KAMLOOPS – March 18, 2015 is Transit Driver Appreciation Day. BC Transit and the City of Kamloops are celebrating by saluting some of the extraordinary men and women who go the extra mile (kilometer) to safely provide exceptional customer service.
Why March 18? It is believed to be the debut of transit services in Paris in 1662. For more details on Transit Driver Appreciation consult www.transitdriverday.org On the website, you will find transit driver thank you cards. BC Transit encourages our customers to print off a card for their favourite driver or to thank operators when they depart the bus.
Kamloops Transit is proud of all employees and would like to send a special salute to one operator. Joan Swetlikoff is marking her 7th anniversary behind the wheel.
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Joan is a holiday hero in Kamloops. Every year since 2008, she’s been the team lead on the Rudolph Bus, decorating and driving the vehicle in the annual Kamloops Santa Claus Parade. At the same time busy time of year, Joan organizes an annual seniors’ holiday lights tour, making the season a little brighter for others.
When not working at transit, you will find Joan with her six horses. For the past three years, Joan has shared with passion for horses with the Provincial Children’s Wish Trail Ride. The Ride offers children with serious or life-threatening illnesses the opportunity to experience the thrill of horseback riding, under the direction of seasoned riders like Joan.
“Transit operators are truly unsung heroes, ensuring passengers reach their destinations safely, in comfort, and on time,” said Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson. “I join all British Columbians in expressing my respect for these individuals and congratulating them on another successful year.”
“I’d like to extend my congratulations to Joan on behalf of myself and City Council. Kamloops can pride itself on having one of the best transit systems in the province because of the excellent service provided by employees like Joan,” said Kamloops Mayor Peter Milobar.
“BC Transit operators work hard all year long as our front-line ambassadors, providing outstanding customer service,” said BC Transit President and CEO Manuel Achadinha. “On Transit Driver Appreciation Day, I invite the public to join me in thanking our drivers for delivering daily on the company’s core values of safety, integrity and customer service.”
For more information on routes and schedules please consult www.bctransit.com/kamloops
Media contact:
Meribeth Burton
Corporate Spokesperson | BC Transit
d: 250-995-5720 c: 250-507-8145 media@bctransit.com
