Sweet Stories of Your Favorite SEPTA Operators
March 21, 2016
ISEPTAPHILLY
Thank you to all of our riders who participated in Transit Driver Appreciation Day!
While every day is the perfect time to thank your operator, it never hurts for us to set aside a day to tell them that we appreciate all that they do for us. And we especially appreciated getting glimpses into your day - so thanks to all of you that gave us some of your favorite stories about your favorite operators!
Here are a few of our favorites:
I get the 73 bus every morning at 5:23am and everyday my driver greets me with a smile. He is so kind to all the passengers. I look forward to seeing him each day. He is a well liked and respected by so many people. He is always so pleasant to his passengers. Everyone always gets off the bus smiling when Tony Rios drives the 73 bus. Thank you Tony for starting each of my days off so positively. Your a role model for all SEPTA drivers.
-Erica
My favorite driver was my grandfather James Cashley. He drove the 22 and 55 route buses over the course of 38 years with SEPTA. One of his proudest achievements was winning a recognition award toward the end of his time there. His picture was even featured on the cover of the bus schedules for some time in the early 2000's. In 1976 he saw a house on fire, pulled over the bus, and saved 2 women and a dog from the burning building. He then continued driving his route and was given a hero award and even made the news! He passed away a few weeks before his retirement. Our family treasures the stories he told about his time driving for SEPTA.
-Stef
Every morning I take the 105 and there was this one bus driver that was so sweet and she was loving - she never forgot anyone. Mrs. Carol is a loving and caring lady to her passengers. It was always nice to see her smile and have a joy of driving the bus.
-Felicia Cox
Oh man! Mike Fuller who was recently operating the trolley route 36. I've been fortunate enough to ride his trolley a few times and his funny, interesting, and silly announcements always start my day off a little brighter. I even found a few articles and a Twitter account devoted to his announcements, so I know I'm not his only fan.
-A.
I would like to nominate the trolley driver of the 34, Mr. Vaughn Jackson. I have seen him assist the elderly riders. He has exhibited extreme patience with riders who are unsure of their destination. On a ride home from work a little girl was lost and he assisted with her reuniting with the mother. This sent chills to me. An observation of his character proves to be a caring and compassionate driver that loves his job and serving the public. Hats off to Mr. Jackson for a job well done.
-Habibah
One day I had to go to Norristown to the Social Security office and was my first time taking a bus (I am from Colombia and I'm working as an Au Pair) so I had the address and I just got lost so I was very scared and sad but the driver calmed me down and helped me. He was so nice I called him my Guardian Angel.
-Diana Kathe Fuentes
There is a male bus driver who drives the 25 every morning. He's my late bus taking my daughter to school. So I don't see him as often as I'd like. But every so often we'll catch it, just so we can talk to him. He is overly happy so kind to everyone who boards his bus. And has been such a great start to both mine and my daughters day.
-Laura Berry
So while Transit Driver Appreciation Day comes once a year, we still believe that every day is a good day to give thanks.
And as always, thank YOU for riding!
