Thanking the People Who Keep Communities Moving

Public transit agencies across the United States and Canada are celebrating the heart and soul of the industry by recognizing the employees that keep communities moving and connected. This National Transit Employee Appreciation Day (March 18), agencies are taking measures to show how much they value the people who drive the industry.

Individuals can show their gratitude by thanking a transit worker on social media using the tag #TransitEmployeeAppreciationDay.

Hampton Roads Transit

HRT, VA, is celebrating Transit Employee Appreciation Day as part of a month-long recognition of workers who keep the region moving. HRT’s governing body, the Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads, adopted a resolution proclaiming March as Transit Employee Appreciation Month, urging Hampton Roads residents, businesses, and community organizations to recognize and express their appreciation for the hard work and dedication of transit employees.  “Whether operating or maintaining a bus or light rail, assisting our passengers, or working to support our operations, their efforts are essential to the communities we serve, connecting people to jobs, education, healthcare, and essential services. The work they do has a direct impact on the lives of countless individuals and our region’s economy,” said HRT’s President and CEO William E. Harrell.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit

Throughout the week, the agency is shining a spotlight on the people behind the service under the theme “We Are DART.” The celebration will include employee recognition moments, leadership engagement opportunities, appreciation messaging, and division-based celebrations designed to honor team members across all departments. “Public transit is powered by people,” said DART President and CEO Nadine Lee. “National Transit Employee Appreciation Week is an opportunity to recognize the professionalism, resilience, and dedication of our employees who serve our riders and communities with excellence every day.”

IndyGo

Recognizing the dedicated professionals who keep Indianapolis moving every day, the agency is inviting riders and community members to take part by sharing words of gratitude via social media or a dedicated submission form. “Our teammates are the heartbeat of public transit in Indianapolis,” said IndyGo President and CEO Jennifer Pyrz. “Their commitment to serving our riders and community is what makes our system strong. This special day is a chance for all of us to show how much that dedication means.”

Metro Bus

The agency invited those who use and appreciate its services to share their gratitude with transit employees. Metro Bus CEO Ryan I. Daniel asked riders to, “Please join me in thanking those who diligently serve their fellow Central Minnesotans and uplift each other, day in and day out, rain or shine.”

Orange County Transportation Authority

OCTA is encouraging riders and community members to take a moment to thank transit workers—including drivers, mechanics, and maintenance employees as well as operations staff who work behind the scenes to ensure the entire system runs smoothly. OCTA Chair Jamey M. Federico said, “From the coach operators who provide outstanding customer service on our buses to the maintenance and operations professionals who ensure every vehicle and route operates safely and efficiently, these workers serve our community with dedication and professionalism. I invite everyone in Orange County to join me in thanking them for everything they do.”

Santa Cruz METRO

From bus operators and dispatch to maintenance, facilities, customer service, ParaCruz, and administrative staff, Santa Cruz METRO, CA, is encouraging messages of appreciation for its employees that help people get to work, school, medical appointments, and essential services every day. The agency’s Employee Spotlights feature interviews that share the stories of its team members.

Toronto Transit Commission

Mayor Olivia Chow will officially proclaim Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation Day on behalf of the City of Toronto. “Millions of people in the City of Toronto depend on our hard-working transit operators and workers to get them where they need to go every day,” said Mayor Chow. “Thank you to the dedicated staff who keep this city moving—often carrying out their duties under challenging conditions, including inclement weather, heavy traffic, and interactions that require patience, professionalism, and compassion. We are grateful for your service.”

VIA Metropolitan Transit

Coinciding with VIA’s celebration of National Transit Employee Appreciation Day, the agency is hosting a job fair at VIA Metro Center in San Antonio, TX. The agency is offering on-the-spot contingent job offers for qualified full-time bus drivers. Other open positions include van drivers, transit security officers, and transit police officers.

Countless other transit agencies are marking the day through public announcements, by asking riders to thank drivers, by participating in the online campaign, and through other activities. To see what’s happening, look under the #TransitEmployeeAppreciationDay tag on your social media platform of choice.