If you have taken our free Community Shuttle Bus Service, no doubt you have been transported by one of our many professional drivers. The buses are clean and comfortable and go to the destinations where residents need to travel. And whether you take advantage of this service or not, you may have noticed our two new buses with the new look which recently began shuttling passengers on the routes.
The free Community Shuttle Bus Service began in 1999. As years went by, the service expanded and began to offer more routes and services. This bus service doesn’t run itself. Careful planning and forethought are put into the daily schedule, customer service and maintenance of the vehicles. In 2006 the City saw a need, for a full time bus services manager. There was no need to look farther than one of our own drivers. William Foy, a driver for the City since 2004, was the perfect candidate for the job. Bill, as we know him, is hard to miss because he stands out, not only for his gentlemanly mannerisms, but also for his delightful Irish accent.
Bill graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in Dublin in 1973 and went right to work with Fiat Ireland as a parts technician. In 1980 he saw an opportunity to work in the same capacity for a national transportation company. He also took the exam to become a certified commercial driver. He worked as a technician for C.I.E. with the Dublin City bus fleet until 1982 when he was promoted to driver. He drove the bus for the tourist and long distance division until 1990. That year, Bill moved his family to Miami from Ireland, taking a position with Hertz Rental Car Company at the Miami International Airport location. He transported vacationers, coming into town for cruises, to and from the port of Miami for 13 years. And knowing Miami traffic, that’s quite an accomplishment!
All those years in customer service, his intricate knowledge of the vehicles and traveling the roads on two continents, prepared Bill for the supervisory position in Sunny Isles Beach. His position does not confine him to a desk. He stays in touch with the residents by regularly getting on the bus, filling in, giving drivers their breaks and investigating any issues with the buses or passengers. He is well aware of the need for good customer service to the passengers which he and his fellow drivers serve.
When not in a bus, he is updating records of bus ridership, overseeing maintenance, and checking the functions of equipment which passengers generally take for granted. Once a year, he evaluates the bus routes to determine feasibility and timing of the schedules, and recommends changes if needed. He also plans the schedule for drivers and coordinates special pickups such as handicap or medical transportation for residents. When you see Bill on the road, give him a big “hello.” If you’re lucky, in return, he’ll share a little of his Irish wisdom.
For any questions regarding the bus schedule or to schedule a medical or handicap pickup call Cultural and Community Services at 305.792.1706.
