September 2024

METRO's Everyday Heroes: Meet Operator Gladys Davison

Female bus operator with yellow safety vest stands in front of a bus holding a checklist and smiling.

 

Gladys Davison, a Houston native and a longtime METRO bus operator, recently marked an astounding 45 years of service. Even more remarkable, she has maintained a flawless driving record throughout her career.

"More than forty years of accident-free driving,"Davison proudly stated. "It's my greatest accomplishment."

From a young age, Davison said she dreamed of driving buses.

"I loved to play with buses as a child and eventually became a school bus driver," she recalled. "I wanted to take it to the next level, so I joined METRO."

Today, Davison is one of METRO's most experienced operators. She serves as a mentor to younger colleagues, always ready to offer guidance and support. Her passengers are the highlight of her day, and her commitment to their safety and comfort earned her recognition as a top bus operator in 1999.

Davison's decades-long career has seen its share of challenges. As a member of METRO's disaster team, she played a crucial role during Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

"I remember the flooding at Scarsdale and I-45 was so severe that our buses were stationed on the freeway, and firefighters were using boats to rescue people.


There were families, kids, and pets. It was a massive rescue operation, and I was truly honored to be a part of it," she said.

Not only does Davison skillfully maneuver a 40-foot bus through Houston's streets, but she also excels in an unexpected hobby—billiards.

"You're looking at a number one female pool tourney champion here," she quipped.

Reflecting on her career, Davison encourages others to consider joining METRO.

"It's a fantastic place to work," she said. "Come aboard! It's a rewarding career that only gets better with time."

Are you interested in learning more about careers at METRO? METRO employs exceptional people with extraordinary values across all experience levels. Recognized as an Outstanding Diverse Organization by the Houston Business Journal, our culture is defined by three core values - act with integrity, consider others before self and serve with respect. Visit our website to learn more!

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