A journey to triumph

Shining brightly from a graduating class of 44 Metrobus operators is new bus operator Lidia Reyes. She joined the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) after more than 10 years of struggling, including homelessness.

Lidia transformed her life thanks to a remarkable partnership between DTPW, COMTO Miami and The Lotus House. The three agencies came together during the pandemic and created the Hope Driven Cooperative Partnership Project to empower women and address the labor shortage of bus operators in the County.

In 2010, Lidia overcame addiction with the help of Lotus House, a shelter for women. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she went through another rough patch when she lost her job. Having found refuge before, the mother of three returned to Lotus House hoping to find housing assistance.

That’s where she found out about the Hope Driven program. Recognizing the potential of the women at Lotus House, the program has evolved since it was launched in 2021 to empower women to get their commercial driver’s licenses and encourage them to join the County’s proud family of Metrobus operators.

While sheltered at Lotus House, Lidia signed up. With her resilience and support from her community, she is the first person to graduate from the unique program. In her new role, Lidia is hoping that she can set an example for her three children and other women in similar situations. Shortly after graduation, operator Reyes’ success story was featured on NBC 6 and Mayor Daniella Levine Cava met with Lidia to congratulate the new member of the Metrobus team for her inspiring achievement. Congratulations to operator Reyes, her mentors, instructors and supervisors as well as her family for staying the course through her journey to triumph.

Learn more about the Hope Driven program. Metrobus operator applications are being accepted through Sept. 18. Apply now.