Mechanic Rudy Ramnarain has already worked for one of the most advanced car companies in the world. But after years of long hours and burnout, he said he found something even better: balance.
“I did take a bit of a pay cut coming here,” Rudy said. “But the quality of life is so much better. When I get home, I can spend time with my kids and my wife. I’m not burnt out anymore. This is the American Dream.”
Rudy’s family was chasing that same dream when they moved from Guyana to the United States. His passion for mechanics started early, watching his father and uncles work on cars back home. When his family arrived here., Rudy studied automotive technology and spent the next decade in the industry.
Like many mechanics, he found his way into the dealership system, and eventually to an electric vehicle company, where he learned the ins and outs of electric motors, batteries, and high-voltage systems. But the flat-rate pay model and constant pressure led to burnout.
“Working at a dealership, you were rushing cars out the door instead of focusing on quality,” he said.
Then, a routine service appointment changed his life. One customer turned out to be a Metro Transit mechanic, who told Rudy how much he enjoyed his job and encouraged him to apply.
“I thought, that sounds like the perfect job I’ve been looking for,” Rudy said. “He even told me he’d be a reference.”
Today, Rudy is coming up on his first full year at Metro Transit, where he’s found plenty of new skills to learn and problems to solve, from mastering diesel bus systems to preparing for the transition to electric buses.
“I love being challenged,” he said. “And I can’t wait to get my hands on electric buses.”
For Rudy, Metro Transit isn’t just another stop in his career, it’s where he plans to stay.
“This will be the last job I ever have,” Rudy said.
Many longtime employees feel the same way, and Rudy said he understands why.
“It’s a good balance,” he said. “Money comes and goes, but at the end of the day, what really matters is family.”