One thing Lanell Mitchell loves about driving the bus is the magic of the morning shift.
“On any route you are in Florida, you can always see the sun. I love it; I love to see the sunrise,” said Mitchell, one of eight sharply dressed new Palm Tran bus operators honored at a special graduation ceremony held in June. “We can change people’s lives. You do not know what they are going through when they board your bus, so you talk to them, be nice and courteous, let them know everything is going to be alright and it is going to be a blessed time and day.”
Mitchell’s love of driving and passion for people is a common thread among the graduating class of bus operators who were welcomed to the Palm Tran family at a special commencement ceremony held at the Palm Beach County Commission Chambers on June 16, 2022.
In a time when the nation has a driver shortage, Palm Tran bus operator graduates were beaming with pride and county leadership--from commissioners to administrators--came out to celebrate. In fact, more county officials attended this graduation than any other one prior.
“I want to make sure you know we are very proud of you,” said Verdenia C. Baker, Palm Beach County administrator. “Congratulations on a major milestone on becoming one of our drivers here in Palm Beach County. We want to welcome you to Team PBC. You are now part of the family.”
A Palm Tran bus operator is more than an excellent driver. Each graduate undergoes a six-week program of vigorous classroom work, American with Disabilities Act (ADA) training and on-the-field lessons along with real-life preparation that includes weeks on a fixed route with an instructor. It is the added emphasis on core values and concentration on safety, customer service, and keeping on schedule that truly transforms a driver into a Palm Tran bus operator.
Palm Tran Executive Director Clinton B. Forbes, along with the executive leadership team, department heads, trainers and staff, were there to celebrate and congratulate the new graduates.
“We are here to support you,” Forbes said. “The core of our business is you. When you look at these divisions, all of them are critical to the organization. All of them are here to support your role, to support you, our core business. We are a service leadership organization. Our golden rule is to treat people better than they expect to be treated.”
The special graduation ceremony was streamed live on PBC TV Channel 20 and along with Palm Tran staff, the event was attended by the graduates’ families, several Palm Beach County commissioners and county administrators.
“We are very attuned to getting our residents onto public transportation, getting our residents in line with the idea there is an opportunity to be mobile within our county without having to use a private passenger vehicle,” said Mayor Robert S. Weinroth to the graduating class. “We depend on you. You are the people that keep this county running and moving forward.”
Vice Mayor Gregg K. Weiss added, “You do perform an essential, vital service to our residents. You are also the ambassadors of Palm Beach County. You are the face, the voice if you will, for Palm Beach County for so many people. Wish you all the best. Delighted to have you. Welcome aboard.”
Commissioner Mack Bernard also attended and addressed the graduates, thanking their families for supporting them through training.
“We are truly, truly honored that you are sacrificing on behalf of the residents of Palm Beach County. We want you to be here for many years to come,” he said.
Assistant County Administrators Todd J. Bonlarron and Reginald K. Duren congratulated the bus operators and reinforced their important service to residents.
“You are ready to be part of this county family, ready to take the initiative to make sure safety is the number one thing we do on a daily basis, that courtesy follows right after that,” Bonlarron said. “That every person that gets on the bus you are a commander of, feels they are in a safe, courtesy place and they have a friend in you they can rely on and they should be able to reciprocate that back to you as well. We want that experience to be as good for you as you are going to make it for our customers.”
Duren added, “People on your bus, they got a mission, they have things they need to get done that day. It is so vitally important they get there safely. How we get to place-to-place is everything. Congratulations to you and your families.”
The grads are already on the road. Valedictorian of her class, Sonia Starks, is driving Route 3.
“I’m a people person and I love driving,” she said.
Larone Sumpter, another graduate chimed in about what he loves most about being a bus driver.
“I like the adventure, the freedom and I’m an outdoor person,” he said. “I love to see the beauty of the day unfold.”
Prior to receiving their certificates and much-deserved applause, they heard inspiring words from Assistant County Administrator Patrick Rutter, the commencement keynote speaker. He spoke about the important role bus operators have in providing a key service. He recalled a recent Saturday when Palm Tran buses were shut down in precaution for an upcoming storm. That pause in service, he said, really affected the daily lives of so many residents. Noting the ever-evolving transit systems and technological advances, he said the bus system is a staple in every community.
“Palm Tran is a constant, it has always been and always will be,” he said. “This constant backbone service is so important. Congratulations.”
