10 Great Transit Systems to Work For

Riverside Transit Agency - Riverside, Calif.

Posted October 2008

From left, Planning Communications Specialist Mike McCoy, Senior Planner Lorelle Moe and Planning Analyst Mila Nelson can avail themselves of numerous opportunities for empowerment and advancement at Riverside Transit Agency.

It's been said that if you choose a job you love, you will never have to work a day in your life. That might explain why there's so many smiling faces at the Riverside Transit Agency, which, for more than 30 years has provided western Riverside County in Southern California with award-winning bus service.

"RTA is a place that doesn't feel like work," says CEO Larry Rubio. "It feels like an organized team working toward continued success. We share a common desire to do our best and a belief that what we do makes a difference in people's lives, our community and the environment."

Striking a balance between professional and personal commitments is a common challenge for today's employees. RTA incorporates a number of practices and activities to foster a productive workplace and friendly environment for all of its 400-plus workers.

"Happier employees are more productive and more willing to go the extra mile," says Rubio, who has been with RTA for 20 years. "And when people push themselves to reach greatness, the results are truly phenomenal."

Intimate environment can be a big plus

RTA may be a medium-sized company, but it retains the intimate feel of a small one. And that intimacy can be a big plus.

It's not uncommon to see free pizza in the break rooms on Friday afternoons. Cakes come out on birthdays, and healthy snacks are served at employee of the month announcements. And during the spring and summer, RTA holds barbeques where management grills for the coach operators and mechanics.

Such events get employees talking, and often it's during these informal times that workplace issues get solved and staff harmony is fostered. "It's nice to get together, have a laugh and remember that work is supposed to be fun," says coach operator Dohn Ryder.

With Americans spending roughly 23 percent of their lives on the job, it's easy to see how too much work can drain employees' energy, making them more prone to errors, absenteeism and burnout. That's why even RTA's top executives set examples of good work/life balances and make it known that the same is expected from rank-and-file employees.

Roughly one-third of RTA's administrative employees participate in compressed workweek or flextime programs, which allow them to meet their family or personal needs. "We get the chance to be human beings rather than drones," says parts clerk Jaime Hernandez. "That way, we're more content in our jobs, more productive and have happier families."

The average RTA employee has spent nine years with the organization, and some have been employed by RTA since it was launched service more than 30 years ago. One of those employees is Maintenance Manager Willie Jones. "When you join RTA, you quickly realize that you're part of something extraordinary," he says.

RTA provides tools for employees to excel in their jobs. Employees are encouraged to assume more responsibilities over time, empowered to make key decisions and motivated to make RTA a part of their long-term career plans. Even the CEO got his start in the maintenance department.

Training in customer service, ethics and computer skills is available - and in many cases, required - for employees, and the agency pays a portion of college tuition for employees who also attend school.

Employees say RTA's friendly environment and culture of success is key to their happiness. But perhaps it's the importance of the job itself that keeps them there.

For more information about Riverside Transit Agency, visit www.riversidetransit.com.

Sign up for Transit Intelligence

News and commentary in public transportation, and the latest job postings and solicitations.

Daily News Briefing