THOMAS L. STEWART III
Suitland
Summary
Lead Man across Bus Maintenance with over seven years of experience keeping WMATA buses safe, reliable and in service. Known for diagnosing complex issues efficiently, supporting garage workflow, and stepping into an acting-lead role when supervisors are unavailable. Comfortable training newer mechanics, communicating with multiple operational groups, and helping ensure buses are ready before service. Motivated to grow into a Bus Reliability Supervisor role to support preventive maintenance, improve availability, and help guide teams.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Transit Bus AA Mechanic
WMATA
Washington
06.2018 - Current
- Diagnose electrical, pneumatic, HVAC, transmission and CNG‑related issues to keep buses road‑ready.
- Perform preventive maintenance checks and document repairs accurately in Maximo.
- Respond to road call failures and safely complete repairs or arrange tows to restore service.
- Assist mechanics by sharing repair knowledge and helping new hires adjust to WMATA standards.
- Step in as acting‑lead — coordinating workflow, answering questions and helping maintain shop pace.
- Help reconcile SMART yard sheets, physical fleet counts, trippers and holds before shift turnover.
- Keep supervisors, technicians, and Engineering updated on bus conditions and repeat‑failure concerns.
- Use manuals and service bulletins when researching new repairs or unfamiliar components.
- Supported turnover accuracy on night shift, helping prevent shortage of morning pull‑outs.
- Helped reduce delays on PM work by pairing less‑experienced mechanics with proper troubleshooting steps.
- Noted trend issues with certain fleets and shared observations that assisted Engineering review.
Mechanic
First Transit
Capitol Heights
11.2017 - 06.2018
- Performed full‑vehicle safety inspections and PM services.
- Diagnosed issues and completed repairs before vehicles were released to operators.
- Maintained clean and organized work environment.
Technician
Pohanka Volkswagen
Capitol Heights
01.2016 - 02.2018
- Diagnosed general mechanical issues and completed basic repairs.
- Performed filter changes, oil services and routine maintenance.
- Inspected new vehicles before customer delivery.
Education
Diploma -
Suitland High School
Suitland, MD05.2015
Certificate of Completion -
WMATA Transit Works Program
Honors Outstanding Achievement Award -
Suitland HS Auto Mechanics Program
Suitland, MDSkills
- Transit Bus Diagnostics & Repair
- Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Systems
- Preventive Maintenance Planning & Execution
- Maximo Work Order Documentation
- On‑Street Tow & Road Failure Support
- Technical Diagram & Bulletin Use
- Crew Task Delegation (Acting Lead)
- Garage Safety & Worksite Awareness
Certification
- Class A CDL
- Master ASE Transit Bus Mechanic
- Volkswagen Fast Track Completion
- Refrigerant Recovery 608 Universal Certification
Languages
English, Advanced
Supervisor Readiness Strengths
- Comfortable stepping in to direct work and guide mechanics when no supervisor is on duty.
- Naturally supports crew by answering questions, helping troubleshoot, and maintaining steady workflow.
- Communicates well across teams — including Reliability, Engineering, Bus Control Center, and Operators.
- Helps ensure repair decisions and work order closures support garage goals and service requirements.
- Pays close attention to repeat‑failure buses and supports the process of escalating and documenting patterns.
Timeline
Transit Bus AA Mechanic
WMATA
06.2018 - Current
Mechanic
First Transit
11.2017 - 06.2018
Technician
Pohanka Volkswagen
01.2016 - 02.2018
Diploma -
Suitland High School
Certificate of Completion -
WMATA Transit Works Program
Honors Outstanding Achievement Award -
Suitland HS Auto Mechanics Program