When Troy Macon passed the former Ruter Garage, he was reminded of his uncle's experience as a bus operator in Chicago.
Macon had always looked up to his uncle, and thought he might also enjoy a career in transit. He was right.
"I picked an excellent career," Macon said. "Out of all my jobs, this has been the best."
Before coming to Metro Transit in 2016, Macon worked in security, as a non-CDL driver, and served in the U.S. Army, where he operated large vehicles. His Army experience helped him transition to bus operations.
It's the people he meets that have made this job stand out from the others, Macon said.
"Every time a new person comes onboard it’s like a new channel or program," he said, comparing his experience as an operator to watching TV.
Working at Metro Transit has also helped him and his wife raise a family, including foster children the couple took in after the death of a family member. Today, many of them are the first generation to go to college.
"Metro Transit helped make it easy to support a family," Macon said.
Like his uncle, Macon has now become a role model to other family members -- his nephew recently took a job in Metro Transit’s rail department.
We're hiring!
To learn more about becoming a bus or train operator, attend an upcoming information session. No experience is necessary to apply. Learn more at metrotransit.org/drive.