Three GoBus Drivers Earn CDL Licenses

August 1, 2024

GOBUS

Congratulations to Chris Thomas, Glenn George, and Michael Owens!

We are proud to announce that three of our dedicated GoBus drivers, Chris Thomas, Glenn George, and Michael Owens, have successfully earned their Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) with passenger endorsements. This accomplishment was made possible through the GoBus Transit CDL program, which we proudly sponsor to ensure our drivers are well-equipped to serve our 14-county service area in East Texas.


The CDL program is partnered with Overton ISD and consists of four half-days of hands-on training led by Sarah Tharp, the Transportation Director. After completing training, participants meet at Lindale ISD, which offers licensed third-party testing to earn the CDL.

 

After successfully completing the program and test, the driver will have a Class B Commercial Driver's License with Passenger, School Bus, and Airbrake endorsements!


Chris Thomas shared his motivation for participating in the program: "I wanted to learn how to safely drive a larger vehicle as needed for GoBus." He found the training on different laws about trucks and buses particularly beneficial, as it gave him greater insight into passenger and vehicle safety. Chris has applied his new knowledge to perform thorough pre-trip inspections, enhancing his daily duties and contributing to safer transportation services.


Glenn George was driven by the desire to be a great employee and the ability to drive all types of buses. He highlighted the hands-on training in Overton, TX, as the most beneficial part of the program. "The instructor made sure that I had all the information, and the one-on-one training was great," he said. Glenn believes the program made him a safer driver and kept him at the top of his driving game, enabling him to transport of his driving game, enabling him to transport customers safely and be aware of potential distractions.


Michael Owens saw the program as an opportunity to become a more skilled driver at little cost to himself and to be eligible for special projects requiring a CDL. He appreciated the extensive digital training, which provided a deep understanding of the laws and regulations for operating CDL vehicles. Michael has been able to apply this knowledge daily, improving his vehicle handling, braking, and evasive maneuver skills. He believes having more CDL drivers on the road enhances safety for everyone, including passengers and the community.


All three drivers agree that the GoBus Transit CDL Program significantly enhances transportation services in East Texas. By providing additional training, the program ensures that our drivers can operate larger vehicles safely, meet the community's transportation needs more effectively, and uphold GoBus's commitment to safety.


We are thrilled with the achievements of Chris, Glenn, and Michael and look forward to the continued impact of their skills on our community. Their dedication and the training they received underscore our mission to provide safe, reliable, and efficient public transportation across East Texas.


Join us in congratulating our drivers on this significant milestone and celebrating their contributions to making our community safer and better connected.


You might also like

Inside a bus, person seated near a ticket validation machine, view from the aisle.

Connecting East Texas 2026: A Regional Coordinated Transportation Plan

By GoBus • January 21, 2026
Improving mobility is an ongoing objective for persons living, working, or visiting the East Texas region. As the lead agency for our region, the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) is working with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and a consultant team to prepare an update of the Regional Public Transportation Coordination Plan for Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood counties. The 2026 Plan seeks to identify practical strategies for improving the day-to-day mobility of all residents of the region, but especially older adults, persons with disabilities, low-income individuals, zero-car households, area youth, persons with limited English proficiency, veterans, clients of workforce agencies, and employment/job seekers. It will include a variety of public participation opportunities including a bilingual (Spanish/English) project webpage, community survey, and focus groups with members of the target populations listed above. We will also conduct surveys of stakeholders and transportation providers to gain additional insight into the transportation needs and resources available to the region. While public transportation plays a significant role in regional mobility, it is far from the only transportation provider. As such, we will be reaching out to many organizations that provide transportation services or support for transportation to gain a comprehensive understanding of the mobility resources available within East Texas communities. All residents are encouraged to take the community survey by clicking here . If you are interested in participating in a focus group, you’ll have the opportunity to let us know at the end of the survey. If you are an organization that serves any of the target populations listed above, have not received a stakeholder survey, and would like to complete a stakeholder survey and/or receive materials to distribute to those you serve, click here to send us your request . Make sure you include your email address so we can respond. 
Red trolley in front of a hotel entrance; a woman exits the building.

Free Holiday Transit Service Returns to Palestine

By GoBus • November 6, 2025
ETCOG is pleased to announce the return of Palestine’s Seasonal Transit Service, operated by GoBus and partially funded by Visit Palestine. This free evening and weekend shuttle will run from November 14 through December 28, helping residents and visitors enjoy holiday festivities across the city, including trips to the Texas State Railroad. Whether you're heading to a local event, staying at one of the area’s hotels, or exploring downtown, GoBus makes it easy to get around. The flex route service includes scheduled stops at all major hotels and downtown destinations, and can also stop at other locations along the route upon request. Each shuttle is handicap accessible and operated by highly trained ETCOG drivers, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride for all passengers. This seasonal service is designed to support community engagement and tourism during the holidays, making it easier for everyone to participate in Palestine’s festive offerings. To learn more about the route or view the schedule, visit www.gobustransit.com/palestine-seasonal-service.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for a building with a blue ribbon, gold scissors, and green lawn.

Join Us for a Grand Opening Ceremony for our New GoBus Maintenance Facility!

By GoBus • October 2, 2025
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) is proud to announce the grand opening of its new GoBus Maintenance Facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, November 13, at 2:00 PM. The celebration will take place at the new facility, located directly behind ETCOG’s headquarters at 3800 Stone Road in Kilgore, and the public is invited to attend. This new $3.3 million facility, funded by the Federal Transit Administration and the Texas Department of Transportation, represents a major step forward for the GoBus program. With two work bays, a dedicated wash bay, training rooms, and expanded fleet parking, the facility will serve as the home base for both GoBus administrative and maintenance teams. “This facility allows us to take a more proactive approach to vehicle maintenance and safety,” said Vince Huerta, ETCOG Transportation Director. “Having the ability to complete repairs in-house means we can get vehicles back on the road faster and continue delivering safe, reliable transportation services.” The GoBus program provides public transit service across ETCOG’s 14-county region. By investing in in-house maintenance, ETCOG will be able to improve efficiency, conduct more thorough inspections, and reduce repair turnaround times—all while keeping service reliable for East Texas riders. Community members, partners, and stakeholders are encouraged to join ETCOG staff for the ribbon-cutting and facility tour. The event not only celebrates the opening of a new building but also marks an investment in the future of regional transit and the people who rely on it every day.

Book a Service Today