

Jose Macasocol, Muni operator #4842, is honored with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission's 2016 David Tannehill Special Employee Award. Courtesy photo.

Last week, the regional Metropolitan Transportation Commission awarded 26-year-old Muni Operator Jose Macasocol the David Tannehill Special Employee Award for going that extra mile, every day, on the job. Also known as “Mr. Joseph” to many of his customers, Macasocol has been the smiling face behind the wheel of a Muni bus for nearly two years, serving the residents of San Francisco on many bus routes as a floating extra.

Although his home base is considered to be the Presidio division, Masasocol also works out of Woods, Kirkland and Potrero, where he is qualified on 40' motorcoaches, three historic buses and has been known to drive on the F Market and Wharves Line.

Recently he participated in his first Muni bus roadeo where he finished an impressive third. He also participated in last month's Muni Heritage Weekend event.

Award-winning work ethic and manners

"I'm just so impressed with the professionalism and enthusiasm he has for his job," said Presidio Superintendent David Banbury. "He's just such a good family man in general."

Macasocol credits his parents, his mother in particular, for teaching him common courtesies.

“I’ve been working in customer service since I was 14 years old,” said Macasocol. “I just like helping people.”

The David Tannehill Special Employee Award, named after a dedicated and talented MTC planner who died in 2001, is intended for a bus driver, train operator, road maintenance worker or other transportation professional who provides exemplary service and goes beyond the call of duty on a routine basis. It is part of the MTC's biennial Excellence in Motion Awards.

“This awards program has become an institution in Bay Area transportation,” Dave Cortese, MTC chairman and Santa Clara County Supervisor said in a MTC press release. “It is important to show that good ideas and hard work can make a difference. From a field of nearly 100 nominations, the winners were chosen by a six-member jury representing business, environment interests, the Commission and MTC staff.”