SMART’s Bus Driver Mentorship to Strengthen Workforce Retention

Southeast Michigan’s regional bus system—the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART)—is launching the state’s first structured Operator Mentorship Program. The one-year program will pair newly hired bus drivers with veteran mentors to help address workforce shortages, improve retention, and strengthen workforce culture.

“Transit agencies across the country are asking the same question: How do we build a workforce that stays, grows, and thrives?” asked SMART General Manager and CEO Tiffany J. Gunter. “By pairing new operators with seasoned professionals from day one, we are building a culture where experience is valued, knowledge is shared, and every operator feels supported in their career. That culture is what delivers safe, reliable service to our riders every single day.”

Program partners Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1564 and ATU International are committed to investing in drivers throughout their careers. Troy Mosely, president, ATU Local 1564 said, “This program ensures that every operator who joins SMART does so with an experienced professional in their corner.”

The mentorship program is structured to be scaled up for long-term impact. Mentors will be selected through a competitive process and will receive formal training to provide technical expertise as well as real-world insight that only comes from experience behind the wheel.

While driver retention is a pressing challenge facing transit agencies nationwide, SMART recently reached full driver staffing levels for the first time since 2017, thanks to investments in employee recruitment and engagement. The mentorship program is the next step in ensuring drivers are retained, advance, and lead.