March 25, 2026 | Posted In Bus Stop and Transit Shelters, News
Tolar Manufacturing Partners with HART to Enhance Transit Experience with Custom Crescent Series Shelters in Hillsborough County
Tolar Manufacturing Company, North America’s leader in the design and fabrication of transit shelters and street furniture, is proud to partner with the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) to supply new custom-designed Crescent Series bus shelters as part of a nearly $1 million investment to modernize transit stops across Hillsborough County, Florida. The project includes the installation of high-quality Tolar Crescent Series shelters that enhance rider comfort and reflect local community identity through unique artwork collaborations with HART and their public partners, including Hillsborough University, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Tampa Bay Lightning.
HART began its bus shelter improvements in 2025, with leadership emphasizing the need for enhanced weather protection, accessibility, and overall comfort for riders throughout the system. Transit officials have noted that many riders depend on these upgrades for daily travel and connectivity across the region.
Tolar is providing Crescent Series transit shelter, a versatile and durable solution that combines modern aesthetics with functional performance. The Crescent shelters incorporate bronze tinted twinwall polycarbonate roof panels that provide shade for riders over the extensive 13-ft x 7-ft shelter roof. Custom curved aluminum I-Beam rear posts have fixed base plates for surface mounting, and a cantilever design that provides a clear path of travel and easy bus boarding. Perforated aluminum panels comprise the rear wall and the end wall of the shelter. The entire shelter is finished in a metallic color super durable baked powder coat finish. In keeping with Tolar’s “Kit of Parts” approach, the bus shelters are available with optional end walls on either side, with or without agency branding, and include integrated dusk-to-dawn solar powered LED illumination for passenger safety at night, and a smart controller allowing for remote monitoring of the solar performance. Amenities include a Mesa bench with back and a center armrest, and 32-gallon trash receptacle. These shelters provide full overhead coverage to protect passengers from Florida’s weather conditions while allowing flexibility for agency-specific design elements.
In recent HART deployments, select shelters include custom artwork celebrating local partners including Hillsborough University, showcasing campus identities, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Tampa Bay Lightning showcasing regional pride and community spirit. These creative shelters with custom printed artwork help transform transit stops into engaging public spaces that resonate with riders and passersby alike.
“We are honored that HART selected the Crescent Series for this impactful shelter upgrade program,” said Scott Williams, Business Development Manager at Tolar Manufacturing Company. “These improvements demonstrate how thoughtful transit infrastructure can enhance everyday mobility while also reflecting the character and culture of the community. Working with local partners to incorporate unique artwork makes a practical piece of street furniture into a public asset that riders can connect with.”
Since the program’s launch, HART has installed 17 new shelters and completed improvements to seven existing stops in District 3, with additional shelters in design and plans to expand the program into new areas of the county.
