HART CEO Statement on Judge Barbas' Decision Upholding Transportation Tax Funding

"The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) welcomes Judge Barbas' decision upholding expanded funding for public transportation in the region.

Fifty-seven percent of the voters were very clear in their support of a transportation formula that would support the needs of a best-in-class transportation network. We look forward to working with the Hillsborough County Board of County Commission (BOCC) to ensure the best use of the transformational investment that will the improve the transit experience for Hillsborough County; our goal is to partner with the BOCC to fulfill the taxpayers vision."

- Benjamin T. Limmer, HART Chief Executive Officer

HART to Install Driver Safety Barrier on all Buses and HARTFlex Vans

HART stands United

HART with the support of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1593 is installing driver safety barriers on all HART buses and HARTFlex vans.

"HART has been working with the ATU over the past few weeks to enhance the safety of the driver compartment and implement a solution that works for our employees. I am happy to announce that we have reached an agreement," said HART CEO Ben Limmer. "The safety and security of our employees remains a priority at HART as they serve our customers with the highest level of professionalism."

The ATU and HART have mutually agreed to a custom-fit protective barrier with extended tempered glass to cover the operator space.

"Following the senseless passing of one of our own, we voiced our concerns, and would like to thank HART leadership for listening to us," said ATU International Vice President Curtis Howard. "We are working together to take immediate action to ensure that our members are safe and that a tragedy like that never happens again."

HART has allocated $1,000,000 towards the driver safety barrier project with each installed barrier estimated to cost $5,000.

The HART Summer Blast Pass is BACK!

The HART Summer Blast Pass is BACK with an exciting twist!

From June 1 through August 31, Hillsborough County students, ages 5-18 can enjoy their independence, save cash, and "go green" on HART buses with the FREE Summer Blast Pass.
The HART Summer Blast Pass provides unlimited rides on HART Local, Limited Express, MetroRapid and HARTFlex services.

The Summer Blast Pass can be picked up at any of the following three HART locations:

• Downtown Tampa: Marion Transit Center, 1211 N. Marion St., Tampa, FL, 33602
• University Area: University Area Transit Center, 13110 N. 27th St., Tampa, FL, 33612 
• Ybor City: HART Administrative Offices, 1201 E. 7th Ave., Tampa FL, 33605

*Proof of age is required to receive the Summer Blast Pass

"The HART Summer Blast Pass provides younger riders the key to their independence and is designed to be a tool to help them get to a summer job, the mall, and beyond," said Benjamin Limmer, HART Chief Executive Officer. "Learning to use public transportation is a skill that serves students well throughout their lives."

HART has introduced a variety of technology improvements over the years to make service more attractive to tech-friendly students, including:

• Free WiFi on buses
• Real-time travel information via a smartphone app, OneBusAway Tampa, and the Google Trip Planner to make mapping trips a breeze.

HART also offers a FREE Travel Training program, to help new riders learn how to use the system. 

For more information, visit www.goHART.org.

HART Establishes Support Funds in Memory of Thomas Dunn

HART has established two financial support funds for Operator Thomas Dunn's family.

Donations for the family fund can be provided at any Tampa Bay Federal Credit Union branch or mailed to: Tampa Bay Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 7492, Tampa, FL

Donations to the family fund should include the following:

• Name of Fund: The Thomas Dunn Memorial Fund
• Memorial ID #: 563719

In addition to the family fund, HART has also created the Thomas Dunn Memorial Scholarship for the children of Mr. Dunn for educational scholarships.

Donations to the Thomas Dunn Memorial Scholarship Fund can be provided online at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/tdmf/.

The HART family stands UNITED following the senseless and tragic passing of Operator Thomas Dunn.

HART CEO Statement to Operator Attack

"We are devastated by the tragic events that took place today involving our HART bus operator. We are working with the Tampa Police Department as they conduct their investigation into this horrific matter," HART Chief Executive Officer Benjamin Limmer said. "We offer our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of the bus operator, as well as to all of our HART colleagues."

City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor to Serve on HART Board

PHOTO: City of Tampa

We are honored to welcome our newest member of the HART Board of Directors, newly elected Tampa Mayor, Jane Castor!

HART CEO Benjamin Limmer announced, "I am honored to welcome Mayor Castor to our Board of Directors. Mayor Castor's presence and leadership will shape the opportunity HART has to provide innovative and sustainable transportation solutions for decades to come.  Mayor Castor will be an asset to the HART Board of Directors and to the organization as a whole."

Mayor Castor's commitment to connect businesses large and small with the communities they serve through increased walkability, bike-ability, rapid-transit buses, and an extension of streetcar routes and innovative solutions are all key to providing our citizens with the frequent, reliable, and convenient public transportation they deserve.

"With the passage of the All For Transportation sales tax, HART has an unprecedented opportunity to invest in our future now" said Mayor Castor. "Our communities in West Tampa, East Tampa, and Sulphur Springs need reliable bus service they can count on. As Mayor, I will use my seat on the HART board to fight for every neighbourhood to have the dependable bus system they deserve through upgrading existi0ng transfer stations and building multi-modal hubs with fixed transit lines that connect riders from Westshore to New Tampa."

HART Employee Inducted into Hillsborough County Women's "Hall of Fame"

Carolyn House Stewart, HART Director of Risk and Legal Services, has been inducted into the Hillsborough Co. Women’s "Hall of Fame". She has earned numerous distinctions throughout her 40-year legal career, becoming the first African-American female from Hillsborough appointed to the Florida Board of Bar Examiners and later the National Bar Association Hall of Fame. Having developed the “Emerging Young Leaders” program, she’s helped over 15,000 girls build leadership skills within their homes, schools, and communities. 

Way to go, Carolyn!