Palm Tran graduation ceremony marked by first woman maintenance technician in agency history

Tayondrick Allen was the first of Palm Tran’s new bus operators and technicians to file into the hall in his clean, pressed uniform, as Evan Henderson, senior public relations manager and emcee, read the names aloud before continuing the ceremony. Of special note, this year’s bus operator and maintenance employee graduation ceremony was the first to see a woman maintenance technician in the agency’s history.

Tonisha Reynolds, originally from Minnesota, had been a technician since 2017 but started at Palm Tran more than a year ago.

"I really appreciate the opportunity to work at Palm Tran, everyone is willing answer any questions and helps out when you need it," said Reynolds about her experience so far. "I’m proud to be the first woman technician. Other women can see it's not a man's world and that we can get the job done just as good."

Reynolds was one of six maintenance technicians at the ceremony, who train for six months to learn preventative maintenance, engine troubleshooting, air brakes, pneumatics, electrical systems, transmissions, steering and suspension for Palm Tran’s fleet of buses and cars.

Eighteen graduates were also honored for completing Palm Tran’s six-week bus operator training program. The comprehensive program includes classroom instruction, ADA training, and practical experience driving a fixed-route bus under the guidance of an instructor. Additionally, trainees receive extensive training on the agency's core values, focusing on safety, customer service and punctuality, which are essential qualities that define a Palm Tran bus operator.

The technicians stood out with their dark blue jumper uniforms accented with reflective yellow safety strips while bus operators wore their blue pants and shirt with navy blue vests. After the graduates filed into the Commission Chambers and took their seats, Henderson introduced Charlie Boettiger, interim director of operations, to read the safety messages, following by words of encouragement.

“'I would like to congratulate all of you for achieving this feat,” Boettiger said.  

Joey Acevedo, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1577, then spoke, emphasizing camaraderie.

“You could've worked anywhere else but decided to work with us and make us a better team,” Acevedo said. “Supporting each other and celebrating each other's wins is what Palm Tran is all about.

“Bus operators provide a lifeline to this community. Thousands of people will be depending on you every morning and afternoon, to go to school, medical appointments, grandmothers, daughters, sons, aunties, uncles, you provide a lifeline for these people," said Interim Director of Palm Tran Michael J. Blaylock. “What you have before you is a new season in your life. You might be the only person that customer gets to see a smile from. I challenge you to come to work every day, when you are expected. I expect you to operate from a position of excellence. You're providing a lifeline service.”

Sharing words of wisdom was veteran bus operator Loretta Fuegos, who was named the Florida 2022 Bus Operator of the Year by the Florida Public Transportation Association.

“I started at Palm Tran 27 years ago and it warms my heart to see all of you starting your journey,” Fuegos said. “I love my job and I love to drive. This isn’t just a job, it’s a career and one you should be proud to be a part of. Our passengers rely on us to get to work, to see their families and loved ones. It’s our job to get them there safely and on time. Today, you become officially recognized as transportation professionals. Congratulations to all of you and welcome to the Palm Tran family.” 

“One of the most important things we focus on here day in and day out is safety,” said Assistant County Administrator Todd J. Bonlarron. “If there's one thing I can put into your mind it's safety, safety, safety. Everyone single one of you looks amazing. We uniform our employees, we want them to feel good, when people see you, we want them to say 'Oh that's a Palm Tran employee.' You might be the only person a customer connects with who is a county employee. I welcome you to this team. I wish you all the best of luck. We're here for you when you need us.”

Dr. James Green, director of the Palm Beach County Community Services Department, delivered the keynote address.

“Mr. Forbes (Palm Tran’s late executive director) absolutely understood and believed in the critical nature of the work that you do,” Green said.

Green proceeded to relay lessons his father gave to him.

“Sometimes you have to start where you are. You have to use what you have, do what you can and you must see it through," Green noted.

All 18 bus operators recognized at the ceremony are already driving one of the 31 routes in Palm Beach County. The six maintenance technicians have already been working on the shop floor. Just recently surpassing pre-COVID ridership for the first time since the pandemic, Palm Tran continues to hire bus operators and maintenance technicians.