HART Joins Sunflower Program to Support Riders with Non-Visible Disabilities

In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, HART is proud to announce its participation in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program—an important step forward in its ongoing commitment to accessibility for all customers.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program is a global initiative designed to support individuals living with non-visible disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, multiple sclerosis, and more. The program uses a simple but powerful symbol: a green lanyard with yellow sunflowers. When worn, it discreetly signals that the individual may need additional assistance, patience, or understanding—without requiring them to explain their condition.

“At HART, we are committed to ensuring every rider feels supported and respected,” said Frank Wyszynski, HART Manager of Marketing and Communications. “Joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program is an important step in building a more welcoming and accessible transit system for everyone in Hillsborough County.”

HART is among the first transit agencies in the nation to adopt the program, further demonstrating its leadership in advancing accessible public transportation.

This effort builds on HART’s broader HART For All initiative, which focuses on creating a more inclusive transit experience. Many HART operators are already familiar with the sunflower symbol through its use at Tampa International Airport. Now, with expanded training across the organization, more employees will be equipped to recognize the symbol and respond with empathy and support.

As part of the program, sunflower lanyards are now available to customers upon request and can be used throughout the HART system. Riders can pick up a lanyard at HART Customer Service locations at the Marion Transit Center or the University Area Transit Center.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program operates year-round, working with organizations worldwide to raise awareness, provide training, and share stories that foster understanding and inclusion.

By joining this global movement, HART continues to take meaningful steps toward ensuring that public transportation is accessible, welcoming, and supportive for everyone—because every rider deserves to feel seen.

For more information about HART and its accessibility initiatives, visit www.goHART.org.

Celebrate Earth Day with 50% Off Your HART Fare! 🌱🌎

This Earth Day, HART is making it easier—and more affordable—to make a greener choice.

To celebrate, riders can enjoy 50% off stored value in the Flamingo Fares app or on FlamingoFares.com by using promo code EARTHDAY on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Whether you're commuting to work, heading to school, or exploring Hillsborough County, now is the perfect time to try a more sustainable way to get around.

Public transportation plays a vital role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and easing traffic congestion. Every trip taken on HART helps cut down on the number of cars on the road, leading to cleaner air and a healthier community for everyone.

With Flamingo Fares, going green is simple. The app and smart card system provide a convenient, contactless way to pay your fare—no paper passes required. Just load value, enter the promo code, and ride.

This Earth Day, small choices can make a big impact. Choosing HART means fewer emissions, less congestion, and a more sustainable future for our region.

Celebrate Earth Day with 50% off your HART fare—use promo code EARTHDAY in the Flamingo Fares app and start riding greener today.

*Offer only valid on Wednesday, April 22, 2026

HART Honored with National Award for Excellence for FY26 Budget

HART has been awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its Fiscal Year 2026 budget, marking a major achievement in public sector financial management.

The recognition is the highest form of acknowledgment in governmental budgeting, and reflects HART’s strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public funds.

“The GFOA recognition underscores HART’s ongoing dedication to transparency and fiscal responsibility,” said Chief Financial Officer Shirley Shu-Hurley. “It reflects the hard work of our team and reinforces our commitment to managing public funds with integrity while continuing to earn the confidence of the community we serve.”

To receive the award, HART’s budget document was evaluated against nationally recognized guidelines that assess how well it serves as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and communications tool. The budget was required to rate “proficient” in all four categories and meet 14 mandatory criteria to qualify.

Participation in the GFOA’s Budget Awards Program includes over 1,900 government agencies across North America. HART’s inclusion in this distinguished group underscores the agency’s leadership and best practices in budgeting within the transit industry and the broader government sector.