Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Long-term Employees Share Their Journey at METRO

If you meet Frank Gonzales, it’s easy to see the pride he takes in his work—he always ensures his uniform is presentable, and his drivers do the same.

But if you met him in 1989, the story was different. Urged by a friend to apply for a bus operator position, Gonzales took the job with short-term intentions.

“I came thinking I would only be here for a little while. I didn’t expect to be here this many years,” Gonzales admitted. “If I had to do it all over again, I would. It became one of the best jobs,” said Gonzales.

His outlook changed, with him eventually competing in the METRO Bus Roadeo, a yearly competition allowing employees to showcase their driving and maintenance skills.

Gonzales' efforts earned him six first-place titles at METRO and two second-place finishes at the state competition. In 2010, he was named the best driver in North America, beating out 38 other competitors at APTA’s International Bus Roadeo.

His driving career also boasts 25 years without a single accident.

Over the Years: Frank Gonzales has competed in many local, state and international bus roadeo competitions.

Though Gonzales’ routes may have changed over the years, his dedication to his passengers never wavered.

“I enjoy people. I try to make them laugh. If I was driving the Park & Ride and had 55 full seats, I would say ‘good morning’ to every person that walked in,” said Gonzales.

Growing up, Gonzales didn’t speak Spanish at home, but he gradually learned the language on the job to better assist his passengers.

Now, with 34 years under his belt, Gonzales serves as a Street Supervisor for METROlift and contracted services. His new role focuses on ensuring on-time performance, monitoring whether drivers are following protocol and keeping vehicles in good condition.

Diesel Mechanic Jose Balderas has also dedicated more than three decades to METRO. He spent his early years in Mexico, where he studied mechanical engineering, practiced karate, and even learned to scuba dive.

Despite his accomplishments, Balderas saw more opportunity in Houston. After working as a machinist and electrician in the 70s, layoffs pushed him to seek a career elsewhere. In 1984, he joined METRO during its first mechanic apprenticeship class.

Jose Balderas looks under the hood of a METROLift vehicle at the Hiram Clarke Bus Operating Facility.

Before retiring from competition, Jose Balderas took home 11 first-place titles at METRO and one international title. His trophies are displayed throughout his home.

Balderas spent years perfecting his craft as a mechanic and watching the best of the best compete in bus roadeos before jumping into the contest. In total, he took home 11 first-place titles at METRO and one international title before retiring from the competition. His trophies are displayed throughout his home.

Balderas said he finds the most fulfillment in ensuring vehicle safety, meticulously inspecting buses before they return to service.

“I like to look for defects that buses have, and I make a report,” said Balderas. “I’m satisfied when I prevent issues.”

He attributes his long career to the benefits, company culture, and opportunities for growth within the agency.

“There’s a lot of opportunities here for everybody. If they want to stay in the same place, if they are happy, they can do that,” said Balderas. “If they decide they want to move up, they can.”

METRO offers a wide range of positions, including bus operators, mechanics, and administrative roles. Visit our RideMETRO.org to explore the career opportunities.