Two San Mateo County Transit District employees have received the District’s highest honor. Operator Maria Gomez of San Leandro has been chosen Bus Operator of the Year and Utility Worker Eugene Cabugao of Daly City is the Maintenance Employee of the Year.

“They are the face of SamTrans and no one better represents and embodies our high standards than these folks,” said General Manager/CEO Michael J. Scanlon. “When one of our employees receives the Employee of the Year Award, you know they are truly outstanding.”

Gomez and Cabugao were honored at the April SamTrans board meeting. Both met a rigorous criterion that included no preventable accidents, no disciplinary actions and no unexcused absences. They also were honored on an ad card displayed inside SamTrans buses.

Gomez began her career as a SamTrans operator in 2001. She drives seven routes – CX, 14, 110, 120 and 141 – which serve Pacifica, Colma, Linda Mar, Daly City, Westlake, San Bruno, as well as two main line routes that run the length of the Peninsula.

Gomez also received the Operator of the Month award in 2002.

“I think of the Golden Rule when providing service to my customers,” Gomez said. “Treat others the way you would like to be treated – with respect, courtesy and empathy.” Gomez added, “If my passengers have a good experience riding SamTrans, I‘m positive that they will be satisfied customers and will continue to take SamTrans.”

Gomez and her husband enjoy their San Leandro home with their three children. When she is not in the driver’s seat, Gomez likes to cook, take her dogs out for long walks, watch her daughter play soccer and listen to music.

As a utility worker, Cabugao is one of the employees responsible for cleaning, detailing and maintaining the District’s fleet of buses and paratransit vehicles at its San Carlos location. He takes great pride in providing passengers with a clean, safe bus.

“The most important aspect of my job is to maintain SamTrans buses to a standard that is acceptable to the passengers,” Cabugao said.

The District’s utility workers handle all the routine interior and exterior cleaning and detailing of the buses. They also fuel the buses and make sure all the engine fluids are at proper levels.

Cabugao started his career at SamTrans in 1988. Besides receiving a Safe Worker award for 18 years, he has been selected by his co-workers as Employee of the Month three times.

Cabugao is the second youngest in his family of six sisters and three brothers. On his day off, he enjoys fishing, dancing, shopping and cooking.

The Transit District operates 54 bus routes throughout San Mateo County and into parts of San Francisco and Palo Alto. The District also offers Redi-Wheels and RediCoast paratransit service for persons with disabilities who are unable to ride SamTrans.

04/9/09 - msk
Media Contact: Mary Knuckles, 650-508-6356