HART CEO Statement on Judge Barbas' Decision Upholding Transportation Tax Funding

"The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) welcomes Judge Barbas' decision upholding expanded funding for public transportation in the region.

Fifty-seven percent of the voters were very clear in their support of a transportation formula that would support the needs of a best-in-class transportation network. We look forward to working with the Hillsborough County Board of County Commission (BOCC) to ensure the best use of the transformational investment that will the improve the transit experience for Hillsborough County; our goal is to partner with the BOCC to fulfill the taxpayers vision."

- Benjamin T. Limmer, HART Chief Executive Officer

HART to Install Driver Safety Barrier on all Buses and HARTFlex Vans

HART stands United

HART with the support of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1593 is installing driver safety barriers on all HART buses and HARTFlex vans.

"HART has been working with the ATU over the past few weeks to enhance the safety of the driver compartment and implement a solution that works for our employees. I am happy to announce that we have reached an agreement," said HART CEO Ben Limmer. "The safety and security of our employees remains a priority at HART as they serve our customers with the highest level of professionalism."

The ATU and HART have mutually agreed to a custom-fit protective barrier with extended tempered glass to cover the operator space.

"Following the senseless passing of one of our own, we voiced our concerns, and would like to thank HART leadership for listening to us," said ATU International Vice President Curtis Howard. "We are working together to take immediate action to ensure that our members are safe and that a tragedy like that never happens again."

HART has allocated $1,000,000 towards the driver safety barrier project with each installed barrier estimated to cost $5,000.