August 2012: Luis Martinez

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 Route 10 bus driver, Luis Martinez. The 10 travels east and west from Buckley Air Force Base to Elitch Gardens.

Luis had two separate nominations this month, submitted by RTD passengers, Dorothy Wilmer and Marcia Jones, who were impressed with Luis’ caring attitude and exceptional customer service.

Dorothy wrote:

"I’m writing to compliment your driver, Luis Martinez. I catch the #10 westbound every other day and Mr. Martinez is always courteous to me. He greets me with a smile, and because I use a cane to board the bus, he lowers the ramp so it is easier for me to board, and if there are steps, he patiently waits until I climb the steps to pay my fare, and gives me a transfer. If the bus is crowded, and there are no seats in front available, he always waits until I can either sit down, or hold on to the steel railing before he continues on his route. Upon leaving the bus, he always tells me good-bye and have a nice evening. He really cares about his passengers."

Marcia wrote:

"This letter is to commend the professionalism of RTD drivers and their excellent performance during our heat wave. I’m always amazed how one manages to keep their “cool” under adverse situations. I recognize that hot weather can shorten tempers but have noted that RTD drivers seem to handle the situation well. One particular driver, Luis Martinez, on bus 5182, Route 10, has operated the 10 for some time. During his regular afternoon rush-hour schedule, he constantly has a harried busload of downtown workers ending their work day, any number of which just came off a bad day at the office. He seems perfect for the afternoon rush-hour crowd, he’s patient and friendly to everyone that boards the bus. I’ve noticed the general public, many who are employees also, take for granted that professional drivers are not just employees but human beings also trying to earn a living. Customer service is by far a difficult job even under the best circumstances and I commend this professional driver for his efforts. "

After receiving the commendations from Dorothy and Marcia, we wanted to know more about Luis and he graciously agreed to answer a few of our questions.

How long have you worked for RTD and have you always been a driver?
I’ve been working for RTD as a driver for five and half years.

What were you in a previous life?
I think I was a horse because I have a fascination with horses. Pegasus is my favorite.

What do you like best about driving?
The best part about driving is talking to the customers. It helps me feel accomplished when I can say that I am able to help someone, and having a customer say thank you to me is a good feeling because the job can sometimes be difficult.

If you could listen to music while working, what type?
My wife says I'm a lover and I think it's because I really like to listen to romantic music.

If you could deck out your bus, what style?
You know the little jaguar emblem that are on the hoods of Jaguar cars? I want an iron horse on the front of my bus on the roof, but it needs to be like 3 meters big, black, and bright blue LED eyes. Just picture the head of the horse at DIA, but on my bus.

If you could change your uniform color, what color or does brown/gray go with your eyes?
I would change the color to match police officer uniforms. That way unruly passengers won’t want to mess with us, because I think the only thing drivers really want from customers is to be respected. Just letting our customers know that we are doing our best helps us.

What type of service would you drive if given the choice and/or favorite service to drive?
I would really like to be a tour bus driver, but I would like to be the one talking to the customers. I love interacting with the people, letting them know that I care, and having fun with them.

What are your favorite hobbies or activities?
I like to play sports, like soccer, baseball, softball, tennis. And if I say so myself, I'm pretty good at playing pool if anyone wants to play. I also like watching movies. Did you see the new spider man movie? It’s really good.