works to retain existing drivers, through driver recognition and motivation efforts. These include Driver Appreciation Day, a Family Fun Day, and participation in the North Carolina Public Transit Association’s (NCPTA) annual rodeo. “The NCPTA holds a conference every year that includes a rodeo where drivers can showcase their skills,” depicts Torres. “Those drivers are able to attend a gala in their honor and enjoy some friendly competition with their fellow drivers from across the state. Our drivers were so appreciative and just loved the camaraderie and the closeness that it brought.” Recruitment and training of drivers is a careful process. “This is a very specific job,” says Earp. “You have to be a certain type of person with a certain attitude, a willingness to help, and a servant mentality to be able to do this job.” To ensure they are fully prepared, training has been expanded from just a few days to nearly two weeks, including a full week on the road with an experienced driver. New hires get hands-on experience learning technology, customer service, and wheelchair securement long before they drive solo. CHANGE AND EXPANSION ON THE HORIZON Looking ahead, Union County Transportation has its 167 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 12 UNION COUNTY TRANSPORTATION
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx