COVID-19 UPDATE: Van Operator Tests Positive for COVID-19 - 11.16.20

HART has received confirmation that a van operator has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19).

The van operator's last day worked was 10.29.20.

This brings the total number of cases of HART employees testing positive for the coronavirus to 62 – including 27 bus operators, 6 van operators, 2 streetcar motorpersons, and 27 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 provided onsite COVID-19 testing for all employees.
• 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 with weekday service on highest ridership routes to alleviate overcrowding. HART is asking customers to limit travel to essential trips only.
• 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.

HART Plans to Restore Service Following Tropical Storm Eta

HART is preparing to restart service on all bus routes, the TECO Line Streetcar and HART SMART AV service beginning at NOON, THURSDAY, November 12, following Tropical Storm Eta and weather permitting. 

In preparation of sustained high winds and for the safety of our customers, employees and to safeguard equipment, transit service ended at 12 NOON today. 

Hillsborough County has declared a State of Emergency. HART will continue to keep you updated on service restorations as official weather updates become available.

Customers can follow HART on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates. 

Ms. Adelee Le Grand Selected as New HART CEO

The HART Board of Directors selected Adelee Le Grand as the next HART CEO during its board meeting on November 2nd, 2020. Ms. Le Grand delivered a powerful public presentation introducing her vision of a transportation network to unite and offer the community immediate access and opportunity.

"It was evident to the entire Board of Director that Ms. Le Grand will rebuild and revision HART by building trust through transparency and respect with employees, customers and the community," said Commissioner Mariella Smith, HART Chair, Board of Directors. "As we look to the future, we're confident Ms. Le Grand is the right person to lead HART and create a long legacy of providing the highest level of service equitably and to openly drive Hillsborough County forward."

Next Steps:

Recruiting firm GovHR USA and HART General Counsel with negotiate contract terms with Ms. Le Grand.  A contract for approval will be placed on the December agenda at the regular meeting of the Board.

Professional Biography:

Adelee Le Grand is a leader, with over two decades of experience, who is passionate about utilizing mobility as a tool to create and sustain vibrant equitable communities. Her area of speciality is developing and communicating strategies into the implementation of business solutions and innovations. 

Adelee has served as a member of the executive team for two transit agencies. She has served as the Chief Mobility Officer for the Atlanta-region Transit Link Authority (ATL), working closely with the Executive Director and Planning Division to develop a strategic plan to document the new state authority's suite of services and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders and regional partners. Adelee also served as the Chief Strategy Officer in service to the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority, where her responsibilities included developing the first Strategic Mobility Plan for the New Orleans Region and rebuilding the Planning Department. 

She empowers her team to view their portfolio of projects as opportunities to improve the lives of the community they serve. Her motto is, "it is not about the project, it is about how the project improves the community".

Ms. Adelee Le Grand