On Feb. 29, Florida Rep. Brandes filed an amendment to Section 78 of House Bill 1399 that mandates a merger between HART and PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority). View amendment: http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=401967.docx&DocumentType=Amendments&BillNumber=1399&Session=2012 Citing the impact to HART in regards to costs and governance, as well as its constrained timeframe, the HART Board took a position against the original legislation filed Jan. 9 by Florida Sen. Latvala (Senate Bill 1866 -- Section 71). This bill in essence also mandated a merger and required that HART and PSTA pay $100,000 to TBARTA (Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority) to assist in reviewing the issue of consolidation between the two agencies. View current Senate bill: http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_s1866c1.DOCX&DocumentType=Bill&BillNumber=1866&Session=2012 In addition, on Nov. 7, 2011, prior to the start of the Florida Legislative Session, the HART Board approved a HART Legislative Policy Statement, which emphasizes an independent study paid for by the State of Florida, a transparent and deliberative process for consolidation/mergers, and opposition to state-imposed transportation mandates. To view the HART Legislative Policy Statement, visit: http://www.gohart.org/departments/marketing/news/documents/HART_Legislative_Policy_Statement.pdf "At this time, there is no compelling reason to force the issue of merging or consolidating the two transit agencies." said HART Chair Fran Davin. "HART has expressed willingness to study the issue and explore additional advantages to be gained by increased collaboration betwen the two agencies, as well as other transit agencies of neighboring counties." Among current collaborative efforts, HART and PSTA participate in procurement consortiums, such as for fuel purchases, and each operate cross-county bus routes to maintain transit connectivity between the two counties. Consolidation of two agencies that serve two very distinct geographic and demographic areas could negatively impact service and increase operating costs. These impacts are detailed in the following research report: Comments Regarding Possibility of HART/PSTA Consolidation. | 
