At BC Transit, we like to reward excellence and celebrate the people making a positive difference in our transit systems across the province. Every year, a new group of Transit SuperStars are selected, following nominations from BC Transit employees, operating companies and local government partners. A winner is selected for each core value: Adapt and Thrive, Community Minded, Safety First and Team Spirit.
Here are the latest Transit Superstars being recognized in 2025:
Dan Foster – Penticton
Dan has worked with Berry & Smith for over 34 years, first as a school bus driver, then driving BC Transit buses, a Driver Trainer starting in 2017 and in 2022 as an On-Road Supervisor. His approach and commitment have been invaluable in every facet of the Penticton operation, and he is a vocal advocate for safe and accessible transit. In 2023 Dan coordinated Penticton Transit’s support of a wildfire evacuation near Osoyoos, facilitating the safe evacuation of more than 100 senior residents to a safe location.
Core Value: Safety First
Sheri Slade – Kamloops
After many years working in handyDART, Sheri has now shifted to the Maintenance Department, which has expanded her reach with Transdev Canada in Kamloops. In her 27 years, Sheri has never hesitated to pitch in when extra hands are needed and is a tremendous support for new employees. She not only looks after the maintenance of the buses, but also of the yard, simply making Kamloops Transit a better place to work for everyone
Core Value: Adapt and Thrive
Victoria handyDART Transit Supervisors
Paul Gill (left) and Charles Bowles (right)
Charles Bowles and Paul Gill from Transdev Canada have brought unwavering dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence to Victoria handyDART. Over the past years, Charles and Paul have consistently demonstrated outstanding professionalism, ensuring the safe, reliable, and compassionate operation of handyDART services in the region. They have gone above and beyond, introducing operational improvements that have resulted in enhanced safety for the drivers and customers.
Core Value: Community Minded
Lesley White – Campbell River
Lesley consistently exceeds expectations in every aspect of her role. Her dedication to going above and beyond her job duties is truly remarkable. She is an exceptional team player for Keolis Canada (formerly PWTransit Canada) who takes initiative and willingly steps up to tackle tasks that fall outside her usual responsibilities whenever she identifies a need. Lesley’s proactive attitude and willingness to help are vital assets, and she consistently fosters a positive, collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Core Value: Team Spirit
Rodi De Vuono Outstanding Service Award
Rodi De Vuono worked for the City of Nelson for more than 20 years, which included several years as the Garage and Transit Superintendent. Rodi was a passionate and caring leader who took extreme pride in the quality of work from his team. Rodi De Vuono lost his battle with cancer in 2012, and he is still greatly missed by family, friends and coworkers. This year’s recipient is Stephen Ott, a Mechanic for Transdev Canada in Kelowna.
Stephen has been a mechanic in Kelowna since 1996. His many years of dedication, outstanding support, and selflessness have played a pivotal role in shaping the Kelowna shop into what it is today. His deep-rooted commitment to his work and his team has had a lasting impact, establishing him as an invaluable part of the Kelowna maintenance success story. What sets Stephen apart is not only his technical expertise but also the way he approaches helping others. His approach not only helps solve immediate problems but also empowers others to develop their skills and confidence.
Mike Docherty Lifetime Achievement Award
Mike “Doc” Docherty worked in the transit industry for 45 years. During this time Doc wore many transit hats including Driver, Assistant Superintendent, Assistant Manager, General Manager and finally Senior Director of Operations in the Kelowna Regional Transit System. Docherty was also very community-minded, helping to raise more than $200,000 for the Salvation Army Christmas Fund through the Kelowna Santa Sleigh Bus. Mike Docherty passed away in 2013. This year’s recipient is Monica Glennen, handyDART Dispatcher with Prince George Transit.
Monica Glennen will be retiring this September after 27 years with the Prince George handyDART Team. After driving for many years, she became a Dispatcher in 2005, where she has had a major impact. Monica is well known for her never-ending positivity. She makes dispatching look easy, juggling the driver manifests effortlessly if a staff member calls in sick, and when clients make short notice changes. Along with her dispatching skills, Monica’s sense of humour and interest in her coworkers is key to this smooth-running handyDART operation.
