The San Carlos, Calif.-based San Mateo County Transit District has been recognized as the transit Employer of the Year by the Bay Area Chapter of the Women’s Transportation Seminar.  The honor was presented to the District at the organization’s 22nd annual awards reception in San Francisco. 

WTS is recognized as one of the pre-eminent professional organizations dedicated to the professional advancement of women in transportation.  The local chapter is one of 30 across the United States.

“The San Mateo County Transit District has been a leader in the field of transportation and in the promotion of opportunities for women to advance in our industry,” said Michele DiFrancia, president of WTS San Francisco Bay Area Chapter.  “We are proud to recognize the Transit District for its support of diversity in the workplace and for its support of programs that contribute towards diversity and advancement for all.”

The District has a long track record of supporting diversity in the workplace by encouraging minority and women applicants through aggressive recruiting campaigns.   As part of its ongoing outreach efforts, the District distributes job announcements to minority and women’s professional associations.  In addition, the District works to retain its diverse workforce by promoting an all-inclusive environment through training and opportunities for advancement.

To introduce young people to careers in the transportation industry, the agency participates in Jobs for Youth, the county’s youth employment program.  Since 2001, 16 young people, most of whom are minorities, have been placed in temporary positions at the agency.   

The District also is an active participant in the Mineta Transportation Institute’s career and internship programs, hosting tours for high school students and providing internships for 100 students since 2002. 

The Transit District operates the SamTrans bus service, Redi-Wheels paratransit service for persons with disabilities and funds shuttle services that link key employment centers with BART and Caltrain service.  The Transit District also is the managing agency for Caltrain and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority.