HART Seeks Applicants for ADA Accessibility Committee

HART is seeking applicants to serve on its ADA Accessibility Committee, which advises HART on issues affecting people with disabilities and helps support accessibility throughout the transit system.

One position is currently available for a three-year term. Residents interested in applying should reside or work in Hillsborough County. Committee service is voluntary, and members serve without compensation.

The ADA Accessibility Committee serves an important advisory role by assisting HART in its efforts to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and improve accessibility for people with disabilities throughout Hillsborough County.

Committee responsibilities include:

• Reviewing HART priorities and projects and providing guidance on disability and accessibility issues.
• Serving as a liaison between HART and members of the public with disabilities when accessibility concerns or complaints regarding HART services or facilities arise.
• Advising HART on issues affecting people with disabilities.
• Advocating for accessibility for people with disabilities who use HART services.

The committee meets quarterly on the third Thursday from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete and submit an Application for HART Committee Appointments. Fillable application forms and additional information are available on the HART website at goHART.org/ADAcommittee.

All forms must be signed and dated, and all questions must be answered completely for an application to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Applications are due by close of business Friday, September 25, 2026.

Appointments are scheduled for review at the ADA Accessibility Committee meeting on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Applicants may attend the meeting.

For questions regarding the application process, applicants can contact Catherine Chavarria at ChavarriaC@gohart.org.

HART to Implement Service Changes August 16

The Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) will implement service changes beginning Sunday, August 16, 2026, to enhance operational efficiency and provide a more reliable and convenient customer experience.

Schedule Changes:

• Routes 1, 12, 30, 34, 39, 45, 360LX, 400, and HARTFlex East Fletcher will see schedule changes

Additional changes to Route 360LX (Brandon/South Tampa) include:

• Service to the J.C. Handly Park-n-Ride will move to a bus stop on Kings Avenue.
• Route 360LX will no longer serve the shelter located inside the J.C. Handly Park-n-Ride parking lot.
• A new timepoint will be added at Providence Park to accommodate layovers.

Customers are encouraged to review updated schedules before traveling and allow additional time as the changes take effect.

Updated schedules and trip-planning information are available on the "Maps and Schedules" paget at GoHART.org.

Customers may also visit a HART Customer Service Center or call 813-254-4278 for assistance.

The HART Youth Pass is Back for the 2026 School Year!

A new school year is almost here! 

Ages 6-18, receive 50% off regular HART fare with the Youth Pass! Riders under 5 remain free.

To receive the discount, eligible riders must register at a HART Customer Service window:



• Marion Transit Center - 1211 N. Marion St., Tampa, FL
• University Area Transit Center - 13110 N. 27th St., Tampa, FL

The Youth Pass is available exclusively on Flamingo Fares, HART's e-fare and smart card payment system.

For more information, contact HART Customer Service at (813) 254-4278.

HART Takes You There: Early Voting!

HART is helping Hillsborough County residents make their voices heard by showing residents how to use HART service to reach 21 Early Voting locations during the 2026 Primary and General Elections.

Early Voting for the Primary Election will take place August 3–16, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registered Hillsborough County voters may cast their ballot or drop off a completed Vote by Mail ballot at any Early Voting location during operating hours.

Customers can visit HART's Early Voting page to:

• Find the HART routes serving their preferred Early Voting location
• View the HART Early Voting Service Map
• Download a complete list of locations and corresponding routes
• Plan a trip to their preferred Early Voting location

Customers are encouraged to plan their trip using the Transit app or the trip-planning tools available at GoHART.org. Riders should also allow sufficient travel time and check for service alerts before beginning their trip.

Early Voting locations differ from Election Day polling places. On Election Day, voters must cast their ballot at the polling place assigned to their precinct.

For voter registration information and other election details, visit VoteHillsborough.gov.

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 Welcomes Ronrico “Rico” Smith to the Board of Directors

HART is pleased to announce the appointment of Ronrico “Rico” Smith to the HART Board of Directors, representing Hillsborough County.

A third-generation Tampa native, Rico brings deep community roots and a steadfast commitment to public service. With several years of successful experience in sales and product management, he has effectively advocated on behalf of medical device companies before federal, defense, and state officials on critical healthcare issues. His professional background reflects a strong understanding of policy, strategy, and stakeholder engagement—skills that will serve HART and the community well.

Rico also brings valuable board-level leadership experience in both government and healthcare. He currently serves on the Corporate Board for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Tampa Bay and previously served as Board Treasurer for the Hillsborough County Hospital Authority. During his tenure, he played a key role in overseeing land use at Tampa General Hospital and approving a transformative $550 million capital improvement plan—demonstrating his ability to guide complex initiatives with long-term community impact.

Committed to service beyond the boardroom, Rico enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserves in 2016 and was commissioned in 2022 as a Finance Officer. In this role, he assists with formulating program policy, allocating manpower resources, and managing budgeting efforts for Total Force Integration. He earned his associate’s degree from the Community College of the Air Force and his bachelor’s degree from Trident University.

Rico remains actively involved in the community, volunteering with local veterans’ organizations and serving on the Congressional Veterans’ Advisory Committee for Congressman Gus Bilirakis. He also mentors junior investors in real estate and retirement planning. In his free time, he enjoys golfing and traveling with his family and friends.

HART looks forward to Rico’s leadership and perspective as the agency continues advancing safe, reliable, and innovative public transportation solutions for the residents of Hillsborough County.

Please join us in welcoming Ronrico “Rico” Smith to the HART Board of Directors.

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.

Be Fare Ready: Route 1 Fares Return January 5, 2026

After a year of record-breaking ridership and improved mobility, the City of Tampa-funded Route 1 Fare-Free Pilot is coming to an end. Beginning January 5, 2026, fares will return on Route 1 — but the service improvements riders love will stick around (and expand to evenings and weekends).

A Pilot That Delivered Real Results

The Route 1 Fare-Free Pilot has been a massive success. As of December 2025, year-to-date ridership on Route 1 increased 45%, reaching 1,459,366 trips — over 445,000 more rides than the previous year. Average weekday ridership now exceeds 5,000 riders, and faster boarding helped improve on-time performance by 7%.

On an average weekday, Route 1 now carries more than 5,300 riders, far surpassing ridership seen on comparable previously fare-free services in the region. Faster boarding without fares also helped improve on-time performance by 6.2%, keeping buses moving efficiently through one of Tampa’s most active corridors.

Perhaps most importantly, Route 1 riders depend on the service:

• Nearly 70% ride three or more days per week

• Most trips support work, shopping, and healthcare

• 81% of riders say they will continue riding once fares return

• 63% connect to other routes, where they benefit from Flamingo Fares fare capping

Service Improvements Are Here to Stay

While the fare-free portion of the pilot is coming to an end, enhanced service will remain — and expand. Based on rider feedback and stakeholder input, City of Tampa funding was prioritized to maintain and grow service frequency rather than extend free fares.

What riders can expect starting January 5, 2026:

• Every 15 minutes on weekdays

• Expanded evening service

• Every 20 minutes on weekends

That means quicker trips, better reliability, and easier connections — every day of the week.

How to Pay When Fares Return

HART encourages riders to sign up for Flamingo Fares, the easiest and most affordable way to pay.

With fare capping, Flamingo Fares ensures you always pay the lowest possible price, whether you ride once a day or multiple times a week.

Ways to pay on Route 1:

• Flamingo Fares app or Flamingo smart card

• Contactless credit or debit card

• Apple Pay, Google Pay, or other digital wallets

• Cash (exact change only) for a one-way fare

Simply tap your phone, card, or payment method when boarding.

More Than a Bus Route

The Route 1 Fare-Free Pilot did more than boost ridership — it expanded access and introduced transit to new riders. With seamless connections to the also fare-free TECO Line Streetcar, riders enjoyed a frequent, no-cost link from USF to Ybor City.

The pilot also sparked community activity, with new riders organizing group trips to restaurants, retail, entertainment, and even walking tours — proof that reliable transit fuels economic activity and neighborhood connection.

HART is grateful to the City of Tampa for initiating and funding this pilot. What began as a one-year experiment has grown into a continuing partnership focused on delivering the greatest benefit to the most riders.

Have Questions?

HART Customer Service is here to help:

• Call 813-254-4278 or visit us in person at the Marion Transit Center or University Area Transit Center

• Learn more at goHART.org

• Follow HART on social media for updates

Be Fare Ready on January 5, 2026!

HART Seeks New Member for ADA Accessibility Committee

HART is actively seeking dedicated Hillsborough County residents to join its ADA Accessibility Committee. This voluntary role allows members to serve the community by assisting HART in ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and improving accessibility for people with disabilities across Hillsborough County. Committee members serve without compensation.

Application Process and Deadline

Interested residents must complete and submit an Application for HART Committee Appointments to be considered. Fillable application forms are available on the HART website at www.goHART.org/ADAcommittee. To be eligible, applications must be signed, dated, and fully completed. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Submission Deadline: Close of business on January 5, 2026

Submission Methods:

• Mail or Delivery: 1201 East 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605
• Email: ChavarriaC@gohart.org

About the ADA Accessibility Committee

The ADA Accessibility Committee serves in an advisory capacity to HART and plays a crucial role in advancing accessibility initiatives. Its duties include:

1. Reviewing HART’s priorities and projects to advise on disability-related issues.
2. Acting as a liaison between HART and individuals with disabilities, addressing accessibility concerns or complaints about HART services or facilities.
3. Providing insights to HART on issues affecting people with disabilities.
4. Advocating for accessible transit options for people with disabilities.

There are two new positions open on the Committee, with a term length of three years. Committee meetings are held quarterly on the third Thursday from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

HART Awarded $32 Million FTA Grant for CNG Buses

Historic News for HART!

We’re proud to announce that HART has been awarded $32 million through the FTA’s Low or No Emission and Bus & Bus Facilities Program — the largest federal grant in HART’s history, the largest in Florida, and one of the top awards in the entire nation this funding cycle.

This investment will allow us to:

• Replace 33 aging diesel buses averaging 688,000 miles — well beyond their useful life
• Reduce annual maintenance costs by over $1 million
• Improve reliability, on-time performance, and reduce service interruptions
• Cut harmful emissions across Hillsborough County
• Expand technician training and apprenticeship programs to strengthen our workforce

With this award, HART is now positioned to become Florida’s first transit agency with a 100% low-emission CNG fixed-route fleet — a major milestone in our Fleet Transition Plan and a big step toward cleaner, more reliable mobility for our community.

This isn’t just an investment in buses. It’s an investment in our riders, our employees, and the future of transportation in Hillsborough County.

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Statement from HART CEO Scott Drainville

“Today’s announcement represents a major step forward for reliable transit in Hillsborough County. This investment will help us improve service for riders, reduce costly breakdowns, strengthen our workforce pipeline, and continue transitioning our fleet to cleaner, low-emission technology. 

We are profoundly grateful to the more than two dozen partners who stood with us—elected leaders, community advocates, educational institutions, businesses, and industry. Their voices made clear that modern, reliable transit is essential to our region’s growth.”

Statement from Congresswoman Kathy Castor

“This grant is a big win for our Tampa Bay neighbors. Reliable, accessible transit is essential to a healthy local economy—helping people get to work, school, medical care, and the grocery store without added stress,” said Rep. Kathy Castor. “With these new investments to modernize HART’s fleet and expand mobility options, we’re opening the door to more job opportunities, supporting local businesses and ensuring families across Hillsborough County can move around safely and affordably. I’m proud to help secure these federal resources so every neighbor—regardless of zip code—has the freedom to move, connect and thrive in our community.”

Statement from Congresswoman Laurel Lee

“This federal investment is a significant step forward for transit in Hillsborough County. With the addition of 33 new CNG buses, HART will be able to improve reliability, lower operating costs, and better serve the riders who depend on these routes every day. I was proud to support HART’s application and am grateful to Secretary Duffy and Administrator Molinaro for prioritizing this project. These upgrades will make a real difference for families, workers, and students across our community.” 

Statement from HART Chair/Councilman Luis Viera


“This $32 million grant for HART is a huge leap forward thanks to our federal partners. HART provides such a pivotal lifeline for our working families – our seniors, those with disabilities, our veterans and so many others. I am so thankful for the work ethic, tenacity and determination of our Congresswoman Kathy Castor, who always champions transit. This grant allows us to move forward in a manner that is productive and is consistent with sustainability.”

HART Operator Reunites Lost Child with Mother

HART is celebrating the heroic actions of Bus Operator Barbara Baker, whose quick thinking and compassion helped reunite a lost child with his family.

As captured in a recent onboard video, Operator Baker demonstrated remarkable initiative when she spotted a small child in the middle of a busy roadway. Without hesitation, she safely pulled her bus to the side, exited the vehicle, and brought the child out of harm’s way. She remained with the child until officers from the Tampa Police Department arrived. Thanks to her quick and heroic actions, the child was safely reunited with his family shortly after being discovered.

“This is a powerful reminder that our Operators do far more than drive buses — they also serve as guardians of the community every single day,” said HART CEO Scott Drainville. “Operator Baker’s courage and attentiveness exemplify the dedication and heart that define our team.”

HART vehicles are designated as a Hillsborough County Safe Place, and HART Operators are trained to remain vigilant and situationally aware for instances such as a lost child, human trafficking, etc. This incident highlights the vital role they play in protecting and serving the residents and visitors of Hillsborough County.

Well done, Operator Baker — your heroism inspires us all!

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 Welcomes Councilman Alan Clendenin to the Board of Directors

HART announces that Councilman Alan Clendenin has been appointed to the HART Board of Directors, representing the City of Tampa. His appointment follows the unexpected passing of Councilwoman Gwen Henderson, who previously represented the City of Tampa on the Board.

Councilman Clendenin brings decades of public service and operational experience to the HART Board. He served 32 years with the Federal Aviation Administration as an air traffic control specialist, gaining extensive labor-management experience in a safety-critical environment.

He is Chairman of the Tampa City Council representing District 1 (citywide) and serves on the Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, Tampa Sports Authority, and the Tampa Bay Committee on Foreign Relations, with prior service on the City of Tampa Civil Service Board.

A Tampa resident since 1985, he and his partner raised two children in the city’s public schools.

HART welcomes Councilman Clendenin to the Board of Directors and looks forward to his stewardship!

Councilman Clendenin

Hop on HART this School Year with the Youth Pass!

Welcome back, HCPS students!

HART riders ages 6–18 are required to pay the Youth Fare when riding.

The Youth Fare is 50% off the regular fare, offering an affordable way for students to get to school, work, and activities:

• $2 Day Pass
• $32.50 Monthly Pass

Children age 5 and under continue to ride free when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

How to Register for the HART Youth Pass

Eligible riders must register in person at one of our Customer Service locations:

1. Marion Transit Center - 1211 N. Marion Street
   Mon–Fri: 6 AM – 6 PM | Sat: 8 AM – 5 PM
2. University Area Transit Center - 13110 N. 27th Street
   Mon–Fri: 6 AM – 5 PM | Sat: 8 AM – 5 PM

The Youth Fare is only available through Flamingo Fares, HART’s convenient mobile app and smart card system.

Start the school year right — ride smarter, save more!

Visit goHART.org for more info.

HART Seeks Public Input on Route 1 Fare-Free Pilot

HART is inviting customers to participate in a new survey to help gather feedback on the City of Tampa-funded Route 1 Fare-free Pilot. The customer survey is open through Sunday, June 15, 2025.

The survey will gather critical community input on the fare-free Route 1 pilot and overall transit needs.

The Route 1 Fare-free pilot was launched in January 2025 to explore the benefits of fare-free service on one of Tampa’s key transit corridors. The pilot removed the fare on Route 1 and increased frequency on Route 1 from every 20 minutes to every 15 minutes during peak hours. The Pilot is scheduled to end in January 2026.

Community members who ride Route 1 are encouraged to participate and help inform long-term planning, including service expansion and evaluating the success and future of fare-free options like the Route 1 Pilot.

The survey is quick to complete and available in English and Spanish.

Survey Links:

• English: Route 1 Rider Survey
• Spanish: Encuesta para pasajeros de la Ruta 1

HART Launches Customer Survey to Evaluate Transit Network

HART is asking for public input as it launches a Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) — a full review of the HART transit network aimed at improving service based on how, when, and where people travel.

The COA will help HART better understand current community travel patterns, identify where service is most needed, and determine how to provide a more reliable and efficient transit experience. This is HART’s first systemwide review in several years, and community participation is critical to its success.

Riders and community members are encouraged to take a short survey by Sunday, May 25, 2025. As a thank you, participants will be entered into a drawing for a $150 gift card.

“The Comprehensive Operational Analysis is an important check-in to see how well HART is currently serving our community,” said Sean McCarthy, HART Chief Operations Officer. “We want to ensure our transit system reflects the real needs of the people who rely on it daily. Your feedback is essential to helping us improve efficiency and shape the future of service in Hillsborough County.”

The survey is quick and easy to complete and is available in both English and Spanish. Community input will directly inform recommendations for potential service changes, network improvements, and long-term planning.

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HART está solicitando la opinión pública mientras lanza un Análisis Integral de Operaciones (COA), una revisión completa de la red de tránsito de HART destinada a mejorar el servicio en función de cómo, cuándo y dónde viajan las personas.

Se anima a los pasajeros y miembros de la comunidad a realizar una breve encuesta antes del domingo 25 de mayo de 2025. Como agradecimiento, los participantes participarán en un sorteo de una tarjeta de regalo de $150.

HART Honored with National Award for Excellence in Budgeting

HART has been awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its Fiscal Year 2025 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 reflects HART’s strong commitment to transparency and accountability,” said Chief Financial Officer Loretta Kirk. “It’s a proud moment for our team and a clear validation of our continued efforts to be responsible stewards of public resources while building trust with our community.”

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 1,700 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.

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 Celebrates National Transit Employee Appreciation Day!

On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, the Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) is proudly celebrating National Transit Employee Appreciation Day, which honors the over 750 dedicated operators, mechanics, dispatchers, customer service representatives, and administrative staff who Keep Hillsborough County Moving every day!

From safely transporting thousands of daily riders to ensuring our vehicles are in top condition and supporting seamless operations behind the scenes, HART employees play a vital role in making public transit reliable, accessible, and welcoming. Their hard work and commitment fuel the essential service that many residents rely on to get to work, school, medical appointments, and more.

“Our team is the best in the industry,” said HART CEO Scott Drainville. “Their professionalism, compassion, and resilience — especially during challenging times — make a meaningful difference in the lives of our customers and the community. Today, and every day, we’re incredibly grateful for their dedication and service.”

HART takes pride in employing a diverse workforce, with a strong focus on hiring veterans. Among our dedicated team are several multi-generational families — a true reflection of our employees' lasting commitment to public service and the supportive, family-oriented culture that defines our organization.

Employee appreciation banners are displayed throughout HART facilities, and we’ll feature employees on our social media channels throughout the day. As a further gesture of appreciation, a small employee event is scheduled for Friday.

Riders are encouraged to join in by sharing their thanks on social media using #ThankYouHART or by simply thanking their operator during their ride on Tuesday.

As we look to the future, HART is dedicated to supporting and empowering our workforce. From continuous training opportunities to wellness programs, HART values investing in the people who move Hillsborough County.

HART and the TECO Line Streetcar carried 13,395,722 customer trips in FY2024.