CapMetro Taps Refugee Population for Employment
Austin Chronicle
by Benton Graham
November 4, 2022
Bus driver shortage and Austin’s newest residents both aided
“With two new MetroRapid lines scheduled to begin service toward the end of 2023 as a part of Project Connect, Cap Metro needs to bring on board more drivers and mechanics. To that end, the transit authority announced a partnership in October with the Austin-based organization Global Impact Initiative (Gii) to provide training opportunities for the city's refugee population.
“‘Agreements like this are important to us as an agency as it's a priority to help serve the community, however we can. This agreement is aimed at more than just expanding our team; it's also an opportunity to support our community and help our newest residents who may be in a vulnerable situation find secure employment and help them establish a firm foundation in our region,’ a Cap Metro spokesperson said in an email, adding that this is the first refugee hiring program in the agency's history.
“As a part of the program, Gii, which provides education and workforce development opportunities to underserved communities worldwide, will offer an entry-level driver's training course so that trainees can receive a commercial driver's license.”
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