LTD graduates 8 bus operators in March

from Lane Transit District

LTD welcomed eight new bus operators to the team during its March 2023 bus operator graduation ceremony at the district’s Glenwood campus.

“Congratulations to our eight new bus operators and their families for graduating from a rigorous bus operator training program,” said Jameson T. Auten, LTD’s Chief Executive Officer. “We welcome you to the LTD team of dedicated professionals who keep our community connected every day.”

The new graduates join LTD’s roster of 175 bus operators who travel 30 neighborhood (fixed) routes and two EmX routes seven days per week, in a district that spans nearly 500 square miles.

LTD bus operators pick up and deliver passengers from 1,300 active bus stops, including nine neighborhood stations, 60 EmX platforms, 200 neighborhood bus shelters, and two primary hub stations.

Annually, they drive the District’s 14 electric, 59 hybrid, and 28 renewable diesel fuel buses almost 2.8 million revenue miles per year, with passenger boardings reaching more than 5 million.

LTD’s bus operator training program is eight weeks. The curriculum is taught in the classroom and behind the wheel to teach candidates about customer service, laws governing bus operations, LTD operations, and how to operate the District’s 40-foot and 60-foot fixed-route buses. They also learn to operate the EmX buses that serve the bus rapid transit routes.

“LTD needs more operators to provide more service,” said Perry Adams, LTD’s Director of Human Resources. “The District is still replacing open bus operator positions from retirements and pandemic-related staffing adjustments.”

To attract the region’s best talent, the District is actively sharing stories about LTD bus operators and staff at RideLTD.org. Learn how to apply to become an LTD bus operator at LTD.org.

About Lane Transit District

Lane Transit District is a special district of the State of Oregon led by a seven-member volunteer board of directors appointed by Oregon’s governor. LTD’s budget is funded through a combination of fares, taxes paid by local employers and employees, and from state and federal sources. LTD lives its mission to connect our community by delivering more than 5 million annual passenger boardings from 30 fixed bus routes and two EmX Bus Rapid Transit lines. LTD’s paratransit service, RideSource, provides more than 250,000 trips annually for people with disabilities and Medicaid recipients. More information about LTD is at www.LTD.org.