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Riders and drivers press HART on late connections, fare app problems and workplace conditions
Summary
Multiple public commenters told the HART board of persistent route delays (notably routes 33 and 48), malfunctioning Flamingo fare readers and app detour notices, and poor maintenance and restroom conditions affecting drivers; several urged board members to ride routes and address employee pay and safety.
Public commenters used the HART public-comment period to press the board on service and workplace conditions. Rider Tina Williams told the board she continues to see delays and missed connections on routes 33 and 48 and said the Flamingo fare readers and app do not reliably show detours, a problem she said disproportionately affects students and riders with disabilities: "If I'm blind... that bus stop is closed, and these apps are not telling me where I can get the next bus." She urged board members to ride routes to see the problems firsthand.
Longtime employee Michael Burnett described unsanitary conditions at the Marion Transit facility — including rats, mildew, leaking walls and limited restroom access for drivers — and said employees worked long shifts without hazard pay during recent severe weather. Another commenter, Alan Brewster, criticized leadership and questioned why HART has not captured major federal transit grants.
Chair Vieira and the board did not take immediate action during public comment but several board members and staff later referenced ride-along opportunities and service reviews in the CEO and budget presentations. Board members also heard from riders asking HART to address driver treatment and app reliability as part of operational improvements.
