Every Day Should Be Bus Driver Appreciation Day!

Tomorrow is Transit Driver Appreciation Day, a day when riders and transit agencies across the country go the extra mile to recognize the men and women who are such a big part of our lives. They get us to work and school, to the grocery store and the dentist, and to everywhere in between. They command the wheels of our local, commuter, and DART vehicles, serving people of all ages and abilities. They are professional and courteous, getting riders to their destinations safely and reliably. And all of this with a smile!

Yes, we think our bus drivers are pretty special. Our riders agree! From assisting confused non-English speaking students and the elderly to reconnecting lost wallets with their owners, riders have shared their stories of appreciation and thanks.

• "I had the pleasure of seeing a coach operator escort a blind woman (with her service dog) from his bus to the RideStore. What a wonderful thing to see - both with big smiles on their faces, conversation happening, and his patience and kindness in ensuring that she was able to make it into the store safely." 

•  "I really appreciate the operator who drives the 270 from Gold Bar to Everett. I am in a wheelchair and he is always so helpful. When he sees me trying to get to the bus stop, he'll pull to the stop and wait a moment so I can get there. He is always so helpful, kind, and goes out of his way to go the extra mile. I can't thank him enough for his kindness. Please let him know I think he's doing an awesome job!" 

• "I wish to show my appreciation for the courtesy the driver of the 106 bus showed me. I had crossed 35th to my mailbox as the bus came southbound. The driver stopped, allowed me to retrieve my mail and cross back over safely. I was very impressed with this act of kindness during the heavy commute time. Many thanks to your driver for going above and beyond and making common courtesy a priority in our busy world."

• "On October 3, I rode route 120 southbound from Lynnwood Transit Center to Canyon Park Park & Ride. I would like to show my gratitude for the driver. While I was entering the bus I tripped and fell. The driver asked twice if I was ok and even though I assured him I was fine, he still reported it. His demeanor was kind and concerned and I appreciated this as well as his honesty during moments where other people might be careless or dismissive." 

Do you have a great transit driver appreciation story to share? We'd love to hear it! Let us know in the comments, or, better yet, email us at riders@commtrans.org. It's easy! Be sure to include the route, bus number, time of day, and the driver's name if you know it. Your thoughtfulness means the world to your driver. Did you know they are rewarded for these commendations? So please take a moment to make their day.

While tomorrow is the perfect day to say a special "Thank you!" to the person who gets you where you need to go,  let's all remember that these individuals make a difference in both big and small ways every day of the year. Community Transit Coach Operators, our hats are off to you!