Say hello to Metro’s best: get to know your bus operators

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Our bus and train operators have a pretty tough job. They have to keep a schedule, give directions, announce stops, all while safely maneuvering an extra-large vehicle through unpredictable traffic, adverse weather conditions and some really tight spaces. Operators are also by default the members of Team Metro who interact with the public the most on a day to day basis, an activity that be quite mentally draining. Yet operators often remain under-appreciated because what they do isn’t flashy or cool. They’re “only” performing the important task of transporting you safely from point A to point B.

So we’d like to give a shout out to our operators. You guys keep the County moving and we appreciate everything that you do! Over the next few months, we’ll also be spotlighting some of the Metro bus operators who have committed to providing excellence in service and support. The first in this series is below. Read on and get to know some of Metro’s best a little better.

Charles Villagran has been a Metro bus operator for 30 years. Even after three decades, he still loves his job and looks forward to work every day.

Mary Bonner has been a Metro bus operator for four years. Her favorite part of the job is interacting with customers.

Earl Jones has been a Metro bus operator for 18 years. His favorite part of the job is getting to experience all the different cultures that make up Los Angeles.

Categories: Transportation News

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12 replies ›

  1. There are great bus operators at Div 18, bus line 442, first run in the A.M.
    I appreciate them and there timely/professionalism. There has been appreciation notices sent to the division for the outstanding operators.

  4. I have rode on the bus with Mary Bonner a few times and I must say she a sweet lady. She makes it her business to speak to each one of her riders. Great job Mary!

  5. Bus driver are the best in the world i no because i were one for 38 1/2 years

  6. Those are neat. Will you use those graphics elsewhere besides on the blog?
    (The guy driving the Red Line out of NoHo at 6:28 am each day seems like a really cool guy.)

    • Yes, the cards will be posted around the system on rotation to feature operators who have been nominated by their divisions.

      Thank you,

      Anna Chen
      Writer, The Source

  7. If bur drivers are supposed to announce stops some one should tell them. 90% of the time I ride the bus the driver just drives the bus and does not say a word.

    • Most of the announcements are pre-recorded now, although operators still need to call them out if the PA is out or if the bus is on detour.

      Thank you,

      Anna Chen
      Writer, The Source