• TARTA News

TARTA bus operators are arguably some of the best in the country (that’s what we think, anyway)  which is why choosing just one standout each month isn’t an easy task. 

After much consideration, the TARTA Transportation team named Raymond Burton the August Operator of the Month!

Burton has been a proud coach operator for 4 years and a “typical” day on the job is anything but.

Soon, he says, he’ll have a dedicated route serving the passengers of Toledo and surrounding areas.  For now, he’s on what TARTA calls the “extra board.”  That means he fills in when someone is sick or gets a replacement bus where it needs to be, among other things.

“I’m just doing my job,” he says.

Burton is no stranger to serving his community.  Before he walked through the doors at the Central avenue garage, he was a hard working member of the Toledo Fire Department.   He retired after 32 years and then found us (and we’re thankful he did.)

“Raymond is a passenger favorite,” Tom Metzger, superintendent of TARTA Transportation said.  “And a very safe driver.”

Here at TARTA, employees must meet certain qualifications to be considered for the accolade.  Metzger says they look for “perfect attendance for 3 months, accident, WRV and complaint free, commendations from passengers and recommendations by supervisors.”

Burton says he’s grateful for the recognition and adds that he’s enjoying one of the perks of Operator of the Month: a front row parking spot! (Trust us, it’s a luxury that’s sometimes hard to come by.)

When he’s not behind the wheel, you can find Burton relaxing with his wife, three kids and two grandkids.

He’s one of many reasons why we’re proud to be on team TARTA. 

Thank you, Raymond, for your hard work and dedication.