Caring and committed: Berry and Smith’s Dave Moore takes customer service to the next level

If you’ve ever taken the bus in Penticton for any length of time since January of 1979, there’s a good chance that at some point, the kind, earnest face of Dave Moore has been there to greet you when the doors open. That’s right, for more than 45 years Dave has been a steadying force for Berry and Smith, with a tremendous reputation for customer service, safety and organizational impact.

With transit service in the South Okanagan launching in 1977, there were only a couple years where the system didn’t have Dave Moore behind the wheel. And as if the longevity wasn’t impressive enough, 2024 will be his 41^st straight year of safe driving for the company. Like BC Transit’s Million Miler recognition, Berry and Smith classify safe driving as no preventable incidents occurring within a given time frame. 

“His track record is incredibly rare and impressive given the many thousands of kilometers travelled through tight city driving conditions,” said Berry and Smith President Parker Berry. “Dave has truly been a model employee during his time here. He is revered by transit customers and company staff members alike for his genuine caring for others, good humour, excellent driving skills and commitment to the highest service standards.”

Berry and Smith in Penticton has always had a strong, high performing team, and that kind of continuity wouldn’t be possible without people like Dave Moore. When new employees join the team, they no doubt see the way Dave carries himself with his customers and coworkers and are inclined to follow suit. Parker shared a great story about how Dave leads by example and goes above and beyond.  

Earlier this year during a cold snap, Dave came in at 4 a.m. in -25 conditions with a hair dryer to begin thawing out key engine components to ensure all the buses would start and ensure their team would be able to provide their usual stellar service.  Dave does things like this on a weekly basis, continually getting ahead of potential issues before they arise and doing it all with a warmth and positivity that is unmatched.

_{Transit Supervisor Mike Palosky (left) presenting Dave Moore with his 45-year recognition}

Dave is always so compassionate with everyone. This includes co-workers and customers. His spirit is always upbeat and it’s hard to be in a bad mood around him.  He is passionate about public transportation and truly cares about transit passengers and the community he serves.

One person who can attest to Dave’s character and professionalism is BC Transit Safety and Training Officer Andrew White. During a visit to the South Okanagan-Similkameen Transit System several years back, Andrew had the pleasure of carrying out a routine ride along with Dave. 

“I remember that day very well and I still talk about it. Dave was the greatest I have ever seen to date. The greeting I received from Dave (along with every other customer I witnessed coming aboard) made you feel like you were a long-lost family member of his and he was thrilled to see you again. His driving was so safe, smooth, and comfortable that it was almost like Dave teleported you to your destination. One moment you are boarding Dave’s bus, time passed pleasantly, then the next moment you are at your destination, and you barely felt the bus move at all! 

When I was on Dave’s bus, not only did he call out each stop himself, but he also called out the approximate arrival and departure time FOR EACH MAJOR STOP! Dave was a pleasure to speak with and observe performing his duties as a proud Transit Operator of the highest acclaim. In my books he is the greatest!”

Not surprisingly, Dave was named a Transit SuperStar in 2019, and without a doubt he has continued to meet and exceed all of BC Transit’s core values. Working in any profession or organization for 45 years is a tremendous accomplishment, let alone maintaining that level of work ethic, positivity and commitment.

“Dave has been a foundational force in the South Okanagan’s transit system,” said Parker Berry. “We thank and congratulate him for his service.”