Eager and fresh off Palm Tran bus operator training, three men and three women filled the seats in the Dale R. Smith Conference Room at Palm Tran Administration. These are the men and women who are the latest group to graduate and join the Palm Tran family. Their dedication is celebrated by fellow Palm Tran employees, Palm Beach County Assistant Administrator Todd Bonlarron and by keynote speaker, Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Chief Michael Mackey.
The two months of intense training for these new bus operators is tough work. The students research and analyze videos from Palm Tran buses, but also from other agencies across the country. Safety and Training Supervisors use role play for fare box practice scenarios and allow the students to take turns and act as though they’re the tough customers who will be on those Palm Tran buses every day. The things learned in the classroom are then practiced behind the wheel, building new skills every day.
New Graduate and Bus Operator, Tony Dino said he was looking for a change, but, something reliable and solid. “Palm Tran was attractive because of the benefits, the stability, the professionalism and training - and the training exceeded all of my expectations.”
A common theme as speakers addressed the graduates and audience was the The Golden Rule, the idea of treating others as you, yourself would wish to be treated. Chief Mackey stated to the graduates, if they live every aspect of their lives adhering to this Golden Rule, things would work out just fine. “How you set the tone when people come in that bus, how you greet them, how you make eye contact, the smile, the – ‘you’re welcome.’ As they’re getting off the bus, ‘I hope you have a good day.’ How you set the tone, it not only helps you to have a good day, but, everyone else who’s on the bus, to have a good day. It sets the tone.”
Palm Tran Executive Director Clinton B. Forbes expressed his gratitude to the graduates for becoming a part of the Palm Tran family. He said: “We are a servant leadership organization. We exist to really serve you. Now servant leadership does not mean we give you everything you want. What it means is that we meet your legitimate needs as an employee, make sure you’re respected, that you’re communicated upon, and you experience our organizational culture of integrity, teamwork and recognition.”
Palm Tran bus operators are the ambassadors of Palm Beach County, having the face time with more residents and visitors than most any other county employee.
