General Information
MAX Transit has some dedicated employees and Peter Walcott is one of them. As fixed route operations manager at the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA), he oversees all fixed route operations which means he manages a team of 132 operators and 15 supervisors.
Peter has worked for the BJCTA for 29 years. He began his career with the organization in May of 1988. When asked what has kept him at the company so long? He smiles and simply says, “I enjoy what I do. I love the transportation industry and I have a passion for people. That’s why I stay.” He stresses the importance of service to customers. “I want everyone to be treated fairly,” he states.
Peter recalls a time when he was a bus operator and one of his trainers would give him a rough time. He remembers feeling really low, defeated, and having intentions of quitting at the end of his shift. Just as he stopped the bus to allow a passenger to exit, a little elderly lady slowly made her way to him. She used her cane to help her balance as she leaned in to tell him, “Don’t quit.” He says that she must have observed the look of defeat in his face, but he will always remember that lady. The lesson learned from that experience is that there will be obstacles in life, but never give up. “I want people to know that if you don’t show concern (empathy), have love and patience for people, then this is not the job for you,” he states.
Prior to joining the MAX team, Peter worked for an airline company where he was responsible for directing airplanes to the correct gate, fueling the planes, and loading baggage. He adds, “The most important thing about that job was loading the baggage on the plane. There are weight limits and you have to be careful with that, otherwise you could cause serious issues.”
His motivation is his love for Christ, family, and the desire to be a better person overall. He is a minister of music for his church and he does not miss a Sunday. He spends his down time playing music at church. “I just want to lift His (Jesus) Name and praise God with whomever wants to join me”, he says.
Peter’s favorite quote is “Don’t beg anyone to get on the ark, just keep building, and let the people know the rain is coming.” – Charlamagne tha god
Peter Walcott is truly a breath of fresh air! His energy will light up any room and his warm personality, along with the willingness to teach others is a gift.
You can catch Peter at the 8th Avenue Maintenance facility during the work week.