Bus and Rail, & Maintenance Employees of the Month

Michael Joseph (Fallbrook): 16 years of service

Bus Operator Michael Joseph delivers exceptional customer service, is very skilled, and has a genuine commitment to his craft. All of that is reflected in his outstanding work history. Managers at Fallbrook say Mr. Joseph’s contributions are instrumental to METRO’s success. They also say he is very proud of his actions in 2014 when he successfully advocated for neckties to be made optional for employees.

Edgar Gutierrez (Hiram Clarke): 7 years of service

Bus Operator Edgar Gutierrez is an outstanding employee and a remarkable person. Managers at Hiram Clarke say they’re proud to make the Authority aware of Mr. Gutierrez’s courteous demeanor toward customers, safe driving practices, and reliability. He is always willing to help others.

Eddie McGee (West): 34 years of service

Bus Operator Eddie McGee has had an exemplary work record for more than three decades. He is professional in all aspects of his work and has exceptional communication skills. He is highly regarded by customers who love riding with him. Mr. McGee also serves as a line instructor and a steward for the union. His composed demeanor and unwavering integrity make him a great liaison in business matters between management and the union.

Sherri Everage (Polk): 4 years of service

Bus Operator Sherri Everage has consistently demonstrated commitment and professionalism. She is always on time and has outstanding attendance and driving records. Managers at Polk send their heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Everage on this well-deserved recognition.

Jason S. Splane: 16 months of service

METRO is proud to honor Jason S. Splane as rail line instructor for the month of October. Mr. Splane loves his job and says what he enjoys most is that every day presents different challenges. Outside of work, he spends time with his growing family of grandchildren and on the coast. He is an avid fisherman – catching Red Snapper and Yellow Fin Tuna in Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Other hobbies include photography, aerial drone photography, riding scooters around Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula, sport shooting, gunsmithing, drawing, and learning about new subjects.

METRO has reinstated a previous program honoring a top maintenance tech from each facility and work group. In this edition, we are featuring employees honored in September, however, you’ll find monthly honorees, dating back to January 2023, displayed on the digital bulletin boards at all facilities.

This program recognizes hard work, dedication to the job, and commitment to serving our community.

Allen Ray (Kashmere): 14 years of service, Utility Worker

Mr. Ray is a self-starter who performs his job well and continually works to improve shop cleanliness. He says he is thankful to have a job at METRO and enjoys what he does. When not at work, he spends a lot of time listening to music and honing his skills on the base guitar.

Israel De La Garza (Fallbrook): 3 years of service, Transit Bus Repair A

Mr. De La Garza is an outstanding employee who knows his craft and always meets repair deadlines. He follows instructions from the foreman well, and helps out in the shop and yard.

Reynaldo Alfaro Jr. (Hiram Clarke): 14 years of service, Transit Bus Repair B

Mr. Alfaro is a true team player who, without hesitation, fills multiple roles on third shift. He is especially knowledgeable on suspension repair and brake diagnostics.

Louis Munoz (Polk): 34 Years of Service, Transit Technician

Mr. Munoz does a great job day in and day out. He loves spending time with his wife, daughters, and son. Mr. Munoz was in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1995 – 2016.

Deshion White (West): 3 Years of Service, Collision Repair AB 

Mr. White has a great deal of expertise in body repair and makes significant contributions to mechanical repairs. He has worked hard to reduce the number of breakdowns related to West. He enjoys seeing the finished product and loves the gratitude his internal customers express. Mr. White refurbishes and repairs cars in his spare time.

Anthony Lemmon (Central Shops): 1 Year of Service, Structural Certified Welder

Mr. Lemmon takes pride in his work and always goes above and beyond on his assignments. He loves getting buses back on the road, and taking his children on fishing trips.

Vincent To (Electronic Maintenance): 22 Years of Service, Transit Revenue Technician  

Managers say Mr. To is a delight to work with. He takes initiative and does an excellent job. He enjoys gardening and taking family vacations, especially cruises.

Allen Burks (Support Vehicles): 30 Years of Service, Service Vehicle Master Technician

Mr. Burks is a consistent performer, a great scheduler, and has a “no-quit” approach to solving problems. What he loves most about METRO is the camaraderie with co-workers. Mr. Burks enjoys RV’ing with family and friends and riding ATVs at mud parks.

Jose Rodriguez (Operating Facilities): 5 Years of Service, Crane Operator

Mr. Rodriguez continually goes above and beyond what is asked of him. He requires minimal instruction and is always ready to work. He started at the Polk Bus Operating Facility as a bus cleaner and says his co-workers inspired him to expand his skillset to obtain his current position. Mr. Rodriguez says it was “an honor” to have colleagues share their knowledge with him. He loves to fish, hunt, and ride horses with family and friends.

Congratulations to all of our monthly bus, rail, and maintenance employees!

Jose Gomez (The ROC): 10 years of service

Mr. Gomez is an excellent employee who has a strong work ethic and is a role model for co-workers on safety practices. Managers at the ROC are proud to honor Mr. Gomez and congratulate him on this recognition. Outside of work, he enjoys playing baseball with his son.

Minh Nguyen (S&I Facility): 38 years of service

Mr. Nguyen has received this award for a second time this year. This well-deserved recognition is a testament to his outstanding contributions, expertise, and dedication to his job. During his time off, Mr. Nguyen enjoys jogging and working in his garden.