In the hustle and bustle of New York City, where the cold winter winds blow and snowflakes dance through the air, there is a dedicated team of individuals who work tirelessly to keep the city moving. From mechanics and line supervisors to bus operators and transportation supervisors, these unsung heroes ensure that the buses of the MTA New York City Transit run smoothly and safely, no matter the weather.
Behind the Scenes: Winterizing the Fleet
As the winter storm looms on the horizon, the team at MTA New York City Transit springs into action. Winterizing the fleet of 5,800 buses is no small feat, and it requires a coordinated effort from mechanics like Antoine Buford, Edgar Colon, and Ronnie Siegmund. These skilled individuals brave the elements, salting walkways and roads, and outfitting buses with chains to provide extra traction.
But the preparations don’t stop there. Line Supervisors like Scott McPherson play a crucial role in strategically deploying staff to ensure that Bronx express buses keep moving. It’s a delicate dance of logistics and planning that keeps the wheels turning, even in the face of a winter storm.
On the Front Lines: The Heroes of the Road
Perhaps the most visible members of the team are the bus operators who navigate the city streets day in and day out. Names like Leon Harris, Aida Dominguez, Narda Dennis, Torrance Cameron, Hasan Taylor, and Johnny Cuebas are just a few of the many faces behind the wheel. These individuals not only drive huge vehicles through challenging conditions but also train new operators to handle snow equipment with finesse.
It’s a testament to their skill and dedication that despite the snow and ice, buses carried over 1.3 million riders last weekend alone. New Yorkers have places to go and things to do, and it’s thanks to the hard work of these individuals that their lives don’t slow down in the winter.
Through the efforts of General Superintendent Joham Ernest, Superintendent Zakaria Jabbori, General Superintendent Michael Karsos, and others who go above and beyond their call of duty, the city keeps moving, one bus ride at a time. So the next time you board a bus in the winter chill, take a moment to appreciate the unsung heroes who make it all possible.
