riverview to downtown Tampa can expect bus rides of 30-45 minutes, which is often faster than rush hour driving. However, bus frequency and on-time rates drop on nights and weekends.
What discounts are available for low-income transit riders in Riverview?
HART offers reduced fares for low-income riders through its HART ID program. Eligible riders can get a 31-day pass for just $35 instead of the regular $65 price. Seniors, Medicare cardholders, and people with disabilities also qualify for discounted rates.
Getting Around Smarter in Riverview
For Riverview commuters, public transportation can be an affordable alternative to the costs and hassles of driving. With bus fares as low as $2 each way and monthly passes for $65, riding HART is a smart way to shrink your transportation budget. Just remember that while the bus is great for weekday commutes, you’ll likely need a car for maximum flexibility on nights and weekends in this suburban community.
Choosing between public transit and driving is just one factor in the cost of living equation. Explore our other guides to see how Riverview stacks up on monthly expenses like housing, groceries, utilities, and more. Or see how Riverview’s transportation picture compares to other Tampa Bay communities.