The Women of HART: Connie Cosme

Ms. Cosme on #429, the car she operated at the Grand Opening

Meet Connie Cosme. She has worked at HART as a TECO Line Streetcar motorwoman for over 15 years. 

Ms. Cosme's tenure at HART actually PREDATES the current TECO Line Streetcar. She was a part of the original crew of motorpersons when the system launched on Oct. 19, 2002.

"I met a lady that day (the Grand Opening) that came up to me and told me 'I did a great job.'" Ms. Cosme said. "Turns out, the woman was a motorwoman for the original Tampa streetcar system, while the men were away at war (World War II)."

Fast forward almost 16 years later, and Ms. Cosme is our most decorated motorperson!

Ms. Cosme receiving her Million Mile Award in 2016!

She is the FIRST streetcar motorperson to be awarded with a Million Miles award! The Million Miles award recognizes a commitment to safety, and great driving skills. It takes roughly 14 YEARS of driving without a preventable accident, to achieve this recognition. Our riders are precious cargo!

Ms. Cosme says that while it's "different" being a woman in a male-dominated profession, she likes it and "keeps the men in check."

The thing she likes the most about her job is the people.

"I love being able to take seniors back in time to when they were younger (when the streetcar was only 5¢). I love meeting people from all over and seeing the sparkle in a kid's eye when they board the Streetcar."

Connie, our Streetcar Wonder Woman!

Ms. Cosme back in 2003