Just like seasonal allergies, Raves from the Road is back! But unlike the typically unpredictable early spring weather, RFTR provides consistent rays of sunshine for your day. Check out our latest dopamine hit of positivity collected from customer, employee and partner feedback throughout the province.
And if you are inspired upon reading this and you’d like to keep the good vibes rolling, don’t hesitate to share your own raves by reaching out to: communications@bctransit.com.
“I want to recognize a driver for his compassion and bravery. I was on the bus when a man snatched a girl’s phone, and the driver ran after him and got the phone back. She was so happy and appreciative!” – Ronny in Kamloops
“I was in a lot of pain and limping to the bus stop at Mission Park when I saw the #1 go by. The stop wasn’t far away but too far for me to run to on my injured foot. I saw the driver wave as he went by and then he pulled to the stop, opened the door and waited. I was shocked that he was waiting for me! I got on and thanked him and called him my angel. He smiled and said he could see “that look” on my face as he drove by, the ‘oh no I missed the bus’ look! What a sweetheart. He made me smile when a minute earlier I wanted to cry. He had no idea how much this meant to me. I was in terrible pain with a foot injury and all I wanted was to get home so I could lie down.” – Paulette in Kelowna
“The driver of Route 30 is fantastic! Every morning, he greets my partner and I enthusiastically, along with every other passenger we see boarding. He gives polite advice/reminders on how to use the Umo system, he advises passengers to make room for strollers and mobility devices, and he warns of route adjustments when they arise.” – Jessica in Victoria
“I appreciate our Abbotsford buses. I’m a senior and recovering from back surgery so they are my main form of transportation. The bus drivers are very nice and often go out of their way for me. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for your kindness, respect and consideration.” – Valerie in Abbotsford
“I regularly take the #72 to Country Club and I love that driver. This man is a great, amazing bus driver. I see him often and I always hope that the day of my travel he’s the one driving the bus.” – Kali in Nanaimo
“I just wanted to give a big thanks to all our Sunshine Coast bus drivers for all they do taking care of our community and making sure we get home, but this time especially to Gary, who after I hopped on his #1 bus to try and get in touch with the #90 I’d just left my bag on, went well above and beyond contacting me at the end of the night to let me know he’d found my backpack and would meet me to drop it off on his way home. Thanks to Gary, I didn’t lose some new writing I hadn’t yet backed up, or any other belongings, and I was able to get a good and stress-free night’s sleep. Thank you to all our drivers for looking out for us. I see you all the time, and we’re a better community for having you here.” – Jason in the Sunshine Coast
“I was a passenger on Route 51 bus heading downtown and a young man on a seat near the rear of the bus being loud, intimidating, and even threatening. When the driver was able to safely stop, he addressed the passenger and asked if he needed help. He asked if he would like medical help. When no reply was made the driver asked if he would like for the RCMP to be called. The passenger eventually got off the bus without incident, and I would like to thank the driver for his professional and calm manner in dealing with a situation that might have escalated under other circumstances. I know I speak for many of the other passengers, many of whom were young women with children, when I pass along my compliments.” – Kevin in Chilliwack
“I was very impressed with the driver on Route 1 today. I caught the bus to the Shoppers Drug Mart on Lakeshore to get my meds and then took the bus back home with the same driver. He was very polite and very professional…he lowered the platform when I got on and off both ways. I have arthritis in both my knees and injured my back twice, so sometimes I can barely walk or stand for more than 10 minutes, so I really appreciated his consideration. He was also very friendly.” – Brian in Kelowna
“I’ve been commuting on my bike along McKenzie for over 25 years. It’s been a great relief to see the bike lanes gradually appear, and I feel a lot safer these days. Especially with the divided bike lanes, there’s now a sort of dance that buses and cyclists have to indulge in, where a bus driver will often have a choice between passing a cyclist and turning into a bus stop right in front of them, or kindly holding back to give the cyclist time to get past the bus stop before turning in. I’m grateful and impressed almost every day on my commute by how patient and professional the bus drivers are in this respect, especially when they have to do this repeatedly because the traffic conditions mean that the bus and the cyclist are going about the same speed, and the same situation arises at every stop. The drivers of the 26 and 51 especially are very kind and thoughtful around cyclists in my experience, and I’d like to just give them a shout-out so they know how much we appreciate it.” – martindholmes on Reddit
“I recently had my first trip on the system, and the handyDART driver was absolutely superb. I am fairly independent getting on the bus, but nervous going back down the steps, so he put the bottom step down. He was very good at sensing things and allowed my independence, though aware of my misgivings.” – Christine in Nanaimo
“I have only recently started using transit again after about 30 years, and I have to say the quality of the drivers and buses themselves is top notch. In particular I ride the number 3 most weekdays and the morning driver is professional, kind and generous. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the transit system and I have been hugely impressed. Keep up the great job and a special acknowledgement to the regular driver of Route 3 weekday mornings travelling towards James Bay.” – Richard in Victoria
“I just want to thank Kelowna transit for switching to hydrogenated derived renewable diesel in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I understand that in further efforts, Kelowna is bringing on EV transit buses and charging stations to further reduce emissions. I am a strong proponent for public transit and as such am also a member of the Okanagan Transit Alliance. Buses, by allowing groups of people not use personal vehicles do much for the environment already but your efforts to continually reduce emissions is truly impressive and appreciated. Thank you again.” – Allan in Kelowna
“I am writing to express my sincere appreciation for one of your drivers, Manni, who went above and beyond during my bus ride today. Manni noticed a passenger vaping on board. Without hesitation he addressed the situation professionally and respectfully, asking the individual to leave the bus in order to protect the health and safety of all riders. He was calm, but firm, which was so appreciated. This action meant far more to me than I can express. Many passengers, myself included, have respiratory sensitivities such as asthma. Manni’s quick response helped ensure a safe and comfortable environment for everyone. He demonstrated remarkable leadership, care, and professionalism. Please extend my deepest thanks to him. I hope his efforts are celebrated as they deserve to be.” – Helen in the Fraser Valley
