Community Transit Bus Riders Thanked with Surprise “Golden Ticket” Giveaway

Every rider on Community Transit’s Route 435 bus this morning expected an average commute, but what they got instead were gratitude and gift cards — including two worth $250.

Oxy Gene, the agency’s transit superhero, boarded the bus at Canyon Park Park and Ride and proclaimed to everyone aboard that he was there to thank them for riding transit by rewarding each person with a prize.

As the bus made its way to the Mountlake Terrace Transit Center, everyone was handed a prize envelope, then opened them on Oxy’s cue.

Most envelopes contained Starbucks gift cards valued at $5. Julia G. from Maltby and Andrea D. from Bothell each received a golden ticket and a $250 Starbucks gift card.

Julia was having a lucky day indeed, because this wasn’t even her regular bus. After realizing she didn’t have her ORCA fare card with her, she ran into a coffee shop — yes, a Starbucks — to get change to pay cash fare and missed her usual bus.

Julia and Andrea chatted with Oxy Gene after revealing their golden ticket, thanking Starbucks and describing their favorite reasons to ride the bus.

The surprise event, called Transit for the Win, is sponsored in partnership with Commute Seattle as part of Ride Transit Month, which aims to celebrate transit riders, showcase the benefits of riding transit and encourage people who don’t normally ride to give it a try.

Transportation agencies all over the state are participating in Transit for the Win, surprising lucky riders with prizes and golden tickets on ferries, buses and trains on various days throughout the month of June.