March 2013: Charlotte Garcia

Each month, RTD encourages passengers to nominate a bus driver or light rail operator who goes above and beyond to make their experience memorable. This month’s winning nomination goes to SeniorRide bus driver, Charlotte Garcia. SeniorRide provides transportation for senior citizens, from shopping excursions to a variety of cultural, educational, and entertainment events.

Her nomination was submitted by James Herringer, who was impressed with Charlotte’s patient and friendly attitude.

"I am recently retired and have moved to a senior independent living residence. RTD provides the shopping bus for The Argyle Park residents every Thursday. We’ve had Charlotte as our regular driver, since late summer. Seniors can be a handful, with lots of special needs and mobility issues, I have never seen Charlotte lose her cool with any of us (even though I do on a regular basis!). I am amazed at what people think they can get away with, but she is always cordial, remembering many of us take the shopping bus every week. She also goes above and beyond hauling groceries on and off the bus, and making sure that all of us get back to our personal residence. I wanted you to know how awesome Charlotte is, we all look forward to seeing her, and I’m sure she feels the same. Please let her know that she has made a distinct impression on so many of us. She deserves a customer service commendation, and a raise!"

After receiving the commendation from James, we wanted to know more about Charlotte, and she graciously agreed to answer a few of our questions.

How long have you worked for RTD and have you always been a Bus Driver?

As of November 4, 2012, I completed 24 years of service, and I’ve always been a driver.

What were you in a previous life?

My husband tells me I was a QUEEN!

What do you like best about your job?

Passengers, I really enjoy working with seniors.

If you could listen to music while working, what type?

K-LOVE on the dial

If you could deck out your train, what style?

I would paint the bus purple with smiley faces all over it, and the side of the bus would read GOD LOVES YOU, HAVE A BLESSED DAY!

If you could change your uniform color, what color or does brown/gray go with your eyes?

The colors are fine, and yes they do go well with my eyes.

What type of service would you drive if given the choice and/or favorite service to drive or operate?

Currently, I drive a special shopper bus and I really like it.

What are your favorite hobbies or activities?

I’m an event planner, and love it also. And I love spending time with my grandchildren.