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Bus drivers go for the millions
By THOMAS MICHALSKI
Article published on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2007 |
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![[Image]](/content_images/020807_pco-01.jpg) |
| Photo by THOMAS MICHALSKI |
| Rodney Hardy pilots bus along Route No. 22. He’s a college graduate and a 26-year PSTA veteran. |
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PINELLAS COUNTY – A trip on a Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority bus is routine to the 14.4 million riders who used them last year.
More than 1 million people join the bus riding ranks annually, many of them car owners who choose not to fight traffic and less than courteous motorists.
The PSTA’s 197 buses and trolleys are assigned to 43 routes that snake through Pinellas County. The busiest of them is No. 16 along 66th Street between Clearwater and St. Petersburg and No. 19 along U.S. 19.
“The route numbers are generally named after the streets they serve,” said Bob Lasher, PSTA’s communications director.
The PSTA was created in 1984 with the merger of the St. Petersburg Municipal Transit Authority and the Central Pinellas Transit Authority. In those days vehicles were simple, noisy and uncomfortable. Today they are fuel efficient, computerized and, to many travelers, a pleasure to ride.
Drivers, too, long ago shed a reputation that was less than desirable. There are 377 of them with plans to hire 20 more. Many are retired military, former police officers and college graduates. One is a former U.S. Marine drill sergeant. All are skilled in not only driving, but dealing with the public as well.
Rodney Hardy has been navigating PSTA buses for 26 years. With a bachelor of science degree under his belt, Hardy is a former probation officer who pilots the No. 22 route from Williams Park in St. Petersburg to the Northwest Community Center, Crossroads Shopping Center and finally to the Tyrone Square Mall.
“I like driving and meeting new people,” Hardy said. “You get to meet an interesting blend of folks on a bus route.”
Like most drivers, Hardy has a few favorites who regularly ride his bus. He once met a woman with whom he shared a 17-year relationship.
“Bus driving has changed over the years,” Hardy said. “The buses themselves are different than from when I first started working at PSTA.”
Indeed, they contain computers, communications systems and even a GPS that allows supervisors to track shuttles. Each bus has a hidden emergency button should a driver fear imminent danger.
“I ride the bus two to three times a week,” said passenger Colleen Weeks who was traveling with her 5-year-old daughter, Amilia. “The PSTA really is a great way to get around.”
Passengers can use coins, tokens, paper money and passes. It all goes into a high security fare box that includes a safe only accessible at the garage where it is emptied each day.
“Years ago power steering did not exist,” Hardy said.
There are so-called “kneel buses” that lower to allow access by handicapped passengers. Bicycle racks are so popular that the PSTA is seeking ways to carry more of the two-wheelers.
Drivers like Hardy have met their share of “characters.”
“One man came on the bus with a python wrapped around his middle,” Hardy said. “He paid his fare, sat down and began playing with the snake.”
Some passengers get belligerent, but Hardy’s calm voice has a way of calming them down. Others talk about personal problems, their work and even ask about how they can improve their relationships.
“I’m a good listener and don’t mind lending an ear,” Hardy said.
Indeed, his professionalism and customer service helped him become PSTA’s Driver of the Year. He later earned the same title for the entire state from the Florida Public Transit Association.
Drivers start at $10-an-hour and reach $11.53 after completing seven weeks of training. Veteran drivers reach a cap of $19.03 an hour. The PSTA has three state-certified Commercial Driver License testers on staff to train and examine candidates for CDL certificates.
“We are always looking for drivers because of route expansions and to otherwise fill our needs,” PSTA’s Lasher said.
Interested candidates can obtain further information by logging onto www.psta.net.
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Article published on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2007
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