Operation Safe Driver Week, July 13–19, 2025, is a safety initiative aimed at improving driving behaviors among both passenger and commercial motor vehicle operators. In support of this national safety effort, Rio Metro took a closer look at what safe driving looks like on the road by riding along with Valencia County Bus Operator Severo Aragon.
Driving with Care and Purpose
Severo Aragon has been driving for Rio Metro for three and a half years. He’s quick to share his love for the job: “I love driving this bus. I love people. My only regret is that I didn’t start earlier!”
Severo begins his morning on Route 222, transporting passengers from the Bernalillo County Rail Runner Station in Albuquerque to destinations like Kirtland Air Force Base and the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center. After completing that route, he switches gears to operate Rio Metro’s Dial-a-Ride service in Valencia County.
This ride-along focused on the Dial-a-Ride portion of his day. Rio Metro’s Valencia County Dial-a-Ride is a flexible curb-to-curb service that supports residents throughout the county, including Belen, Bosque Farms, Los Chavez, Los Lunas, Meadow Lake, Peralta, Tome, and Rio Communities.
Safety Starts Before the First Passenger
Every workday begins with a pre-trip inspection. Severo and his fellow operators thoroughly examine their vehicles before hitting the road. The checklist includes everything from checking lights, brakes, and tires to wheelchair securements and fire extinguishers.
Severo also checks for tripping hazards, ensures the bus is clean, and stocks up on cleaning supplies. “A clean bus is a safe bus,” he says. “Clean your windshield so you can see properly. Make sure nothing is on the floor that someone could trip on.”
At the end of the day, operators also perform a post-trip inspection.
The People He Serves
While anyone in Valencia County can request a ride on the Dial-a-Ride, many of Severo’s passengers are seniors, individuals with disabilities, or people with medical conditions.
“I have a few regular pickups for dialysis,” he said. “I also have some regular passengers with special needs. I pick them up and take them to work.”
On a typical day, Severo completes around 15 pickups; on busier days, that number can climb to 20 or even 25. “I like staying busy,” he added.
All Rio Metro buses operate Monday through Friday, and rides are free to the public. Dial-a-Ride passengers can request a ride up to two weeks in advance, with a deadline of noon the business day prior. Once scheduled, passengers are given a pickup time, with a five-minute grace period after the bus arrives.
Four Stops, Many Stories
Severo receives his route details from dispatch via a tablet located near the dash of the bus. Each stop offers a glimpse into how public transportation connects people to essential services.
- Stop One: A no-show in Peralta on a rural dirt road. After waiting the required five-minute window, Severo radioed dispatch, received confirmation move on, and proceeded to the next pickup.
- Stop Two: In Meadow Lake, he picked up Corrine, a senior heading to a medical appointment in Los Lunas. Severo confirmed her name, helped her board, and drove smoothly and attentively. “The service is really convenient,” she said. “Rio Metro has good drivers and they’re always nice.”
- Stop Three: In Los Lunas, he picked up Anna Mae, a regular rider, who was heading to Walmart. “The drivers are helpful and professional. The dispatchers are always polite and helpful too,” she noted.
- Stop Four: In Bosque Farms, he picked up Phillip, who was on his way to Albertson’s for groceries. “I use this service about five times a month,” he said. “It helps me get to where I need to go like the store and to Presbyterian.”
Through it all, Severo remained calm, courteous, friendly, and focused. “It’s important to be nice to the passengers,” he said. “I try to drive as smoothly as I can, especially after picking people up from medical appointments and dialysis.”
He also practiced standard safety protocols, including driving in the right-hand lane, using his flashers when picking up and dropping off passengers, and assisting passengers onto and off the bus when needed.
Tips from a Pro
During the ride, Severo shared several safety tips based on his experience:
- Slow before entering curves and maintain a safe speed throughout.
- Use your mirrors constantly. “My mirrors are my best friends,” he said.
- Wait a few seconds after a light turns green—someone might run a red. Use the same precaution for stop signs.
- Never speed or weave in traffic.
- At railroad crossings, stop, open the doors, and listen for trains before proceeding. While this is a safety procedure for transit operators, drivers of passenger vehicles can roll down their vehicle’s window and turn off music when approaching railroad tracks to listen for any train sounds.
- Drive in the right lane and stay predictable.
These strategies help him stay alert and keep passengers safe, even when dealing with impatient drivers or unexpected obstacles.
A Call to Drive Safer—Together
As Operation Safe Driver Week reminds us, safety is everyone’s responsibility. At Rio Metro, operators like Severo model what it means to stay alert, be courteous, and always put passengers first, even under pressure.
The public can do their part, too: avoid distractions, respect buses on the road, and always stay alert in areas with pedestrians or public transit activity.
To learn more about Rio Metro services or how to schedule a Dial-a-Ride pickup in Valencia County, visit www.riometro.org.
By: Riann Martinez, Marketing Specialist, Rio Metro Regional Transit District
