• TARTA News

Before walking through the door and getting behind the wheel at TARPS, Billy Black was part of the corporate world.  Soon after retirement, he found himself inactive; looking for something to fill his days.

“I saw an opportunity to come here and help a community in need of drivers to get them to their place of business, appointments and stuff like that,” Black said.

For the last two years, Black says he’s found so much joy in his work and quickly realized that his job was making a difference in the lives of so many people. 

“I like seeing the smiles of people when they get on the bus.  I can help them get them where they want to go,” Black said.

Black works hard to make sure that transportation isn’t a barrier for the TARPS community, and he’s effective.  In October, he was one of the top on-time performers in the department.  95.10% of his trips were punctual. 

“I think that’s a good thing,” he said.  “I get out and I make an effort to get people there on time. I would hope that other people would be placed in a situation where they could achieve and 95% and you could probably have more people on time.”

For Black, finding the motivation to work hard is easy.  He says he looks to his passengers to remind him why his position is vital to the community.  Not only does he get to see so many parts of the community where he’s lived nearly all his life, he also gets to make sure others get that same opportunity.

“When you have people, who show their appreciation that you’re there and taking them anywhere they want to go that helps you to want to do the job,” Black said.  “The drive becomes secondary and you just think about the clients.”

When Black, who’s also a Vietnam veteran, isn’t on the road, you’ll find him playing music and focusing on his faith.

Great work, Billy!  We’re grateful that you’re part of team TARTA.