Metro News

Cincinnati Metro celebrated the excellent safety performance of its team during the 52^nd Annual Metro Safety Awards Luncheon, honoring more than 430 operators and maintenance employees for their commitment to keeping riders and roadways safe.

The highlight of the event was honoring veteran operator Robert Waters, who achieved an extraordinary milestone: two million miles driven without a single preventable accident. To put that into perspective, that’s like driving to the moon and back four times—or circling the globe 80 times. It’s a rare accomplishment, reached by just one-tenth of one percent of transit operators nationwide. Throughout his career, Waters has been committed to Metro’s highest safety standards and has also served as a dedicated instructor, mentoring the next generation of operators.

Overall, 53 operators and 17 maintenance team members earned top honors for excellent performance and safety records.

These achievements come as Metro continues to make strides in system-wide safety performance. Since 2023, Metro has reduced preventable accidents by 30%, a testament to the organization’s ongoing investment in operator training, vehicle technology, and safety culture.

“Safety isn’t just a priority—it’s the foundation of everything we do,” said Brandy Jones, Metro’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. “Today’s honorees represent the very best of our organization. Their focus, professionalism and care help ensure that our buses and facilities are safe for everyone who depends on us.”

The Safety Awards Luncheon is part of Metro’s broader commitment to promoting a safe and supportive environment for employees and passengers alike. Last year, Metro was recognized by the Federal Transit Administration as a national model for how transit workers and management can collaborate to create a safer, more resilient system.