In my other role as an editor for School Bus Fleet magazine, I just wrapped up a story about transportation directors who balance two or even three job responsibilities in some cases, and how they manage it all. Relying on a stellar team, delegating to that team, and planning and prioritizing were all listed as key.

However, despite citing supportive teams and developing solid strategic plans, these directors still recounted taking on some out-of-the-ordinary tasks. One found himself serving as a crossing guard for a day when all of the crossing guard staff members and standbys in the district were out sick or unable to make it to work due to inclement weather. Another, in his role as auxiliary services director, was given the task of coordinating facilities management for a summer school program, which included managing schedules for building cleaning and playground availability.

To me, this shows how dedicated those in the school transportation field are to not only doing their jobs well, but the communities they serve.

Additionally, in the world of public transit, we have had a lot of news lately about new CEOs and GMs, from transit systems in Texas, California and Maine. I can only imagine they must be taking on a lot of new and interesting responsibilities as well.

As part of the transit industry, do you have any interesting anecdotes about handling unexpected, possibly loosely-related tasks, in your job as a manager, director, planner, consultant, driver, GM or CEO?

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