Staff feature – Meet Raj Patel

• How long have you been at the PTA?

I joined the PTA’s Transperth Train Operations Division as a Passenger Ticketing Assistant in March 2022. I recently moved into the Education Officer role within the Community Education team, and I hope to be here for the long haul.

• Describe your role – what’s a typical day/week?

No two days are the same … it can range from delivering an education program to a group of school kids, helping a seniors group plan their journey, assisting disability groups to access the network, exhibiting at a community event, or helping a teacher move school children across the city using group ticketing on the Transperth network.

• With whom do you work most closely?

I work closely with the Customer Service Admin and frontline staff to help teachers and schools prepare group bookings and travel safely on our services. I also work with the education team to plan and deliver programs for the community.

• What drew you to this role?

Previously I lectured university students, so this role appealed to me because it draws on the skills I have developed over the years to help educate the community at key stages of their lives. In this role I have an opportunity to create behaviour change and help members of the community better access the network, which can lead to many positive benefits for them.

• What’s the best thing about your job?

Delivering timely education to various community groups that facilitates behaviour change as public transport is likely to become their only form of transport – and successful transition early can reduce social isolation.

• Your favourite memory from your time in the job?

One of my most cherished memories from this role is the opportunity to help people facing accessibility challenges and learning difficulties to gain the confidence to travel independently. By conducting station tours, I have been able to empower these groups, ensuring they feel capable of navigating the public transport system. Additionally, this initiative has proven invaluable for seniors, who greatly appreciate the practical information and education it provides about the transportation network. The ultimate goal is to enhance people's confidence in using our network, raise awareness about the Transperth App, and promote the use of its accessibility features. Through hands-on, interactive sessions, individuals become familiar with the network, resulting in increased confidence and use of our services.

• Rapid fire about me:

• Favourite movie: Tokyo Drift
• Favourite musician/band: Taylor Swift
• Favourite holiday destination: Currently, exploring Bora Bora
• One item on my bucket list: Skydive at The Palm Jumeirah
• Word/s that best describes me: Enthusiastic, friendly, motivated, loyal