MEDICINE HAT, AB – Like many essential workers during the pandemic, transit operators have been on the front-lines for the last year.
Thursday (Mar.18) is Transit Driver Appreciation Day which is a national event across Canada.
It’s a chance to say thank you to transit operators who help us get to our destinations.
Otto Krause is one of 35 transit operators in the city.
Next month he’ll be entering his 11th year of service with city transit.
He says the last year was challenging, but there has been a great support system with the network of co-workers.
Between transit operators, mechanics, and support staff there are about 55 workers with the city’s transit department.
Otto says the interaction with riders is what he looks forward to most during the job.
“Meeting someone for the first time or someone that takes transit on a regular basis. There are sometimes certain people that we look forward to seeing each and every day and that actually makes our day, it is very challenging but there’s that balance that’s there.”
Transit Manager Mike Spicer says delivering transit service throughout a pandemic is tough.
“But we’re responsible to get people to and from work throughout the pandemic, even though our ridership has gone down a bit. Our staff have been cheerful, they’ve been friendly, and they’ve really put that extra effort to ensure that people get to and from where they need to go in our community and it’s something they need to be proud of,” Spicer added.
Riders are encouraged to say a simple thank you or fill out a thank you postcard to show their appreciation.
Those will be available on buses and in different locations around the city.
