March 18 Is National Transit Employee Appreciation Day!

March 18 is National Transit Employee Appreciation Day! Across the U.S., more than 430,000 public transportation staff are working every day to keep communities connected and economies moving. National Transit Employee Appreciation Day is one, united, way to say a heartfelt thank you for your service!

View this video assembled by public transit agencies all over the U.S. as we celebrate #TransitEmployeeAppreciationDay.

Here is a selection of just some of the many messages, posts, and notices of thanks from organizations to their workforces:

National Transit Employee Appreciation Day is a time to recognize the operators, mechanics, security officers, and staff who keep our community moving every day. Their dedication ensures safe, reliable transportation for thousands of riders, connecting people to jobs, schools, healthcare, and more. From drivers to mechanics, to security and customer care, these hardworking pros keep us moving every day! Whether it’s getting you to work, school, or home safely, they make it all possible! A simple “thank you,” smile, or kind word can go a long way in brightening a transit worker’s day. Let them know their efforts are seen and valued! Let’s make sure every transit worker feels the gratitude they deserve! RTC Southern Nevada

Chicago’s three regional transit operators—the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace—ask riders and the general public to join them in celebrating National Transit Employee Appreciation Day. The simplest and most heartfelt way to do that is to say, “Thank you!” to the bus and rail operators and other essential transit workers who keep our system running safely and smoothly every day.

“The hard-working men and women of the CTA power the engine that drives our great city,” said CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen. “As a daily CTA commuter myself, I see employees from across our agency serving our riders with a dedication and commitment that makes me proud, and I am very happy that we all have the opportunity to recognize them on their own, very special day.”

“Our employees are Metra’s foundation,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “Whether onboard our trains or behind the scenes, they are out there every day no matter the weather ensuring that our service keeps the Chicago region connected safely and reliably. So, take the opportunity to thank them for all they do to make your travels easier.”

“Transit employees do more than move people from one place to another, they connect communities, open opportunities, and power our economy,” said Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger. “We encourage everyone to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our transit workforce. They are the reason our region keeps moving.”

Transit is more than moving people from place to place—it drives America forward. From operators and maintenance crews to transit planners, dispatchers, and countless others, dedicated transit professionals work behind the scenes and behind the wheel to keep systems running, ensuring workers get to their jobs, students reach their schools, and communities stay connected.

At GILLIG, we’re proud to support them, building safe, reliable, American-made buses that help them do what they do best: keep us moving. Because when transit works, America works.

To every transit worker out there: We see you. We appreciate you. We thank you.

At the Blue Bus [North Central Regional Transit District, Española, NM], we know it takes incredible people to keep our wheels turning. National Transit Employee Appreciation is a special moment each year to recognize the drivers, mechanics, dispatchers, and behind-the-scenes staff who help our community members get where they need to go—safely, smoothly, and with a smile. Let’s celebrate the drivers, dispatchers, fleet, and facilities teams and admin who show up every single day for our community. Join us in celebrating National Transit Employee Appreciation Day. Together, we can make sure our Blue Bus team feels the love.

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) recognizes and honors its workforce today on National Transit Employee Appreciation Day. Transit workers play a critical role in keeping our communities moving. These mobility heroes help citizens access vital medical appointments, job opportunities, recreational outlets, and educational classes every day. They operate buses, trains, paratransit, trolleys, and a myriad of other forms of transportation options, in a safe, affordable, and timely manner.

“Public transit workers are truly worthy of recognition for their efforts to deliver this critical service,” said GCRTA General Manager & CEO India L. Birdsong Terry. “Whether they work on the frontlines or behind the scenes, GCRTA is proud to honor the transit professionals who keep our systems running and our communities safe. We are fortunate to have some of the very best transit workers in our state keeping GCRTA moving forward and contributing to GCRTA’s positive impact on Greater Cleveland.”

Every day, New Orleans RTA’s hardworking employees keep New Orleans moving, whether they’re operating buses, maintaining streetcars, or assisting riders. Their dedication ensures that residents and visitors alike can get where they need to go safely and efficiently. Public transit is more than just a ride, it’s a vital service that supports our city’s economy, connects communities, and improves the quality of life for thousands.

“RTA’s employees are the backbone of our city’s public transportation system,” said Lona Edwards Hankins, RTA CEO. “We encourage everyone to take a moment today to thank them for their hard work.”

Every day of the year, TriMet’s hardworking transit operators drive the streets of communities across the Portland metro area, getting people where they need to go. What’s the best way to show a transit operator you appreciate the work they do? There’s the classic Portland way, with a wave and a “thank you” as you head out the door, and there’s the more formal way, when you call, text or connect with TriMet customer service online, to submit a commendation.

TriMet’s “Tunnel of Appreciation” has become a beloved annual tradition for employees to celebrate our more than 1,600 hardworking operators. Hundreds of our employees take shifts on the Transit Mall throughout the day, waving signs and rooting on transit operators at work.

“Transit operators deserve to be appreciated every day,” said Donnie Vercher, TriMet’s director of bus operations. “Give them a wave or a smile, greet them when you get on the bus, thank them when you get off the bus. A simple act of kindness makes your driver feel seen, valued, and appreciated.”

You can read many more messages on APTA’s Facebook page.