[IMAGE]Greater-Dayton-RTA-bus-driver-2.jpg[/IMAGE]Ohio's Greater Dayton RTA introduced a Million Mile Club for the year ending 2010, inducting several operators with long-term safe driving records.

"There were 13 active operators inducted into this exclusive circle of operators. By our estimation, one million miles is achieved with 20 or more years of accident-free driving," said Jim Napier, director, safety and security solutions. "Our Million Mile Club members exhibit a willingness to learn and place safety above all else."

Napier added that developing "a culture in which safety is the first thought" is a prime objective of his department, especially when training operators.

When hired, RTA operators receive 48 hours of classroom and on-the-road training. New paratransit operators get an additional 80 hours of training on the road.

All operators at RTA also must take a one-day course in which they go through the paces of people with cognitive and physical disabilities. This exercise is meant to provide awareness of the difficulties faced by many customers who use both paratransit and fixed route transit. The course is conducted by Dayton's Access Center for Independent Living.