10 Great Transit Systems to Work For

Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District - Urbana, Ill.

Posted October 2008

The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District has an annual ridership of nearly 10 million, with a high customer satisfaction rating attributed to outstanding employees.

The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) operates in east central Illinois, and provides bus service to the communities of Champaign and Urbana, portions of Savoy and the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. The combined population of the areas served during the school year is 150,000; the MTD's ridership is nearly 10 million per year. High per-capita ridership and exceptional customer satisfaction (95% satisfied or very satisfied in a 2008 random phone survey) are due in no small part to the outstanding employees who work for the MTD.

Directors are very accessible to employees. In addition to being readily available when concerns arise, every three months Managing Director Bill Volk holds a day-long "Meet, Eat & Greet." At these informal get-togethers, employees at all levels of the company are encouraged to visit, have a snack and chat with their managing director.

MTD employees know they can rely upon their leaders to keep their workplace financially healthy, safe and secure, and well respected in the community. The MTD's Core Values of committing to "yes"; providing outstanding customer and public service; developing long-term, positive relationships; and embracing opportunity and innovation are acknowledged and valued. "These core values are known at all levels, and our employees understand the importance of living these values," Volk says.

Committees provide significant directional input

Critically important components of managerial/employee relationships are the eight committees structured for guidance and input on key policy, communication and social activities. The committees' responsibilities span various organizational components. Each is chaired by an administrative staff member and staffed by operational and maintenance personnel. Committee members review policies and procedures, coordinate on activities and communications, and develop and lead social activities. Committees have significant input on the direction in which the MTD is headed, and ensure that employee attitudes and opinions are known and respected.

The MTD has a long history of promoting from within. Many members of the administrative staff began their employ with the MTD as young bus operators who grew into their positions. The possibility for advancement is very real for those employees who personify and exemplify the values of the MTD. Perhaps the best indicator that the MTD is a terrific place to work is that many employees recommend to their relatives that they seek employment at the MTD. It is quite common for fathers to recommend sons and daughters. These individuals want their loved ones to have the same high-caliber work experience they do.

The MTD offers its employees generous benefits. They include health, dental, and life insurance; employee assistance program; flexible medical spending account; dependent health care availability; individual and family access to free or reduced bus service; retirement health savings account; and a retirement plan in coordination with the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund. To encourage exercise and promote healthy lifestyles, the MTD has an on-site fitness center, offers fitness incentive programs and provides access to a personal trainer. Everyone has ready access to the modern center with state-of-the-art exercise equipment.

While the work the MTD does is everyone's primary focus, it is acknowledged that it is also important to have fun and revel in successes. One of the company's eight committees is the Social Committee, whose members regularly plan and coordinate shared outings and activities at which employees and their families have fun together. Seasonal shopping trips to Chicago, excursions to baseball parks, annual holiday parties and chili cook-offs are among the activities the committee organizes.

For more information about MTD, visit www.cumtd.com.

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