Woman Metrobus operator makes history

During an intense two-day competition on Feb. 24 and 25, 37 Metrobus operators and nine bus maintenance technicians went head-to-head during the 2023 Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) Bus Roadeo.

Three winners claimed top honors in the driving challenge and for the first time in the DTPW Bus Roadeo's recent history, a woman operator, Telisa Ruan, won the overall competition. 

A 22-year DTPW veteran, Ruan starts her day at the County’s Coral Way garage. As she goes along her route, she says it’s all about taking her passengers on Route 38 safely to their destination.

“I love my passengers and my passengers love me,” Ruan said during an interview with NBC 6 where she was featured for her historic accomplishment.

Eulois Cleckley, the director and CEO of the DTPW is equally proud. “I thank and commend all participants not only because [of] their unwavering commitment to our residents every single day, but also because they love their jobs and public service. Congratulations to this year’s winners and especially to operator Ruan. Best wishes in the State Competition. Make us proud!”

Even though she has bragging rights, Ruan stays humble behind the wheel. “I’m not that person where I sit there and brag. I thank people for congratulating me, but I’m not that person,” she told NBC 6.

And what many may not know is that operator Ruan isn’t the only woman representing on our roads. Forty-seven percent of Metrobus operators are women.

Know someone who would like to join DTPW’s winning team? The department offers a $5,000 hiring bonus to those who qualify.