March 18 is National Transit Employee Appreciation Day. The annual event recognizes the importance of public transit employees across the U.S. and Canada. 

The idea of a National Transit Employee Appreciation Day started in 2009 when calls for a bus driver appreciation day were put out. The date was selected because March 18 was when the first public transit system, a bus line, launched in Paris, France in 1662.

Since it’s inception, the number of participants has grown.

Agencies Celebrating Transit Employee Appreciation Day

Several agencies across the U.S. have put out press releases recognizing public transit drivers. Some of these agencies include New Orleans RTA, TriMet, GCRTA, CTA, Metra, Pace, and RIPTA.

TriMet shared a video about one of their drivers who went above and beyond to help take care of his community.

Last October, New York MTA launched a campaign highlighting the workers behind their public transit system.

Transit drivers are an important part of the community, and have a much larger impact than enabling mobility options. Be sure to thank your public transit drivers and employees for their service, as their hard work allows transit systems to keep moving.

“RTA’s employees are the backbone of our city’s public transportation system,” said Lona Edwards Hankins, New Orleans RTA CEO. “We encourage everyone to take a moment today to thank them for their hard work.”

“Transit employees ensure that communities stay connected, businesses thrive, and individuals reach their destinations safely and reliably,” said GCRTA Board President, Paul A. Koomar. “Today is a chance for all of us to show our gratitude to the thousands of GCRTA workers who keep the greater Cleveland area moving.”

“Transit employees do more than move people from one place to another – they connect communities, open opportunities, and power our economy,” said Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger. “We encourage everyone to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our transit workforce. They are the reason our region keeps moving.”

“The hard-working men and women of the CTA power the engine that drives our great city,” said Leerhsen. “As a daily CTA commuter myself, I see employees from across our agency serving our riders with a dedication and commitment that makes me proud, and I am very happy that we all have the opportunity to recognize them on their own, very special day.”

If you have any photos from today’s Transit Employee Appreciation Day feel free to share them with us by sending them to karl.jones@bobit.com.