Miami-Dade DTPW graduates 39 bus operator trainees; officials stress safety, service and career paths

The Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) on Thursday graduated 39 trainees from “bus class 1 of 2025” after a 10-week training program at the department’s training center auditorium, county officials and instructors said at a ceremony.

The graduation matters to riders and the county’s transit workforce because new operators will join the system that, according to DTPW leadership statements at the event, serves hundreds of thousands of passengers daily. "You coming to work will impact almost 180,000 passengers that we touch on a regular basis," said Snyder Saint Preux, general superintendent of bus operations.

County and DTPW leaders used the ceremony to highlight safety and customer service expectations and to frame the position as a career with advancement potential. Jimmy Morales, chief operating officer for the mayor’s office speaking on behalf of county leadership, and Melissa Rose Scott, DTPW assistant director, congratulated the new operators and urged them to view the job as a long-term career.

Training staff described the program’s scope. Lead and co-lead instructors Maria Bautista and Benji Rozier, and training supervisor Carlos Garcia said the class completed classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction over 10 weeks. Garcia said the training unit includes 18 instructors and additional support staff; he also warned trainees to take care on the job and to lean on instructors for guidance.

Veteran operator Milton Clark Jr., who spoke at the ceremony, offered practical advice to the graduates: "Follow their policy and procedure. Do your 8 and hit the gate," he said, encouraging punctuality, professional appearance and patience. Clark noted his own long career with the county and urged the new operators to view the role as the start of a durable career.

Instructors and managers emphasized safety responsibilities tied to operating large vehicles. DTPW instructor Rolando Gutierrez told graduates, "20 tons don't forgive. What it touches it destroys," and advised them to stop and reassess if unsure before making maneuvers. During the ceremony trainees recited a bus operator pledge that included the promise to "always drive safe, turn slow, and scan for pedestrians," and to "deliver excellence every day."

Speakers also noted operational resources and workforce support. Snyder Saint Preux and others referenced recent fleet additions, with at least one speaker noting the county had acquired 60-foot buses; DTPW staff encouraged careful handling of the larger vehicles. Human resources and management representatives said the department seeks to support operators on the job and to provide promotional opportunities.

A congratulatory letter from Mayor Daniella Levine Cava was presented at the event by instructor Rolando Gutierrez. The ceremony included remarks from Joel Perez, assistant director of bus services; Fabio Londoño, general superintendent of bus maintenance; and other training leadership, who thanked instructors, family members and the training unit for their roles in preparing the new operators.

The ceremony closed with certificate presentations and a group photo opportunity. Officials and instructors reiterated safety and service expectations as the new operators transition to active routes.