HART Board Elects Councilman Schisler Chair

Councilman Gil Schisler

At its January 5 meeting, the Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) Board elected Councilman Gil Schisler as Chair, Director Gary Hartfield as Vice Chair, and Commissioner Gwen Myers as Secretary of the HART Board of Directors for 2026.

“I’m grateful to my fellow Board members for the trust they’ve placed in me to serve as Chair,” said HART Chair Gil Schisler. “Public transportation plays a critical role in strengthening our community, and I look forward to working together to push HART forward, advocate for increased investment, and ensure we’re delivering the reliable service our residents deserve.”

HART Board Service History:

• Councilman Schisler has been a HART Board member since December 2018
• Director Gary Hartfield was appointed to the Board in October 2023.
• Commissioner Gwen Myers was appointed in November 2020.

 

The HART Board is responsible for setting policy and making decisions for the Authority on matters ranging from system operations and service planning to fare structure, finance, and customer service. It is comprised of 14 volunteers who are appointed to represent Hillsborough County (seven seats), the City of Tampa (four seats), the State of Florida (two seats), and the City of Temple Terrace (one seat).

Officers of the HART Board (chair, vice-chair, and secretary) are elected annually.

HART Has You Covered: New Bus Stop Upgrades Improve the Customer Experience

The Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) is making significant strides to improve the customer experience in East Tampa. Since January 2025, HART has completed construction on seven upgraded bus stops and installed 17 new bus shelters, with an additional six stops currently in the engineering and design phase. These improvements represent a $908,013 investment in District 3 as part of HART’s FY25 Basic Transit Infrastructure (BTI) program.

Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers joined HART CEO Scott Drainville in Riverview on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, to celebrate the opening of the newest bus shelter with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Bloomingdale Avenue and Simpson Road. The bus stop serves Routes 8 and 31, connecting Riverview with Ruskin and Downtown Tampa.

“Investments like these in District 3 not only modernize our transit system but also show our commitment to the customers who rely on HART every day,” said District 3 Commissioner Gwen Myers. “Better bus stops and shelters mean a more comfortable and accessible travel experience for everyone in our community.”

The upgrades aim to enhance the customer experience by offering greater comfort, safety, and accessibility. New shelters provide shade and protection from the weather, improved seating, and ADA-compliant features, creating a more reliable and pleasant environment for daily customers.

Overall, HART is investing roughly $5 million into HART’s BTI program countywide, thanks to a Community Investment Grant secured by Representative Kathy Castor.

The Community Investment Grant is funding:

• Design and construction of 50-60 bus stops that need improvement ($2.7 millio
• Further developing shelter program with the purchase and installation of 60 shelters ($1.2 million)
• Launch of a new Bus Stop Technology program ($1.1 million)
• "Next bus" real-time display information
• ADA-accessibility
• Braille / push button “next bus” announcements at stops

These capital investments also support broader community goals, including economic development, sustainability, and equitable access to public transportation.

HART and Commissioner Gwen Myers to Host Women's Health and Wellness Fair

HART in partnership with Hillsborough County Commissioner and HART Board Member Gwen Myers is hosting a Women's Health & Wellness Fair as part of the transit agency’s celebration of National Women's Month.

The Health & Wellness Fair is being held on Saturday, March 9 from 9 AM - 12 PM, at the Greater Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 1207 N. Jefferson Street, Downtown Tampa.

The event will feature a variety of community women's health and wellness resources.

“HART is happy to partner with Commissioner Myers on this very important Health and Wellness Fair providing women with the tools to be champions for their own health,” said Carla Williams, HART Director of Community & Business Engagement. "Ensuring the well-being of women is not only about promoting equality but is a fundamental investment in the overall health and prosperity of our communities.