Continuing the agency's steadfast focus on safety, HART is joining the National Safety Council and numerous other organizations across the country in recognizing National Safety Month during the month of June. The theme of this year's observation, "What I Live For" recognizes the vital level of collaboration necessary to effectively promote safe choices around public transportation systemwide. Here at HART our Operators are diligent about maintaining passenger safety as a top priority on a daily basis. Likewise, HART takes the well-being and safety of our employees very seriously as well.
"The safety of our customers, employees and the communities we serve remains our top priority at HART," said HART Chief Executive Officer Katharine Eagan. "As we observe National Safety Month, it is fitting that we all take a brief moment to review some simple, 'do's and don'ts' which will further promote a safe environment for our customers, our employees and for all Hillsborough County residents and visitors."
Streetcar Safety
- Never walk, play, ride your bike or take a short cut along, around or across streetcar tracks.
- Look both ways and listen for the streetcar before you step into the crosswalk.
- Never walk in front of a moving streetcar.
- Never try to climb the poles or touch the wires around the streetcar tracks. The wires are electrified.
- Always be aware of your surroundings. Use extra caution when using headphones or using your cell phone near streetcar tracks, or while on the station platform. If you are not listening or paying attention, you may not hear the streetcar approaching.
- Never run to catch a moving streetcar. Streetcars will only pick up or discharge passengers at designated stops.
- Always stand behind the yellow safety line when waiting on the station platform.
- Watch your step when boarding and exiting the streetcar.
- Tell the Streetcar Operator if there is an emergency.
Bus Safety
When waiting for and riding a bus:
- Always stop, look, and listen for buses before crossing the street - cross only at crosswalks and be sure to look both ways.
- Never run after a bus; you may slip and fall, or may be struck by another vehicle.
- Wait for the bus at designated stops and stand two to three feet from the curb - and never, ever try to board a moving bus.
- Have your cash fare or HART fare card ready so you can board the bus without delay.
- When exiting, do not cross in front of the bus. Wait for the bus to pull away, walk to the nearest crosswalk, and look both ways before crossing.
- When crossing at an intersection, be aware of turning vehicles as you cross the street.
- Be careful when passing a stopped bus - passengers may be exiting and crossing the street.
- Always obey all traffic signs and signals; drive carefully when sharing the road with a bus.
- Remember: buses can't stop as quickly as you can.
