During a special awards ceremony next week, Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) will receive the 2010 Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award by the American Public Transportation Association.

In 2009, HART received the Outstanding Public Transportation System Award by the Florida Public Transportation Association.

Now, HART will be recognized as the best in North America among mid-size transit agencies, which includes those carrying between 4 - 20 million annual passenger trips. This honor is considered the gold medal in the transit industry!

In selecting HART, the American and Florida Public Transportation Associations touted HART achievements in ridership growth, customer service, safety, financial management, community involvement and sustainable practices, as well as HART's leadership, innovation and accomplishments.

This is the first time HART will receive this national acclaim. The most recent award recipients are Intercity Transit in Olympia, Wash.; GRTC Transit System in Richmond, Va.; and Capital Area Transportation Authority in Lansing, Mich.

A special display of light rail design models by University of South Florida students will be showcased after the ceremony. These students were the top winners of an annual design competition held in September by the USF School of Architecture and Community Design.

In addition to William Millar, president of the American Public Transportation Association, and members of the HART Board of Directors, various local dignitaries will be in attendance. 

This awards ceremony is open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.

For more information about HART, residents may call 813-254-4278 or visit www.goHART.org

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