One word to describe yourself: Versatile
Alma Mater: Johnson & Wales University; University of South Dakota, MPA
Fun fact about yourself: I have always had a passion for cooking. I spent 20 years working in the restaurant business, 10 of which I was owner and chef of my own catering business.
Favorite station or stop that you have ever visited or frequent (and why): My favorite stop is the Time Square 42nd Street subway terminal. I remember my first-time visiting New York City and walking up the stairs from the subway to Time Square; the visual experience is something that television and photos cannot convey.
Favorite route you have ever ridden or frequent (and why): My favorite route is the Regional Transportation District (RTD), Denver, Colo., Mall Ride. The route is free to ride and connects riders to restaurants, shopping centers, tourist attractions and employment centers along the route. The electric buses have three doors and the driver operates from the right side of the vehicle.
Christopher Tuff was exposed to transit at a young age when he would ride along with his mother as she practiced her bus routes in the family car. At 23, Tuff started as an accountant at CENTRO before leaving the industry to explore career opportunities with the state of New York, but he remained involved in CENTRO’s Bus Roadeo.
Tuff returned to CENTRO as a senior transportation analyst, which allowed him to apply his experience analyzing state policy and regulations to the transit world. He progressed through the organization and counts implementation of new procedures at CENTRO’s smaller subsidiary operations that improved efficiencies among his accomplishments.
In 2019, Tuff was promoted to vice president of administration and was promoted to deputy CEO in 2020, just as the pandemic was starting. Tuff utilized his organizational skills and experience in operations to help CENTRO navigate the dynamically changing transit landscape through the pandemic. From CENTRO’s COVID Command Center, Tuff held daily meetings with in-person and remote staff, communicating daily changes to ensure vital transportation services continued to operate seamlessly under an entirely new set of safety standards and policies.
He did everything from facilitating the installation and design of new custom-built plexiglass driver shields and instructing bus operators on new rear-door boarding/alighting policies, to organizing morale-boosting lunches for essential operations and maintenance staff.
In the wake of the pandemic, he has led the development and implementation of a robust incentive program designed to retain CENTRO’s workforce. The Reaching Productivity Milestones (RPM) program was developed as an upgrade to the previous operator of the month and perfect attendance programs.
The RPM program has been a key to building morale by recognizing the efforts of fellow employees who are going the extra mile to make CENTRO successful while continuing to provide transportation to the community.
Tuff is also the point person leading CENTRO’s research team towards zero-emission technology. CENTRO has a long-standing commitment to the environment, investing in compressed natural gas (CNG) propulsion for nearly 40 years – which included the installation of a public on-site CNG fueling station. Tuff and his team have met with several local, regional and national organizations to share knowledge and concerns on how to best use new technology to meet the transportation needs and environmental goals of the communities transit serves. Tuff is a graduate of the New York Public Transit Association Public Transit Leadership Institute 1 and 2, a member of several APTA Committees and a member of the Syracuse Southeast Gateway Steering Committee.
Tuff also oversees the planning and organization of CENTRO’s shuttle services to the 13-day Great New York State Fair. Typically, CENTRO will provide more than 550,500 rides to fairgoers during the nearly two-week event. Planning for this event is non-stop; meetings for the next fair begin as soon as the previous one winds down on Labor Day.
A few years back, Tuff earned his CDL for the sole purpose of driving during CENTRO’s special event services. It can be a struggle getting enough bus operators for these services – a situation that has worsened in recent years. Tuff can be found behind the wheel during the Great New York State Fair, a Syracuse University Basketball game or a concert at the local amphitheater. He is literally driving CENTRO into the future.
Is there a specific experience that led you to where you are today?
Not a specific experience, but rather an evolving one. My mother transitioned from a job in the restaurant business to a career with CENTRO. When I was a child, she stressed the importance of finding a career that offered a retirement option and benefits. When she started with CENTRO, I began to learn about the importance of public transit in the community. Then, when I started my career, I had an opportunity to work for CENTRO as an accountant. After a short period, I wanted to explore other options and took an auditor position with New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. The position was great, but after eight years, I realized I wanted to do more for my community. Another position opened at CENTRO and, this time, it was in their operations department. I knew this was my chance to grow in Central New York and give back to the community. Upon my return to CENTRO, I embraced every opportunity to learn and grow. I even obtained my CDL so I could help drive during special events when operator demand is at its highest.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
One thing about working in transit is every day is different. Yes, we have the same routes and employees, but the situations that arise are always different. It keeps me on my toes and always thinking.
What’s the most challenging part of your job?
Recruitment. Prior to the pandemic, we knew the labor market for operators and mechanics was a national challenge. The pandemic amplified the challenge to where we are today. Prior to the onset of the pandemic, CENTRO was looking at making additions to its bus service. As the workforce began to shrink, our ability to add these services reduced; this also affected our means to maintain existing service. The capacity to compete with private organizations to recruit and retain employees is difficult. We are all trying to be the most appealing option in the same candidate pool.
Accomplishment you’re most proud of and why?
The accomplishment I am most proud of is one I wish I had done 15 years sooner. I completed my master’s degree during the COVID-19 pandemic. I started my degree prior to the pandemic and in my second semester we were hit with challenges never before seen. Navigating the changing requirements throughout the pandemic and applying them to transit while trying to balance school and family was no easy task.
Best advice/tip/best practice to share from your area of expertise?
Not everything in transit is cut and dried. Many situations are unique in their resolution.
