RIPTA Celebrates National Transit Driver Appreciation Day

Transit Heroes Never Stopped Worked During Pandemic

 

Providence, Rhode Island, March 16, 2023 This Saturday, March 18, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will celebrate its heroes – 497 fixed-route and RIde paratransit drivers – in observance of National Transit Driver Appreciation Day. This special day is celebrated annually to recognize and show appreciation for the public service that public transit vehicle operators provide.

 

“Transit drivers do not have an easy job; they just make it look that way,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I want RIPTA drivers to know that their hard work and dedication is seen and appreciated. We thank them for providing an essential community service to Rhode Islanders, especially throughout the pandemic.”

 

“RIPTA is one of the very few agencies nationwide that did not cut or suspend service during the COVID-19 pandemic – and we owe that all to our drivers,” said Scott Avedisian, RIPTA Chief Executive Officer. “Our drivers are committed to getting people to school, work, medical appointments, shopping facilities, and other services every day without fail. For that, I would like to commend their hard work and dedication.”

 

Whether they are operating RIPTA’s large fixed-route buses or smaller RIde paratransit vans that provide crucial service to people with disabilities who cannot access the fixed-route buses, RIPTA drivers are the ones who keep Rhode Island moving.  RIPTA drivers inspect their vehicle at the start of their shift, collect fares, pick up riders, and answer trip planning questions – all while safely maneuvering oversized vehicles down narrow city streets, through unpredictable traffic and in all sorts of weather.

 

“RIPTA kept its buses running at full-service levels during the pandemic, ensuring that Rhode Island’s essential businesses could continue to operate,” said Normand Benoit, RIPTA Board Chairman. “Our drivers keep Rhode Island’s economy and workforce moving. We appreciate their commitment to delivering a world-class transit system to our passengers.”

 

“Even with all the obstacles our transit drivers face each and every day they provide a level of professionalism and commitment which is second to none,” said Nick DeCristofaro, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 618 President. “They are truly the backbone of our public transit system, ensuring our passengers reach their destinations safely and on time. We want to thank them for continuously going above and beyond for RIPTA and Rhode Islanders.”

 

RIPTA is encouraging riders to celebrate and appreciate Rhode Island’s hard-working transit drivers on March 18 by telling their transit driver “thank you.” Riders can also express their

gratitude and support by sharing their appreciation on social media using #LoveMyRIPTADriver and tagging RIPTA (Facebook @RideRIPTA, Twitter @RIPTA_RI) or by submitting kind wishes via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

For more information on Transit Driver Appreciation Day, visit RIPTA.com/ThankYou

 

Florida's governor says he can't speak to exactly what happened in the case of former President Trump allegedly paying money to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to keep her quiet. However, Republican Ron DeSantis did go after the Manhattan District Attorney in New York City ahead of a possible indictment of Trump. DeSantis accused DA Alvin Bragg of ignoring crimes that are happening under his watch and then going after something that happened years ago while adding that's proof Bragg is chasing something that's political in nature.       The second largest school district in the nation is just a day away from shutting its doors for several days. That's because employees with the Los Angeles Unified School District are planning to strike. This comes after the district's request for an injunction that would have stopped the strike was denied on Sunday.       The FDIC will break up Silicon Valley Bank and relaunch the sale process after failing to attract buyers in its latest auction. Now, regulators will extend the bidding deadline and sell the bank in two parts in an effort to attack additional suitors. The Feds took over operations after SVB failed earlier this month.       Senator Rick Scott isn't mincing words about the job President Biden is doing. The Florida Republican said on Fox News Biden is a crappy President. He criticized Biden for just sitting there while illegal immigrants come across the border.       A manufacturer is recalling some containers of baby formula over possible bacteria contamination. Perrigo says they're pulling a portion of their Gerber Good Start SoothePro powdered formula products off shelves "out of an abundance of caution." The recall applies to various sizes of containers sold across the U.S. with "Use By" dates between July 4th and 16th of next year.       Gloria Dea, the first magician to perform on the Las Vegas Strip, is dead at the age of 100. Family members confirm Dea died on Saturday. She was scheduled to receive an honorary fine arts degree from UNLV tomorrow, but she'll now be honored in memoriam.