From coast to coast, transit agencies are taking time to recognize the workers who keep systems running and communities connected every day.

National Transit Employee Appreciation Day, recognized nationally on March 18, honors dedicated transit workers who work tirelessly to maintain daily operations. The day recognizes every role in transit, such as bus operators, rail staff, mechanics, maintenance crews, customer service representatives, and more, for the work they do.

The annual observance was recognized by agencies nationwide, including the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) in Ohio, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC), the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) in California, Indiana’s IndyGo, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York, Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), Virginia Transit Association, Community Transportation Association of Virginia (CTAV), and more.

Agencies Nationwide Celebrate Transit Workers

In Ohio, GCRTA recognized its workforce for playing a critical role in “keeping our communities moving.” The agency encouraged riders to extend gratitude to transit workers as they traveled around the system, highlighting GCRTA transit operators, ambassadors, custodial and maintenance crews, security and administrative personnel, and more.

“Transit employees are responsible for providing a critical service to our community — making it possible for people to get to jobs, schools, childcare, grocery stores, doctors’ visits, sporting events, and everywhere in between,” said GCRTA Board President, Paul A. Koomar. “I appreciate everything they do to keep the greater Cleveland area moving.”

Nevada’s RTC joined the celebration with its transit contractors, providing prizes and gifts donated by community partners and local businesses. To keep the system running, RTC employs more than 3,500 employees and contractors to drive buses, navigate traffic, maintain vehicles, and ensure safety.

In a statement, RTC wrote, “Share a simple ‘thank you,’ smile, or kind word. This simple act can go a long way in brightening a transit worker’s day.”

Transit Agencies Spotlight Workers and Community Impact

California’s Santa Clara VTA wrote in a release that National Transit Employee Appreciation Day “serves as a reminder that public transit is essential — and so are the people who make it possible.”

“As we reflect on the work accomplished at VTA, I am reminded that our greatest strength is not our infrastructure or equipment — it is our people,” said VTA General Manager and CEO Carolyn Gonot. “This day is a meaningful opportunity to recognize the dedication, resilience, and heart our employees bring to their work.”

“Every day, in all conditions, our employees show up for this community,” Gonot added. “They ensure a safe ride for students, dependable service for essential workers, and a welcoming experience for all riders. Their work has a real and lasting impact.”

IndyGo, located in Indianapolis, brought recognition to transit workers online through a recognition form, allowing community members and riders to “shout out” a specific bus operator or teammate, or express appreciation for a service experience by submitting a message.

“Our teammates are the heartbeat of public transit in Indianapolis,” said IndyGo president and CEO Jennifer Pyrz. “Their commitment to serving our riders and community is what makes our system strong. This special day is a chance for all of us to show how much that dedication means.” Submissions will be shared internally and highlighted on social media.

MTA Leadership Pays Tribute to Transit Workers by Joining Them in the Field

In New York, MTA leadership spent time with transit workers in the field throughout the agency's service region to "demonstrate the importance of recognizing the essential service that transit workers deliver every day [...]."

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber and MTA Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara started their day at MTA Headquarters, where they took calls at the Customer Call Center. They later headed up to Penn Station, where they greeted MTAPD officers, station staff, and customers at the 34 St–Penn Station Customer Service Center. Lieber and Rieara later rode the Long Island Rail Road to Jamaica, where they helped ticket agents scan customers’ tickets.

New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow was joined by New York City Transit Executive Vice President of Buses Frank Farrell and Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal at the Kingsbridge Depot, cleaning and preparing buses to go into service for the morning rush. Hoylman-Sigal issued a proclamation to the transit crews at the Kingsbridge Depot, thanking them for their service to the city.

President Crichlow and Borough President Holyman-Sigal were then joined by Executive Vice President of Subways Bill Amarosa Jr. at the nearby 207th Street Yard, where car equipment staff inspect and maintain rolling stock at the Overhaul Shop. While there, Borough President Holyman-Sigal issued a proclamation to Yard Director Sophie Henderson, thanking her for her commitment to excellent service throughout her career, spanning more than 50 years at NYCT.

President Crichlow and EVP Amarosa later stopped by the Times Square–42 St Customer Service Center to greet station staff and assist customers. President Crichlow then met station staff and assisted more customers.

New York City Transit Senior Vice President of Paratransit Rachel Cohen began her day in the Rockaways, where she and the AAR leadership team visited the All Transit carrier center. Cohen later greeted employees at Access-A-Ride headquarters in Long Island City.

To celebrate National Transit Employee Appreciation Day, Long Island Rail Road President Rob Free visited the Hillside Facility, where he joined machinists and operated a water jet machine. 

Metro-North Railroad President Justin Vonashek started his day at Grand Central Terminal, where he served as a coach cleaner alongside railroad crews

Virginia Transit Groups Honor Operators Throughout March

In Virginia, DRPT, the Virginia Transit Association, and CTAV are teaming up all month long to honor dedicated transit operators and agencies “who keep communities across the commonwealth moving every day.”

In Virginia, across 2,300 routes for 40 transit agencies in 107 localities, more than 2,500 transit operators navigate busy city streets, rural roadways, early mornings, late nights, and unpredictable conditions to ensure riders arrive safely and on time.

DRPT and its partners are extending gratitude via social media and highlighting transit operators nominated by agencies across the commonwealth as part of DRPT’s annual Transit Operator Appreciation social media campaign. These stories specifically highlight the people behind the wheel of transit vehicles.

“Transit operators are the backbone of Virginia’s public transportation network,” said Danny Plaugher, executive director of the Virginia Transit Association. “Their smiles brighten our days, their focus gets us to our destinations safely, and their dedication keeps our communities and economy moving. This month gives us a meaningful opportunity to recognize the skill, dedication, and public service they demonstrate year-round.”