Wednesday, October 24, 2018

HART Launches New "Safe HART" Campaign



As the HART transit systems evolves, so must our programs to keep safety as our number one priority.  

Recently, HART launched a multi-faceted effort involving operations, safety and security, and our communications departments, emphasizing safety through various communication platforms - what we call SAFE (Stay Accident Free Everywhere).

HART is committed to ensuring the safety of our community and continuing the conversation about safe travel, including the potential dangers associated with entering a bus when the doors are closed.

The safety of our customers, operators and the general public remains HART's top priority and an active focus of our services, programs, and initiatives. Part of our ongoing commitment to safe travel in the region includes providing helpful information to emphasize the importance of safety guidelines.

This new "Safe HART" campaign provides a simple, effective way to communicate an important safety message: Ensuring the safety of the traveling public requires a community effort. HART asks its customers and the community to share the important safety message. 

Follow HART on Facebook, Twitter for rider alerts and service information. Use #SafeHART and share helpful safety information.

Help spread the message so that entering the bus when the doors are closed becomes something that we, as a community, don't ever do.

As we work to achieve our mission of taking people to the places that enhance their lives, we do so fully dedicated to safety. It is among the many areas in which we hold ourselves accountable for setting the highest standards.  

We want your experience with HART to be efficient, friendly, and most importantly, SAFE.

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

HART Operator Wins Third Place from Industry Association!

HART bus operator Jimmy Suarez

Jimmy Suarez, a 15-year bus operator at HART, is being honored with the distinction of third place Operator of the Year by the Florida Public Transportation Association (FPTA).

Suarez's nomination and win celebrates his exemplary customer service and impeccable safety record, including 14 consecutive years of safe driving, and more than 1.5 million miles behind the wheel.

"I have been doing this for a long time. I take pride in my driving and taking care of my customers," said Suarez. "I take my job very seriously because I have a responsibility to protect my customers. When I notice a new customer boarding my bus, I consider them a new family member. I do my best to make them feel comfortable and give them a good experience with HART."

The award is presented annually to operators whose service has "enriched and enhanced" public transportation in the community.

Recently, Suarez was honored with the Million Mile Award and has received numerous rider commendations. He is known for his enthusiastic attitude, excellent driving skills, good judgment, and first-class customer service to our passengers.

"It is dedicated professionals like Jimmy Suarez, and our Million Miles honorees who make it possible for HART to receive accolades from our peers for our hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence, said HART Interim CEO, Jeff Seward. "We could not be more proud of our outstanding bus operators, and are grateful for the loyalty and focus they bring to their work each day."

Way to represent HART, Jimmy!

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

HART Partners with CREW Tampa Bay for Breast Cancer Awareness Month!


HART and the Crew Tampa are partnering to create awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to help fight Breast Cancer, HART is partnering with the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Tampa Bay to shine a light on Breast Cancer Awareness.

HART is using the TECO Line Streetcar System uniquely to garner the attention of the downtown core this month. 

HART goes PINK in October!
For launch, HART is transforming a streetcar pink as a means to bring attention to Breast Cancer. The uniquely designed pink streetcar, affectionately coined as " Pinkee" will be an attention-getting transportation mode that will hopefully not only attract, but will also help raise the consciousness of the community about the disease and support the CITY IN PINK campaign during October.

In addition to the pink streetcar, HART plans to illuminate the administrative building in Ybor City and the streetcar stations with pink lights.

"We are proud to partner with Crew Tampa Bay on this important issue," said HART Interim CEO Jeff Seward. "We all know someone who has been affected by this disease. For that reason, we wanted to join forces with Crew Tampa Bay and use our transit network to create awareness and uniquely educate the public."

For the fourth consecutive year, CREW Tampa Bay has developed a tradition in the community by lighting the CITY IN PINK. The program encourages commercial properties to show their commitment to breast cancer awareness by displaying pink during the month of October. CREW Tampa Bay started the initiative as a way to connect the organization with the community at a more impactful level.

"I hope the displays of PINK during October will remind women to be proactive in their health, early detection can save lives," says CREW Board Member and City in Pink Committee Chair, Katie Gower of Ed Taylor Construction. "The CITY IN PINK Streetcar is an exciting opportunity to increase our impact on the community." 

The CITY IN PINK committee members utilized their connections within the commercial real estate industry to unify the community as a reminder to stay vigilant in the fight for a cure. CITY IN PINK fosters awareness and is a touching tribute to those lives who have been affected by the disease.