As King County Metro increases the number of bus drivers serving our community, we’re also making sure our new colleagues are supported and set up for success. In collaboration with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) 587, many of our new operators will gain experience and knowledge from the best teachers around: veteran drivers.

“Mentors Moving Metro,” a pilot program developed by Metro and ATU, will match experienced operators with new, part-time operators for six to 12 months.

“Nobody understands what it’s like to operate a bus better than those who have been in the seat,” said King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison. “‘Mentors Moving Metro’ will pair new drivers with experienced operators who want to provide knowledge and support to the next generation. Being a bus driver is a great job and the mentors will welcome our newest ‘rolling ambassadors’ and set them up for success.”

“A mentorship program for new transit operators will provide valuable support and knowledge based on the professional experience of seasoned operators,” said ATU 587 President Ken Price. “Nothing can compare to hands-on experience and guidance from our veteran operators.”

Being a bus operator is much more than just driving. “Mentors Moving Metro” is designed to assist new operators in learning from veteran drivers tips on customer service, safety and other areas.

The mentorship pilot is informed by best practices at similar programs at transit agencies within the United States and Canada. In a recent briefing presented by the ATU, Metro Chiefs and Superintendents learned about a mentorship program at the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA). During that program’s first two years, RTA saw a 36% increase in employee retention, a 30% decrease in absenteeism and a 50% decrease in late arrivals by employees.

Following this pilot program, the ultimate goal is to provide a trained mentor to each new driver that joins Metro. A team appointed by Metro General Manager Allison and ATU 587 President Price will begin signing up mentors and mentees early next year. We’re excited in bringing many new operators onboard and connecting them with “Mentors Moving Metro.”