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.


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