Recently, a routine trip for an MTM Transit bus in Reno, Nevada, turned into a critical situation when road debris ruptured the vehicle’s compressed natural gas (CNG) line. MTM Transit, which operates various transportation services for the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County, relies on the preparedness of our drivers to handle such emergencies. Thanks to the quick thinking and thorough training of driver Porsha Robinson, this potentially dangerous incident was resolved safely and efficiently.
When the CNG line was compromised, Porsha sprang into action. Following her training protocols, she immediately evacuated all passengers from the bus, ensuring their safety first. With composure, she stepped outside the vehicle to radio an alert to her team, warning others of the situation. Porsha then guided her passengers to a safe distance of 100 feet, using the disabled bus as a protective barrier to shield them from potential harm. She followed up by contacting dispatch via cell phone to provide detailed information, ensuring clear communication throughout the incident.
Our local supervisors and mechanics were quick to arrive at the scene, promptly shutting off the gas flow using the vehicle’s valve and strategically positioning the supervisor’s vehicle and safety triangles to protect the bus, staff, and passengers. When the fire department arrived, they praised the team’s effective response.
Porsha’s adherence to her training and calm handling of the situation earned her well-deserved recognition. Reno Safety Manager Simon Batter presented her with a gold star pin, commending her for executing her training flawlessly. Her actions serve as a powerful example of how preparation and quick thinking can make all the difference in an emergency.
Thank you to Porsha and our entire Reno team for your dedication to safety. Your actions not only protected passengers, but also demonstrated the strength of our training programs in action.
