The Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) held a graduation ceremony on May 2, 2025, for its latest class of bus operators, marking a significant milestone in their training journey. The event featured remarks from Carlos Garcia, the supervisor of training, who provided an overview of the rigorous curriculum that the new operators underwent.
Garcia highlighted the extensive training program, which spans ten weeks and includes comprehensive materials such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration manual and the DTPW bus operator student manual. The curriculum encompasses 327 pages of entry-level driver training, operational procedures, and various quizzes and tests designed to ensure the operators are well-prepared for their roles.
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Subscribe for Free In addition to classroom instruction, the training includes practical components such as emergency training for hurricane evacuations and navigating Miami's complex streets. Garcia emphasized the dedication of the training unit, which consists of 18 instructors who contributed significantly to the program's success. He acknowledged the support from maintenance instructors and other staff members who played a crucial role in facilitating the training.
Garcia expressed pride in the training team's efforts, stating, "I put them against any training unit out there in the world." He encouraged the new operators to uphold the standards they have learned and to represent the DTPW positively in their future roles.
The ceremony concluded with Garcia thanking the attendees and emphasizing the importance of teamwork and support from county leadership in making the training program a success. The event not only celebrated the graduates' achievements but also reinforced the commitment of Miami-Dade County to providing high-quality public transportation services.