SamTrans Recognizes Outstanding Employees

Last year, more than 15 million people rode on SamTrans buses or paratransit vehicles. These riders rely on the San Mateo County Transit District’s courteous, safe operators and clean, reliable buses. “We have our front-line employees to thank for our excellent reputation,” said CEO/General Manager Mike Scanlon.

The district recently honored two of the people responsible for these high standards: Operator Jaime Moran (above, left) of Burlingame has been chosen Operator of the Year and Mechanic Tevita Petelo (above, right) of East Palo Alto is the Maintenance Employee of the Year.

The two honorees were selected from among employees who received the Employee of the Month award in 2006 and must meet a rigorous criterion that includes no preventable accidents, no disciplinary actions and no unexcused absences.

Moran began his career as a SamTrans operator in 1979, five years after coming to the United States from his native El Salvador. For 20 years, he worked as “extra board” operator, ready to drive any one of the district’s 55 routes at a moment’s notice.

These days Moran is taking it easy – he drives just five routes everyday – DX, 112, 120, 133 and 294 – which serve the coastside, Daly City and downtown San Francisco.

Moran, who has received the National Safety Council’s Award for Safe Driving for 23 consecutive years, advises drivers to use common sense and “always be aware of what is going on around you.”

Dispatcher Manuel Terrazas describes Moran as a dependable employee who does his job without fanfare. Moran’s quiet commitment to the environment also has gained the respect of his co-workers. Moran rides a motorized bike to work everyday and is known for his bright red helmet.

“People tell me that I am lucky to work at SamTrans,” said Moran, “but I say I am blessed.” Moran has two daughters, Gina and Lauren. In his free time, he enjoys long distance cycling, often riding from his home in Burlingame to Half Moon Bay.

As a mechanic, Petelo is one of the employees responsible for SamTrans’ outstanding maintenance program - the district has such a good record that it is authorized by the California Highway Patrol to conduct its own vehicle safety inspections.

Petelo started his career at SamTrans in 1983 as a utility worker, cleaning the district’s 338 buses and 76 paratransit vehicles. The Samoan native took advantage of the district’s in-house training program and, over the years, has worked his way up to the position of Mechanic B. He has twice been selected as employee of the month, once in 1987 and again in 2006. He also has received the National Safety Council’s annual Safe Worker Award 16 times.

The district’s mechanics handle all the routine maintenance on the diesel-powered buses, tackling everything from engine work to brake jobs. Senior Supervisor Elliott Rivas says Petelo often is assigned to repair heavy engine components, “the type of work that can get you into trouble if you aren’t careful.” Petelo has a good attendance record and is well-liked by his co-workers. “I have never heard anyone say a bad word about him,” said Rivas. In return, Petelo said, “Our team works together and everyone is always helpful.”

Petelo and his wife Losa have five daughters and one granddaughter.

The transit district operates 55 bus routes throughout San Mateo County and into parts of San Francisco and Palo Alto. The district also offers Redi-Wheels paratransit service for persons with disabilities who are unable to ride SamTrans. The district provides shuttles that link transit centers with major employment sites; is the managing agency for the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, which administers the expenditure of Measure A funds; and, is a partner in Caltrain rail service.