Employee Spotlight Meet Carlos Gradilla, MTS Bus Operator

Coincidence. Serendipity. Providence. Call it what you will, but for MTS Bus Operator Carlos Gradilla, there was nothing accidental about his place and time behind the wheel of an MTS bus when he got to save another man’s life.

On Monday January 7, just before 7 a.m., Carlos was driving the final highway stretch of a Rapid 235 trip into downtown when he noticed a visually impaired man walking on the shoulder lane of the freeway about to wander into oncoming traffic. “I was getting off the 94 when I saw him, walking with his guide dog on the side of the freeway. I could not believe it,” said Carlos. Realizing that the man was just seconds away from a potentially fatal accident, he pulled the bus over safely and ran back to the man, bringing him onboard the bus.

“When I brought him on he told me he was new to San Diego. I’m just glad I was able to get to him.” The event has additional meaning to Carlos, who had called in sick the night before expecting a persistent cold to continue. But on Monday morning he suddenly felt better and showed up to work, making it possible for the encounter to take place.

MTS Bus Operator Carlos Gradilla’s actions are an example of how MTS employees constantly look after the safety of their passengers and the greater public.

Thank you, Carlos!