[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 177 (Thursday, November 20, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2327]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING JOHN M. MILAM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CHARLES A. GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 20, 2008

  Mr. GONZALEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent of 
mine. Mr. John M. Milam has just retired after 34 years with San 
Antonio's transit system, VIA, the last 16 leading the company as 
general manager, president, and CEO, and I wish to thank him for his 
dedication and for his service to our community.
  Over the course of his tenure with VIA, Mr. Milam continually 
embraced change, and the system grew and improved in countless ways. He 
was among the first to install GPS tracking on VIA buses, ensuring that 
he knew where every bus and paratransit vehicle was at any moment, 
resulting in the best planned routes designed with the latest 
information. VIA acquired newer, more energy efficient vehicles, 
improving their finances as well as the environment. Mr. Milam's 
insistence on making VIA one of the most cost-efficient transit systems 
in the country saved the system in the mid-1990s and allowed him to 
expand and improve services, making our public transportation system 
truly outstanding.
  It is all too easy to take a well-run transit system for granted. San 
Antonians simply expect VIA to be there when we need it, to run 
smoothly, and to provide a restful ride. John Milam ran VIA so well he 
made it look easy. But for hundreds of thousands of people, on millions 
of trips, over dozens of years, the efforts of John M. Milam made 
living in San Antonio that much better. The programs he began will 
continue to improve the area for years to come. He leaves behind a 
great legacy and we can all say, ``John, thanks for a great ride.''

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