Project Update: Transportation Building
Our new Transportation Building is open! A highlight of the space is a large, light-filled break room with a full kitchen and, maybe best of all, enough lockers for 100 bus drivers and monitors each to have their own. The 2022 voter-approved bond included replacing Transportation Building L.
The move of 120 bus drivers and administrative staff out of Buildings J and L into the new Transportation Building is nearly complete. The customized modular facility includes offices, individual restrooms, a kitchen, a conference room and a large staff lounge with computers for drivers to use for training or checking work email.
Punch-list items remain, such as adding clocks, new dispatch radio equipment and finetuning building operations. Once radio equipment is installed, dispatchers will move over from Building J so the entire Transportation team can work under one roof.
See what bus drivers and Transportation staff say about the new building or take a 360-degree virtual tour shared by ATCO, the manufacturer and installer of the modular building, and Highline's Capital Planning & Construction team.
360-Degree Virtual Tour
Hear from Bus Drivers and Transportation Staff
Jennifer Straight, a Highline bus driver for five years, was eating lunch in the break room before picking up elementary students from a field trip to the Cove in Normandy Park.
Jennifer Straight, bus driver, says, “I love my job and the kids that I drive. I really like the new building. It's very bright and open. There's a lot of seating. We have good lockers and enough for everyone, which is fantastic. We have all new kitchenware, and the restrooms are amazing — clean, excellent, and lots of them. There are a few adjustments to be made, but every time there's a problem, it gets fixed quickly or people adjust.
“It feels like a pretty fluid space. Everybody comes and goes, and there's enough room. We're not so crowded. In the other building, you were on top of each other everywhere you were.”
Brent Madsen, driver training coordinator, appreciates his new electric desk that raises and lowers.
“The new building is a definite upgrade,” says Brent Madsen, driver training coordinator.
From left to right: Rosa Juarez, administrative secretary stands at her desk in her new workspace. Meeting with her are Jasmine Tavu’l, billing secretary/assistant dispatcher, and Adam Guardipee, bus garage manager.
Rosa Juarez, administrative secretary, says the new building is a beautiful space. “We’re really grateful for it. Having everybody under one roof will make it feel more like a team.”
She says the biggest change is the new driver's lounge and full kitchen, with lockers for everyone. “I know the drivers enjoy that. Locker space was very limited before. There is a nice sitting area to rest between bus runs.”
Jasmine Tavu'l, billing secretary and assistant dispatcher, says, “It’s a beautiful building and space. There is a lot to get used to in a new building, so we are adjusting. When you are in an old building or have challenges, it is easy to feel forgotten even though we are living the Highline Promise every day and supporting our students, but having this new building is like ‘Wow, thank you!’"
"We are very appreciative that this came through for us.”
Maria Juarez, transportation supervisor (left), checks in with Terran Hetherington, payroll specialist. Terran's office has an interior service window to provide bus drivers, monitors and others with payroll support. Terran recently started working in Transportation and appreciated being able to move into a brand-new space with her new team.
Maria Juarez, transportation supervisor says, "It is nice to have a new building, where our entire staff can be together in one space, to have a better connection with each other and enjoy each other's company in our workspace."
More Photos
Bus drivers enjoy a short break or lunch between driving routes on an early release Friday.
Four full-size refrigerator/freezers, a stove, microwave, dishwasher, a large ice maker, and new kitchenware are in the new kitchen for bus drivers, monitors, dispatchers and other Transportation staff.
Bus drivers and monitors have access to four computers to check email or watch training videos. A field trip assignment board is on the wall.
A conference room provides a space for 8-10 people to hold a private meeting. Clare Gloede, executive director of foundational support (left), and John Kwesele, director of transportation (right), are shown using the space.
There is a spot for every bus key, marked with numbers below a couple of plaques moved from the old building: "For the best drivers, thank you for taking care of our kids!" and "You Think it's Easy Being a School Bus Driver!"
Highline bus driver Joanna Casey takes a break in the driver's lounge in the new Transportation Building.
Visible through the window of the new Transportation Building is the old Transportation Building L, a former WW2 army barracks.
