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Miami-Dade DTPW graduates 53 bus operators in Class 5 of 2024
Summary
Miami-Dade County’s Department of Transportation and Public Works held a graduation for Bus Class 5 of 2024, certifying 53 new bus operators after a 10-week training program; county leaders highlighted the role the operators will play for roughly 200,000 daily riders and noted recent ridership gains under the Better Bus Network.
Miami-Dade County’s Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) on an occasion marking the completion of training awarded certificates to Bus Class 5 of 2024, certifying 53 new bus operators who are scheduled to begin service the following Monday, county officials said.
The graduation recognized trainees who completed a 10-week program covering vehicle operation, defensive driving and customer service. Interim DTPW Director and CEO Josel Ferrer Diaz told the graduates the job offers long-term career opportunities, saying many department leaders “started in bus classes similar to yours.”
Why it matters: DTPW officials said the new operators will serve a system that carries about 200,000 passengers daily. Snyder St. Pugh, general superintendent of bus operations, emphasized the direct effect operators have on riders’ daily lives: by being on time and professional, drivers can shape whether a passenger has “a good day or not.”
County leaders framed the hires as part of broader transit goals. Jimmy Morales, chief operating officer for Miami-Dade County, highlighted ridership gains tied to the county’s Better Bus Network rollout, saying systemwide ridership has “gone up 10% plus” and that Saturday ridership rose “20 to 25%.” Morales added, “May God keep you safe on the streets of Dade County.”
Graduation details and training: Instructors led a professional bus operator pledge in which trainees pledged to provide “excellent service” and to “always drive safe.” The program’s supervisor of training, Carlos Garcia, and lead instructor Janet Gordon presented certificates alongside other training staff. Trainee Zakiyah Crawford delivered valedictory remarks celebrating perseverance and teamwork.
Training staff and department leaders repeatedly urged punctuality, adherence to procedures and respect for passengers. Sean Adgerson, DTPW deputy director, advised the graduates to follow all rules consistently and to seek support from supervisors as they begin live service.
Clarifying notes from the ceremony: presenters referenced both “43 people entering the building” during the commencement applause and later identified the graduating class as 53; department remarks and the certificate roll call reflected a class of 53. Officials also noted the training lasted 10 weeks and that the newly certified operators will begin taking live routes on Monday. At the ceremony’s close, staff announced a group photo and that a bus would depart at 2:20 p.m.
The program included multiple department divisions: bus service, operations, maintenance and training. Fabio Londono, general superintendent of bus maintenance, and Joe Perez, assistant director of bus service, thanked instructors and recruitment staff for preparing the class.
No formal policy votes or board actions occurred during the event; the ceremony was a recognition and transition of trainees into frontline operator roles. The county read a congratulatory letter from Mayor Daniella Levine Cava; the letter was presented by instructor Franklin Brown.
As the ceremony concluded, lead instructor Janet Gordon urged graduates to rely on their training for technical and unexpected on-the-job situations and to carry pride and professionalism into their new roles.
