The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) is launching a new rider awareness campaign to promote a positive on-board experience for both operators and customers.

The new Ride with Respect targets customers, operators and the community and consists of education of the safety and security rules, riding etiquette, operator customer service training and a social media campaign aimed to elevate the transit operator position to the level of first responders — police, fire rescue, etc.

"Every day, more than 300 transit professionals and 34,000 customers share a space on HART buses, vans, and streetcars," said Benjamin Limmer, HART CEO. "We hope launching the Ride with Respect campaign helps maintain a safe, respectful and courteous environment on board our vehicles."  

Central to the Ride with Respect campaign is a series of short vignettes following HART operators throughout their day, displaying family interactions, hobbies, devotions, etc. to help customers and the general public better connect with HART staff.

The first in the Ride with Respect video series is Latisha Jones, a HARTPlus van operator who has driven for HART for seven years.