Photo: Metro Call-A-Ride Outstanding Operators of the Year – Jerome Papkin (left) and James Belleville (right)
Team Member Spotlight: Metro Call-A-Ride Operators of the Year – Jerome Papkin and James Belleville
Our team member spotlight this week is a special one, we’re not just highlighting one team member but two Operators from Metro Call-A-Ride that go above and beyond every day. James Belleville and Jerome Papkin, who is a back-to-back winner of this honor, are this year’s Metro Call-A-Ride’s Outstanding Operators of the Year!
Metro Call-A-Ride regularly recognizes the contributions and customer service of their team, and each year, it recognizes the very best of their Operators with the Outstanding Operator of the Year award. To qualify, Operators must have excellent on-time performance, no complaints or disciplinary actions, five or more compliments from their customers, and no chargeable accidents.
“Leading this team has been nothing short of a privilege, here at Metro Call-A-Ride, everyone is committed to serving our customers with care and respect,” said Jeff Butler, General Manager of Paratransit Operations. “Our Operators of the Year represent the very best of our incredible team. Day in and day out, Jerome and James have set the standard for excellence in the safe, convenient and personal service they provide to our riders and our community. I am extremely proud to be able to recognize both of them for their contributions.”
When asked about the secret to his success, Jerome said, “Treat everyone like they are your mom and dad. That’s what I tell all of the new operators that I help train”. To learn more about Jerome, click here to see the Q&A from last year. As a back-to-back Outstanding Operator of the Year he says, “This is both a humbling and rewarding experience for me, each day”.
Check out James’ Q&A below to get to know a little more about our other Metro Call-A-Ride Operators of the Year.
James Belleville
How long have you been working here?
I’ve been here 17 years.
What do you enjoy about being a Call-A-Ride Operator?
Helping people, it makes me feel so good when we get these accommodation letters when people call in to say, “This driver went above and beyond”. It’s so rewarding!
What is the most challenging part of the job?
No two days are the same, we’re out there day-in day-out. We have to adapt your skills to that, as the day goes on you learn how to get past this issue and that issue.
What was your first job out of high school?
Steak ‘n Shake, I was just turning 16 and I have worked ever since then. I worked the fountain and window so I made shakes and all the sweet things.
Are you from St. Louis?
Yes, I am.
Where did you go to high school?
I went to Affton High School and graduated in 1979, I went to STLCC Meramec but transferred to Webster.
What do you like to do for fun?
I like gardening and taking care of the yard, that’s a big job. Spending time with our three dogs, they’re all rescues.
Do you have anything on your bucket list?
Once I retire, I would like to travel. I’d like to see the East and West Coast and Canada.
Do you have any tips for newcomers to Metro and Call-A-Ride?
Stay focused, learn as much as you can during your training, keep an open mind, be patience and understanding with your customers, do little things to make stuff easier.