Transit GM Q&A: What are you doing to provide comprehensive training to both drivers and maintenance staff?
METRO asked some of the top execs in the industry what they are doing to provide comprehensive training to both driver and maintenance staff.
Donaghy
Mark Donaghy, CEO
Greater Dayton RTA
Dayton, Ohio
In today’s challenging operating environment, a commitment to continuing education is a necessity if we are to achieve our mission. In Dayton, we have started at the policy level by investing in seven professional positions to lead training efforts in the Transportation and Fleet Maintenance and Maintenance-of-Way departments at RTA. Our Longworth Campus renovations include expanded training facilities and upgrades in technology for the classrooms. Additional investments include adoption of nationally recognized programs, such as the Smith System, an apprentice program with Sinclair Community College, introduction of focused supervision, and KPI data to assess and personalize individual operator and technician training needs.
Jeffrey C. Arndt, President/CEO
VIA Metropolitan Transit
San Antonio
Investments in innovation, service enhancements, and emerging technologies have spurred ongoing advancements in VIA products and services, including a new CNG fleet and mobile ticketing app. Training initiatives that align with our values of Accountability, Customer Focus, and Teamwork ensure that quality of service is maintained during this period of growth. VIA’s NOVA Bus New Vehicle Implementation Training and VIA goMobile Fare Media Training are among key initiatives designed to support VIA operators and maintenance staff.
Ray Friem, Executive Director
Metro Transit
St. Louis
The first step is identifying the outcome you hope to achieve. Break actions down into technical, safety, and customer service components so they can be used to create the training materials. Focus on specific training details, not generalities, to support individual success within roles. The final step is the feedback component. Measure outcomes, determine outcome trends that are not as successful as the agency would like, and gather feedback so trainers can review and improve the training materials.
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