HART Operator to Compete on International Stage at Bus ROADeo This Weekend

HART is gearing up to cheer on Operator Guarionex Falero Ramos as he represents Florida at the International Bus ROADeo in Austin, TX, this weekend (April 4-8)!

After securing 1st place overall in the Fixed Route Bus category at the prestigious Florida Triple Crown ROADeo, Guarionex is ready to take on the best bus operators from across the U.S. and Canada. His exceptional performance also earned him 1st place in the Fixed Route Bus Pre-Inspection competition, showcasing his technical expertise and commitment to excellence.

The Florida Triple Crown ROADeo, held in February, put participants to the test with a rigorous driving course, a written exam, and a comprehensive bus pre-inspection. Guarionex’s impressive skills secured his spot on the international stage, and now, it's time for him to compete for top honors in Austin!

“We are incredibly proud of Guarionex for his commitment to driving excellence,” said Scott Drainville, HART CEO. “Guarionex’s achievements at the Florida Triple Crown ROADeo are a testament to his expertise, safety, and service. We’re all rooting for him this weekend at the International Bus ROADeo in Austin!”

HART is dedicated to enhancing public transportation by continuously investing in operator training and professional development. Accomplishments like these showcase the expertise and commitment of our outstanding workforce.

Join us in wishing Guarionex Falero Ramos the best of luck as he represents Florida and HART on the international stage!

HART Operators Compete in Tampa Bay Regional Roadeo!

HART, MCAT and PSTA held the annual Regional Roadeo last weekend at PSTA's Operations and Maintenance Facility. Bus operators from HART, MCAT and PSTA showcased their driving skills in various challenges.

Almost 40 operators were judged on a rigid, scored course, consisting of different obstacles. Operators were evaluated on 16 criteria including a pre-trip inspection of their vehicle, uniform compliance, 11 different driving challenges, smoothness of operation, and safety habits - all on a timed course. 

Participants also had to conduct a vehicle inspection to locate pre-set defects that would render the vehicle inoperable and/or unsafe.

HART Bus Operator Crystal Edwards placed #2 out of 37 HART, MCAT and PSTA operators and was among seven HART operators competing in the Roadeo. 

Joining these competitors were employees and vendors from both agencies who volunteered as judges and assessed contestants driving skills, knowledge of safety rules, time performance and maintenance skills. 

HART's first, second and third place winners

Roadeo Results (Among HART operators)

• 1st Place - Crystal Edwards - 2nd place overall
• 2nd Place - Guarionex Falero Ramos
• 3rd Place - Tia Allen

Crystal Edwards now advances to the State Roadeo held in Orlando. Winners from the State competition move on to the APTA International Bus Roadeo.

HART to host Hiring Event on June 11!

Want a rewarding career in public transportation? HART is hiring! 

Join HART at a Hiring Event on Saturday, June 11, 2022, from 9 AM to 2 PM at the HART Operations Facility at 4305 East 21^st Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33605.

Careers are available in Operations, Maintenance, Finance, HR and more! On-site interviews will be conducted with bus operators and mechanics applicants. 

HART participates in Florida Retirement and offers a robust health package, tuition reimbursement, career advancement and more! 

On-air personality Katie Sommers from local radio station 933FLZ will be live from 10 AM-Noon with fun games and music.

Click here for a complete list of available careers and HART benefits. HART is a drug-free, safe work environment and an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Join the team that keeps Hillsborough County moving!

Join HART in Celebrating Transit Worker Appreciation Day on March 18, 2022!

The Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) encourages riders and invites the community to thank transportation workers across Hillsborough County on March 18, 2022, in observance of Transit Worker Appreciation Day.

HART's bus, van and streetcar operators, as well as maintenance workers, provide safe and reliable service every day to our thousands of Hillsborough County riders.

During one of the most challenging times in recent history, transit workers across the country showcased how public transportation is essential to the vitality of the community by remaining open and serving essential workers.

These professionals regularly demonstrate patience and skill. However, above all, they care about our riders and serving our community.

Commuters know the familiar faces they encounter each day as they travel to work and school, run errands, see a friend, or receive their last round of chemotherapy. Our transit workers become part of our customers' daily lives and it's great to show them that we appreciate the great work they do.

Join the Transit Worker Day Celebration

Tell your operator thank you, share a smile or say hello. Customers can also help spread the word about this special day by posting to their social media pages using #ThanksTransit.

HART customers can also share their great experiences by using #HARTHeroes or visiting www.goHART.org.

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!

International Transit Driver Appreciation Day

HART Operators help thousands of riders get to work, school or elsewhere safely and on time every day. We make life happen for many residents of Hillsborough County. Celebrate their contributions on Transit Driver Appreciation Day, Wednesday, March 18, with HART and other transit providers across the country!

Driving may seem easy to some, but try doing it for eight hours or more in an extra-large vehicle while you pick up passengers, answer questions, keep on schedule, give directions and more. Then add unpredictable traffic, bad weather conditions and some tight spaces. HART operators handle all this and more every day while helping Hillsborough County residents get where they need to go.

"Our operators do a lot more than just drive buses, vans, and streetcar" said HART Chief Executive Officer Katharine Eagan. "Often they are expected to be all things at all times, trip planner, paramedic and more... all while safely driving a 40-foot bus."

It is a day to acknowledge how difficult driving a bus can be as HART and others salute the operators who have the skills and temperament to do it. This group of men and women are the agency's public ambassadors, representing HART day-in and day-out as they serve their routes.

Come join us at Marion Transit Center on March 18 at 9 a.m. as we hand out goodies and show our appreciation to our operators!

Background

International Transit Driver Appreciation Day began in 2009 when a group of transit riders in Seattle decided it would be a great way to honor the hard-working men and women who safely get us to job
s, stores, schools, etc.