10 Great Transit Systems to Work For

GRTC Transit System - Richmond, Va.

Posted October 2008

The GRTC in the greater Richmond, Va., region strives to create a work environment that meets the needs of a diverse group of employees and customers.

Located in the heart of Virginia, GRTC Transit System is the primary mass transportation carrier for the greater Richmond region. GRTC operates numerous services focused on providing clean, safe and reliable transportation to improve mobility and access throughout central Virginia. Along with fixed and commuter bus routes, GRTC operates paratransit service through its CARE division, welfare-to-work transportation through its C-VAN division and promotes ridesharing and other alternative modes of transportation through its RideFinders division.

The heart and soul of GRTC Transit System is its employees. From mechanics to operators to corporate staff, GRTC operates not only as a business, but as a family. "The company is extremely proud of the longevity of its employees," says CEO John Lewis. "Nearly 35% of GRTC employees have been with the company for over 10 years, and a growing number of operators have been employed for 20 years or more." GRTC appreciates the commitment its employees show and consistently recognizes them through both milestone anniversary dates and regular appreciation events hosted throughout the year. GRTC employees are also regularly highlighted in GRTC television commercials, print advertisements and other forms of communication pieces.

Gender gap reduced by 10% in 2007

Workplace diversity is an essential component to the success of GRTC. Through the years, the company has strived to create a work environment that promotes the varied backgrounds and cultures of its employees. For example, GRTC has strived to advance the employment of women in the workplace and, as a result, its female bus operator population increased from 30% in 2003 to 40% in 2007. "By creating a team of individuals - each bringing with them their own unique backgrounds and experiences - to accomplish the same goal, GRTC has consistently been able to grow and evolve as a company to meet the needs of both its employees and the diverse region that it serves," Lewis says.

Through the years, GRTC has not only become a place to come to work, but also a place where one can continue to grow both professionally and personally. As part of succession planning initiatives, GRTC offers employees educational assistance for graduate and undergraduate courses to develop employees for career growth. In addition, employees have the opportunity to attend professional development conferences and workshops throughout the year, allowing them to continue to grow in their respective fields.

Using the role of a GRTC mechanic, for example, to maintain the knowledge and technical expertise required to troubleshoot and repair the new electronically controlled buses, GRTC partnered with a local community college to supply additional training to GRTC technicians outside of the training supplied by the bus manufacturers. Outside of work responsibilities, GRTC also strives to promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles for its employees. Quarterly Health & Wellness Fairs are sponsored by GRTC, during which medical staff are available to check blood glucose and cholesterol levels and evaluate blood pressure. These fairs often focus on specific health educational topics, such as breast cancer awareness, healthy weight and smoking cessation. As an incentive prize for those employees who participate in these events, local health club memberships are awarded.

GRTC makes it a priority to recognize and reward those employees who go above and beyond the call of duty to contribute to GRTC. Employees are recognized for accomplishing excellence in performance, attitude, customer service and attendance, and receive honors such as certificates, letters of commendation, cash awards, earned days off and participation in special honorary events. The results of these incentives speak for themselves: In 2007, GRTC's Maintenance Department recognized nearly 55% of its staff for achieving excellence in attendance, safety and workmanship.

For more information about GRTC, visit www.ridegrtc.com.

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