BC Transit announces latest Transit SuperStars from across the province
Transit System: Global
22 June 2023
For their professionalism, teamwork and dedication to public transit in their communities, BC Transit is recognizing six individuals and one team as Transit SuperStars.
“The people being recognized as Transit SuperStars are very special to their coworkers, customers and communities,” said Tim Croyle, Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer for BC Transit. “Every day, these six individuals and one team show that public transit is much more than just safely moving people from A to B, and we are grateful for their contributions.”
Every year, BC Transit recognizes excellence and celebrates the Transit SuperStars making a positive difference in regional transit systems across the province. Each winner meets one or more of our core values: community, customer service, innovation, safety, teamwork and trust and respect.
Here are the latest Transit SuperStar award winners:
Sandra Flanagan, Manager for Passenger Contracted Transportation Services – Quesnel – Sandra has earned the trust and respect of the Quesnel Transit team for her work with the maintenance shop to improve efficiency and keep the bus fleet on time and in good shape. Sandra is highly organized and a tremendous communicator and teammate.
James Grant, Lead Transit Supervisor Transdev Canada – Central Fraser Valley – You won’t find someone more committed to their community, customers and coworkers than James, whether he’s responding to customer concerns or supporting partner agencies like the local police to ensure the Fraser Valley transit systems are as safe as possible.
Remco Makkinje, General Manager for NextGen Transit – Cranbrook – Remco is the backbone of all transit in the East Kootenays, overseeing six systems that deliver conventional, handyDART, Health Connections and On Request services. His commitment to customer service was on display when he drove a customer home in his personal vehicle during poor winter conditions after they had boarded the wrong Health Connections bus.
Christopher Wade, Mechanic for PWTransit Canada – Port Alberni – As the system’s lone Mechanic, Chris’ commitment to the safety of customers and employees is exceptional. He’s responsible for maintaining the five conventional and four custom buses in the Port Alberni fleet, and takes his work very seriously. Chris is always open to discussions and collaborating on where improvements to the fleet can be made.
Williams Lake team, Laker’s Go Bus Society – Good teamwork is always important, but even more so when major challenges arise. The Laker’s Go Bus Society in Williams Lake went the extra mile last winter, supporting each other to keep their buses warm and on schedule, even when the temperatures plummeted to as low as -35 degrees.
Derek Huebner, Regional Maintenance Manager for Transdev Canada – Derek is the winner of the annual Rodi De Vuono Award for Outstanding Service. Known for his constant drive and motivation to improve people and processes in support of maintenance excellence, Derek supports teams throughout the province. His wealth of experience, ability to communicate and commitment to improving maintenance and work processes has positively impacted transit operations and safety for customers and drivers for years.
Peter Kuziek, Regional District of Nanaimo – The winner of the annual Mike Docherty Lifetime Achievement Award, Peter spent 43 years working in the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System. He has been a Mechanic, Transit Operator, Dispatcher, Trainer, Planner, Scheduler, and when called upon, the Acting Operations Manager. Peter has dedicated his career to public transit, keeping people moving and getting them to their destinations efficiently and safely, even returning as a casual driver after retiring in January 2022.
The Transit SuperStar winners were recently recognized and presented with plaques at an awards dinner during BC Transit’s annual workshop. People working in the Victoria Regional Transit System are eligible for BC Transit’s Core Value Awards, which take place annually as part of the Recognizing Excellence and Values employee recognition program.
