When getting on or off the bus on Monday, Mar. 18, say a little extra “thank you” to your bus driver: it’s Transit Driver Appreciation Day. BC Transit will join other systems across the continent to celebrate and salute some of the most reliable and extraordinary individuals who get people where they need to be safely.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of the BC Transit drivers throughout the province who help people get around their communities safely,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
“Whether going to school or work, or visiting friends or family, our bus drivers play an important role in our daily lives. I encourage everyone riding the bus today to let their driver know they appreciate them.”
Although she lives in Chilliwack, Sherry Lane has been driving bus in Hope since the run began about a year and a half ago.
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“I absolutely love this run,” said Lane from behind the steering wheel of bus. “It’s so pretty during the summer—it’s very picturesque. Way nicer than driving in the city.
“And I love when people are laughing and having fun,” she continued. “I just really love that.”
Born in Alberta, Lane moved to B.C. after retiring from a 30-year career as a truck driver. “A friend of a friend said, ‘Try buses,’ and so I applied … and took a test drive right away and was hired for training right way.
“Now I get to go home every night … and every day is different,” said Lane. “I also love the flexibility in hours.”
But what Lane loves the most about her job is the passengers. “The passengers, especially out here in Hope, are really appreciative of having transit, so they’re always so thankful.
“And the kids, they’re just so awesome,” she added with a smile.
“I like watching how excited they get. For them, everything must look so big … and they’re so happy to see the bus. There’s a little boy who comes on in a stroller and he puts out his hand for a high-five. It’s so great. “
In honour of transit drivers like Lane across British Columbia, BC Transit collected stories from communities throughout the province and produced a series of short videos showcasing some of the other dedicated and hard-working people behind the wheel.
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“We are proud to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our transit drivers, who continue to showcase a high degree of professionalism, dedication to safety, and excellent customer service on a daily basis,” said Erinn Pinkerton, president and chief executive officer of BC Transit.
To view BC Transit’s driver appreciation videos, visit their YouTube channel, Facebook page or Twitter feed.
Bus riders wishing to make Transit Driver Appreciation Day more special for their favourite operators can use the hashtag #TDAD on social media. Customers can also simply thank their transit driver whenever they are exiting the bus.
For info on schedules, routes and service alerts, visit BCTransit.com.
