• TARTA News

A long-time TARTA employee, Vicki Walker prides herself on her work.  For most of her 27 years with the company, she’s been in customer service.  Day in and day out, she’s the voice on the other end of the phone, and most recently, the smiling face that greets passengers at the TARTA Transit Hub.  If there’s a question about a route or a departure time, Vicki knows the answer.

“I like helping these people,” she said.

Vicki started her career in transportation with the organization now known as the Board of Developmental Disabilities as a monitor and then eventually a bus driver. Once she had her CDL, a friend told her to apply at TARTA.  She got the job and drove a bus for three months before taking on her current role of information operator.

“I stormed into the HR office and told them I wanted the [information operator] job,” she joked.

Vicki prides herself on getting accurate information to the thousands of passengers who ride TARTA every week.  She says she believes it is her duty to make sure our passengers get on the right bus, at the right time to get to work, doctor appointments, family gatherings and so much more.

It’s one of many reasons why her supervisors recommended her to be December Operator of the Month.

“She’s on the front lines,” superintendent of transportation, Tom Metzger said.  “She has been instrumental for a smoother transition at the TARTA Transit Hub, she’s well-respected by her peers and has done a great job for us.”

Vicki has also had perfect attendance for the last four months and has met all other requirements to carry the title.

“I was elated because I just couldn’t believe it,” she said.  “I was really excited and thought, ‘they thought that of me?” Vicki humbly (and jokingly) added, “I thought it was a set up.”

If her sense of humor isn’t obvious, her compassion is.  In many ways, she looks after our riders and does what she can to help.

“I like to give them things to let them know that there are some people on this earth that will be nice to them and give them some things that they may need,” Vicki said.

She’s an exceptional example of the dedication of TARTA employees.  We’re all so grateful to have Vicki on our team.

Congratulations!