Metrorail and Metrobus operators fulfill a role which is critical to the well-being and success of our entire community. They are first responders on the front lines of public service. These fine women and men of the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) are the heartbeat of Miami-Dade County, interacting with our residents more than any other colleagues and often the first and last public servants people see during their daily lives. They allow our residents to harness their fullest potential and enjoyment of our quality of life.
Among DTPW’s proud team of 90 Metrorail operators and nearly 1,500 Metrobus operators, there are many remarkable employees who stand out each and every day. Such is the case with Legrand Austin, Jr., an 18-year Metrobus veteran.
Metrobus passengers have often praised operator Austin for his dedication to his craft. His colleagues and supervisors are not shy about complimenting his work as public servant as well. “He greets passengers with a smile and is always courteous” shared one of his passengers from Route 287 via Twitter with the Department and Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “I can see he cares for his passengers. It's always a good start of my day when he picks me up,” the person lauded on the social media platform.
A two-time Employee of the Month, Austin starts his workday before dawn with his first run on Route 287 Saga Bay MAX from the South Dade Health Center at 5:46 a.m. After the morning rush hour, he returns to DTPW’s Coral Way garage for a well-deserved break before starting the second half of his day. During the afternoon shift, he drives a brand-new, Proterra ZX5 battery-powered electric bus on Route 31 from 1:30 p.m. until early evening.
While chatting with operator Austin, it doesn’t take long to realize why Chief of Bus Operations, Felipe Hermina, speaks so highly of him. A charming and softspoken Homestead native and 22-year ARMY Veteran, Austin stands tall among his colleagues as he greets them while making his way through the breakroom at the Coral Way garage.
When asked about his philosophy in life, he quickly replies, “being positive.” With a bright smile and a sparkle in his eyes, he adds, “I believe that being a good person and sharing a positive disposition rubs off on everyone and in the end, it all comes back to you.”
Austin’s enthusiasm and dedication to his job is contagious. He makes a point to share that he’s enjoying the new and positive atmosphere in the workplace. He sees a turn for the better since DTPW Director and CEO Eulois Cleckley arrived at the helm. “Director Cleckley cares about all of us, especially those like me who are out there in the community providing an essential public service. He has an open-door policy and listens,” Austin said.
He paused, and then with an even greater smile, added “I think he’s doing a great job and I’d like to meet him the next time he visits our place.”
Just like Austin, Miami-Dade County’s Metrobus operators epitomize DTPW’s new strategic focus areas of operating with discipline, achieving operational excellence and delivering results. For this and many other reasons, we should praise and celebrate our public transit operators every day.
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