Ruben Solis has a simple but effective way to excel at his job as a mechanic with Amarillo City Transit (ACT).
“Make sure the buses are safe for the community, and keep the drivers happy,” Solis said with a smile. And for 30 years, this basic philosophy has been working very well.
Solis, a Mechanic II with ACT, recently celebrated three decades with ACT. The Amarillo native began his career with the City of Amarillo in July 1996 as an apprentice, after a friend and fellow church member recommended he apply with the city.
“I would do it again. Definitely,” Solis said.
Solis, 60, has spent roughly half his life maintaining the COA’s fleet of buses/vehicles. Currently, this includes more than 35 vehicles used across the city for public transportation.
Solis’ responsibilities are bumper to bumper. From oil changes to checking tires, to engines to air conditioning to electrical, Solis does it all to keep the city buses running safely and smoothly.
“You have to have the willpower to want to do it,” Solis said. “Some jump in and then find out what it is, and jump out. It is a job, but I also enjoy it.”
And the job has improved over the years.
“When I first started, we did not have all the equipment we have now,” Solis said. “With the computers and the technology we have now, it is so much better.”
The obvious question: Is Solis considering retirement? (Solis is married with grown children and grandchildren). The running joke in ACT is that Solis says he will think about retirement in two years – every two years.
“I enjoy the job. To me, when I get something started I like to finish it. If I don’t, I don’t feel good about it,” Solis said. “I want to get it done right.”
