On March 17, 2017 the hard-working bus operators in Palm Beach County were honored by Executive Director Clinton B. Forbes, managers, leaders and staff. Smiles, joy, and laughter filled buses as Palm Tran celebrated the national initiative, “Transit Driver Appreciation Day.” In lieu of a monthly management leadership team meeting, Forbes decided that the time would be spent paying homage to the bus operators.
The drivers were visited throughout the day at locations around Palm Beach County including the Boynton Beach Mall, Intermodal Transit Center, Palm Beach Gardens Mall, Town Center Boca Raton and the Mall at Wellington Green. Management and staff took pictures, shook hands, shared words of commendation, and made sure the operators received expressions of gratitude on behalf of the entire organization.
“Today was all about ensuring that our transit drivers feel and see that they are appreciated,” said Forbes. “Their day-to-day interactions with customers and administration of safe travel does not go unnoticed.”
Bus operators do not have an easy job, but they make it look that way. The drivers were formally thanked for all they do including keeping the bus on schedule, collecting fares, giving directions, and maintaining passenger safety– all while maneuvering a large vehicle through unpredictable traffic and weather. Several of the bus operators said they felt genuinely appreciated because of the visit and handshake from the executive director, managers and staff. They enjoyed conversing with the organization’s leadership, feeling recognized, and look forward to next year’s “Transit Driver Appreciation Day.”
