HART COVID UPDATE: Bus and Van Operators are Among the Latest to Test Positive for Coronavirus

HART has received confirmation that additional bus and van operators have tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19).

 The bus operators' last days and routes worked are the following:

• Route 7 (West Tampa) – July 8, 2020
• Route 8 (Progress Village/ Brandon) – July 8, 2020
• Route 42 (University Are Connector) – July 8, 2020
• Route 45 (Yukon/Westshore) – July 8, 2020
• Route 36 (Dale Mabry/ Hines Ave) – July 9, 2020
• Route 12 (22nd Street) - July 9, 2020
• Route 400 (Nebraska Ave) – July 9, 2020
• Route 15 (Columbus Dr) - July 10, 2020
• Route 19 (South Tampa) – July 10, 2020
• Route 33 (Fletcher Ave) – July 10, 2020
• Route 42 (University Are Connector) – July 14, 2020
• Route 45 (Yukon/Westshore) – July 14, 2020
• Route 16 (Waters Ave) – July 14, 2020
• Route 39 (Bush Blvd) – July 14, 2020
• Route 7 (West Tampa) – July 15, 2020
• Route 400 (Nebraska Ave) – July 15, 2020
• Route 8 (Progress Village/ Brandon) – July 15, 2020
• Route 6 (56th St) - July 16, 2020
• Route 1 (Florida Ave) – July 16, 2020
• Route 1 (Florida Ave) – July 17, 2020

The van operator last worked Friday July 17, 2020. In an abundance of caution and in consultation with the Hillsborough County Department of Heath customers who came in contact with the Operator will be contacted. 

This brings the total number of cases of HART employees testing positive for the coronavirus to 40 – including 18 bus operators, 5 van operators, 1 streetcar motorperson, and 16 other employees.

All individuals are entitled to medical and health privacies and HART maintains the security of employees’ confidentiality. We respectfully ask media to honor all HART employees’ privacy.

For the safety of everyone on board, following the City of Tampa Executive Order 2020-27 (effective Friday, June 19, 2020 at 5:00 PM) and Hillsborough County Executive Order (effective Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at 5:00 PM), riders are required to wear a cloth face covering over their mouth and nose when in public and on transit, as recommended by the CDC. HART is providing face coverings to customers at transit centers, while supplies last. Face coverings can also be made from household items, including handkerchiefs, bandanas, or scarves. This is to protect people around you if you are infected but do not have symptoms, and is not a substitute for social distancing. 

HART is committed to the safety of all our employees and riders. In accordance with CDC guidelines as well as local and state health departments, HART has taken the following steps to help reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• HART continues to disinfect the fleet, transit centers, amenities and work areas - daily.
• HART is testing ALL employees for COVID-19.
• HART is communicating with all employees and customers to practice CDC recommended good hygiene and social distancing.
• HART is providing gloves, hand sanitizer, and face masks to frontline employees. Safety shields on fixed route vehicles provide a barrier to reduce contact.
• HART is running a temporary reduction of hours for transit service for essential trips. HART is following a modified-Sunday schedule. HART is asking customers to limit travel to essential trips only.
• Buses have been added on certain high-ridership routes daily to prevent overcrowding while staggered seating is recommended. Additional plug buses hold at certain key locations for immediate action to supplement other routes, so that riders are not left stranded.
• The bus destination signs on the outside of all HART buses display “Masks Required” and “Essential Trips Only.”
• Audio announcements and on-board seat signage have been installed to encourage staggered seating among riders and that masks are required.
• The first row of seats nearest to the front door is closed off to maintain additional distance between riders and the operator (but is still available for customer with disabilities that have mobility devices). HART has seen reduced ridership which provides the benefit of creating more space.
• HART operators are continually notified to contact the HART Operations Control Center (OCC) immediately to report if their transit vehicle is too crowded or other potential COVID-19 safety concerns. Responses may involve dispatching appropriate personnel, contacting emergency services, sending a swap vehicle, or sending a plug bus along the route.
• HART is offering alternative work schedules if the job function allows the employee to do the following: flexible/staggered work schedules, reduced work schedules and remote working.

While we remain committed to serving those who serve us, HART asks customers and employees to exercise personal responsibility and follow the CDC recommended guidelines.

Thank you for your cooperation.