Transit Superstars

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 2026:

Tom Dool – West Kootenays

Tom has consistently gone above and beyond in his role as the Research Analyst for the Regional District of Central Kootenay, making outstanding contributions to transit services across an expansive and complex region. Tom consistently prioritizes transit and demonstrates responsiveness to BC Transit staff, operating partners at the City of Nelson, and customers. His communication is empathetic and constructive, and he always strives to understand the customer experience. In every respect, Tom embodies what it means to be a true partner.

Core Value: Community Minded

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Kylie Hamblin – Terrace

While operating her bus last year, Keolis Canada’s Kiley Hamblin witnessed a regular handyDART passenger fall on a nearby sidewalk. Without hesitation, Kiley safely parked her bus and went to assist the customer, staying with her until an ambulance arrived and ensured the passenger’s walker was kept safe. She then went to the hospital and learned the person had sustained critical injuries and was not expected to survive. Recognizing that the customer was alone, Kiley made the decision to remain at the hospital, sitting with her and holding her hand so she would not be by herself in her final moments. She stayed for several hours, offering comfort and support until the passenger’s family could be located and arrived at the hospital. Her quick response, personal initiative, and genuine compassion ensured that a valued customer received dignity, care, and companionship during an incredibly difficult moment.

Core Value: Team Spirit

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Thomas Kolodinski – South Vancouver Island

Thomas displayed great leadership as the South Island Maintenance Manager for Transdev Canada throughout an exceptionally demanding period, and has had a profound and lasting impact on transit service delivery in both the Cowichan Valley and Victoria handyDART. During the transition to the new View Royal handyDART Centre, he provided calm, steady leadership through significant operational changes, and stepped up when the Facility Manager was on leave. He also led the Cowichan Valley restart following the extended service suspension, restoring service delivery to 100% after buses had been parked for seven months. Thomas fosters a culture of accountability, professionalism, and collaboration. His team trusts his judgment, values his transparency, and looks to him for guidance during challenging situations.

Core Value: Adapt and Thrive

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Princeton & District Community Society Team

The Princeton & District Community Services Society (PDCSS) team consists of five dedicated Operators and one Dispatcher, whose collective efforts help connect communities and provide an essential service for both local and regional riders throughout the Similkameen Valley. The On-Request service they deliver plays an especially important role in the community by meeting riders at their door and ensuring they arrive safely at their designated locations. Drivers regularly go above and beyond by providing additional support to riders who may require extra assistance and helping secure personal items. Behind the scenes, the Dispatcher plays an equally vital role as a friendly, welcoming presence that works diligently to coordinate rides and ensure that as many people as possible receive service within the program’s capacity.

Core Value: Safety First

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Bruno Rempel – Penticton – 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 Bruno Rempel, the Fleet Maintenance Manager for Penticton Transit.

Bruno consistently demonstrates a positive, solution-focused attitude in everything he does. He takes great pride in maintaining a top‑notch fleet and reliably exceeds expectations throughout the fleet inspection process. Bruno is thorough and proactive in the submission of work orders and provides accurate, timely data that directly supports BC Transit’s fleet maintenance planning activities. In addition to his responsibilities maintaining the BC Transit fleet, Bruno also oversees the busy truck repair shop at Berry and Smith. He skillfully balances the demands of commercial trucking customers alongside BC Transit buses, demonstrating excellent time management and customer service under pressure.

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Mohinder Bhoondpaul – Cowichan Valley – 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 Mohinder Bhoondpaul, retired Transit Operator in the Cowichan Valley.

Mohinder proudly served the Cowichan Valley for 32 years and holds the unique distinction of being the first Transit Operator hired in the region and picking up the very first passenger when transit service was introduced. Throughout his career, Mohinder consistently went above and beyond his role. Mohinder was deeply passionate about his work and took great pride in serving passengers and supporting the community he cared so deeply about. His professionalism, kindness, and dedication earned him the respect of his peers and the trust of the riders he served every day. Mohinder Bhoondpaul’s legacy is one of service, leadership, and community connection. His contributions over more than three decades have left a lasting impact on transit in the Cowichan Valley.

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Past Transit SuperStar winners: