HART Operator Wins Third Place from Industry Association!

HART bus operator Jimmy Suarez

Jimmy Suarez, a 15-year bus operator at HART, is being honored with the distinction of third place Operator of the Year by the Florida Public Transportation Association (FPTA).

Suarez's nomination and win celebrates his exemplary customer service and impeccable safety record, including 14 consecutive years of safe driving, and more than 1.5 million miles behind the wheel.

"I have been doing this for a long time. I take pride in my driving and taking care of my customers," said Suarez. "I take my job very seriously because I have a responsibility to protect my customers. When I notice a new customer boarding my bus, I consider them a new family member. I do my best to make them feel comfortable and give them a good experience with HART."

The award is presented annually to operators whose service has "enriched and enhanced" public transportation in the community.

Recently, Suarez was honored with the Million Mile Award and has received numerous rider commendations. He is known for his enthusiastic attitude, excellent driving skills, good judgment, and first-class customer service to our passengers.

"It is dedicated professionals like Jimmy Suarez, and our Million Miles honorees who make it possible for HART to receive accolades from our peers for our hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence, said HART Interim CEO, Jeff Seward. "We could not be more proud of our outstanding bus operators, and are grateful for the loyalty and focus they bring to their work each day."

Way to represent HART, Jimmy!

HART Recognizes Safe Operators with "Million Mile" Awards!

Imagine driving a million miles - 40 times around the earth's circumference - without a preventable accident. Now imagine accomplishing such a feat as the driver of a 40-foot bus!

Thirteen HART operators, joined by their families, were recognized on Tuesday, July 31, during the Authority's Third Annual HART Million Mile Safe Driver Awards Luncheon in honor of those who achieved outstanding safety milestones in safe driving and service.

How far is a million miles? It is like driving 769 one-way trips - from Tampa to New York City.

"In today's driving conditions these operators have accomplished something that demonstrates their high level of safety consciousness and commitment to the safety of their passengers, fellow motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists," said HART Interim CEO Jeff Seward. "We congratulate these accomplished bus operators and thank them for their hard work and dedication. These elite men and women consistently demonstrate advanced skills and concentration levels to achieve the Million Miler status."

One could travel to the moon and back twice before reaching a million miles, yet 11 HART Bus Operators achieved this well within earth's atmosphere. Driving 14 consecutive years without a preventable accident, the Authority's newest Million Mile operators are Kenneth Beach, Rufus Blake, Theresa Briseneau, Tito Goicochea, Marc Henry, Dinesta McBride, Henry Morales, Gustavo Pachon, Jimmy Suarez, Bridget Williams, and Tyran Williams.

"HART's Million Mile Safe Driver Awards program allows executive leadership and management to recognize and honor those who have served the public in a safe and customer-centric manner," said Chief Administrative Officer and Interim Chief of Staff Kenyatta Lee. "This is a great opportunity to show our appreciation for the best of the best, who take great care of the Authority's customers and vehicles. "

Two Million Mile Club: Cosme Garcia (left); Tony Hernandez (right)

HART bus operators Cosme Garcia and Tony Hernandez join the prestigious two million mile club. In the world of a HART bus operator, this incredible achievement equates to 27 years of driving a bus without having a preventable accident.

When asked what it requires to drive so many miles without a preventable accident, two million miler Operator Cosme Garcia said that it is a great accomplishment. "You see others achieve it and you strive for it. As a driver, you appreciate this perhaps more than others might, just by witnessing all the incidents that take place on the road. The key to safety is not only to be focused on your actions but also be observant of other's actions to ensure nothing happens," he said. 

Congrats to all of our Million Milers!

HART Operator Receives High Marks from Industry Awards!

Operator Matute won 3rd Place Operator of the Year at FPTA!

Oscar Matute has been awarded 3rd Place Operator of the Year 2017 by the Florida Public Transportation Association (FPTA)!

A recent recipient of the Million Mile award, Operator Matute has been a HART Operator since September 30, 2002. In that time, he has driven over 1 million miles without an accident, and has received no absence occurrences, miss outs or infractions in more than two years!

We are extremely proud of Operator Matute and congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition.

FPTA is an association that represents all 37 Florida transit agencies, all of varying sizes and modes. The award is based upon quality of service, attendance, and overall work record. HART operators are truly among the best of the best!

Great job, Oscar!