Santa Clara VTA continues to increase number of woman operators

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) says its working to continue increasing the number of women operators on its staff. 

Five women are among the new class of bus operator trainees who graduated June 15 from a nine-week program. To create a more diverse workforce and provide well-paying jobs for women, VTA established a goal of recruiting more women, in particular women of color, to non-traditional jobs at the transit agency.  

“VTA is always striving to have a workforce that reflects the community that we serve. Half of our ridership is women,” said VTA Deputy Director of Bus Operations Lisa Vickery. 

Being a bus operator at VTA is a pathway to a higher-paying career. 

“Since VTA values promoting from within, we want to have the diversity and skills within VTA to make sure that we can serve the community well and help VTA be ready for the future,” added Vickery. 

Roughly 16 percent (141) of VTA bus operators are women, out of 869 operators. Of the most recent class of 15 operator trainees, a third of the class are women. Suzanne Rocha is among them.  

“I come from the private sector, for the past 25 years,” said Rocha, whose husband works at VTA as an electro-mechanic. “I noticed last year things were so difficult because of the pandemic. I wanted to give back to the community. As a bus operator, it feels great; it feels like freedom. You are able to help and give back to your community.” 

VTA has suffered a chronic shortage of bus operators, especially in the past year. The agency says it is engaging in a proactive recruitment effort to bring in additional operators so service can return to pre-pandemic levels. 

The VTA Board of Directors recently approved an increase in the starting salary and wage progression for bus operators. VTA offers benefits and retirement, paid training, mentorship and professional development and promotional opportunities.