BY LEIGH HOLGATE | Truckee
I am grateful to have a year-round job here, and proud to be a member of the permanent driving staff with the Tahoe Area Regional Transit (TART). In an industry that sees high turnover, we are a rare bird indeed. We have survived multiple management changes, several recessions, numerous character assassinations, severe winters, and we are still here.
We are here to guard the past from neglect. A tiny upstart, we challenged the ski resorts and stole their best talent. We are here to apply the lessons learned to all sensible future transit expansion plans. Most importantly, we are here to preside over the long process of transferring the system and our culture to the next generation; that the young families this community desperately needs might enjoy the same good pay, benefits, and stability we did.
We believe that a well-paid, stable staff, and a supportive, collaborative corporate culture provide a level of security for our passengers that only longevity brings. We have proven that for 38 years.
It takes years to develop a competent mountain driver. Some companies think it’s a waste of time and money. We think these people are worth their weight in gold.
So the next time you’re wondering who’s really keeping you safe, remember, nothing beats time spent.
~ Leigh Holgate, Truckee, TART bus driver
