Whether you’re a tourist, a long-time resident, or new to the city, experiencing a smooth commute is essential. In the U.S., the transportation system must cater to the diverse needs of its population, offering efficient and inclusive solutions. A critical component of this inclusivity is the language proficiency of transportation workers, especially in a society as diverse as ours. Certifying language skills among bilingual employees in the transportation sector is more than just a good idea—it’s sort of required to deliver best-in-class service.
Certify Your Language Skills Today
Communicate Effectively in the Transportation Industry
A survey conducted by ACTFL reveals that many U.S. employers struggle to meet their foreign language needs, and the transportation sector is no exception. Given its significant impact on society’s economic framework, overlooking language proficiency is not an option. “Equitable transportation systems offer travelers fair access and opportunities, eliminating historical and systemic barriers,” (Fishman). These systems must go beyond physical accessibility, ensuring that all travelers, regardless of language background, can navigate their journeys comfortably and safely.
Consider a scenario that highlights the importance of language skills in the transportation sector: Imagine a bustling Monday morning, with buses packed with commuters heading to work. Among them is Carla, a dedicated worker who recently moved to the city and whose primary language isn’t English. Despite her professional skills, navigating a new environment can be challenging, especially when language barriers arise.
One day, Carla misses her usual bus due to a schedule change, leaving her stranded and unsure of what to do next. Fortunately, Ana, a bus driver fluent in English and Carla’s native language notices her distress and steps in. Ana communicates effectively with Carla, guiding her to the correct bus and ensuring she reaches her destination on time. This interaction not only helped Carla but also underscored the vital role that language proficiency plays in daily operations nationwide.
Your Language Skills Can Help Foster a Welcoming Environment
It’s not just about moving passengers from one place to another; it’s about fostering a welcoming environment where everyone, regardless of their language background, feels supported. Unfortunately, not all transportation agencies are equipped to handle such situations. “While a Spanish version of CDOT’s Chicago Bike Map was created in 2014, it hasn’t been updated since then, so all the bike facilities installed over the past [ten] years don’t appear on it,” (Rosas). This situation points out a gap in accessibility that could be bridged by better and more consistent language services.
To provide exceptional service, transportation companies must recognize the value of bilingual or multilingual employees and the importance of certifying their language skills. Partnering with a leading language testing provider like Language Testing International® (LTI) can help. LTI delivers comprehensive ACTFL language proficiency certifications that uphold high standards of customer service, enabling employees like Ana to assist passengers like Carla effectively. These certifications are not just about proving language ability; they are about committing to inclusivity and ensuring every commuter has a seamless journey.
By investing in language testing and training, transportation companies demonstrate a commitment to customer satisfaction and inclusivity. Every commuter deserves a smooth journey, and language should never be a barrier. When passengers board your bus or encounter any situation where language plays a role, they can trust they are in good hands with a team dedicated to their comfort and safety.
Certify Your Language Skills Today with Language Testing International
If you’re a bilingual professional in the transportation sector, certifying your language proficiency is a vital step in enhancing your career and improving the commuting experience for those you serve. LTI delivers reliable ACTFL assessments that offer legally defensible language credentials in over 120 languages. Each test is designed to accurately determine your specific proficiency levels, and with remote proctoring available, these assessments can be completed anytime, anywhere. Order an assessment today.
Let’s continue building a transportation system where everyone feels at home, and where language barriers are a thing of the past!
Sources
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and the Lead with Languages Campaign commissioned Ipsos Public Affairs, with the support of Pearson LLC and Language Testing International. (2019). “Making Languages Our Business: Addressing Foreign Language Demand Among U.S. Employers”. https://www.actfl.org/uploads/files/general/MakingLanguagesOurBusiness_FullReport.pdf
Fishman Tiffany; Kelkar, Mahesh; Tomlinson, Christopher; Cary, Rob. “Transportation trends 2022-23. Making the most of a huge infusion of federal funds” Deloitte Insights. 08 November 2022. https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/public-sector/transportation-trends.html
Rosas, Ruth. “Transportation planning needs better language accessibility, and more coalition building.” December 31, 2021. https://chi.streetsblog.org/2021/12/31/transportation-planning-needs-better-language-accessibility-and-more-coalition-building
