Saying Thanks on Driver Appreciation Day
Friday, March 18, is Transit Driver Appreciation Day, a day to recognize the men and women who serve the City of San Francisco as bus and rail operators. Too often, these public servants go unrecognized for their efforts to ensure we arrive safely and with all due speed to our destinations.
Muni operators act as ambassadors for the city, providing information and guidance to residents and visitors alike. Navigating a dense urban metropolis with notoriously hilly terrain is only one of the challenges Muni operators face on a daily basis.
They act as public relations officers, counselors and facilitators to those with disabilities. Sometimes they’re there as a friend. To many, they are an essential component of everyday life, acting as touchstones or mile markers to the day.
"Muni Operators are responsible for the safe passage of hundreds of thousands of riders every day,” said SFMTA Transportation Director Ed Reiskin in a message to staff today. “They conquer San Francisco’s rolling hills and narrow streets, navigate inner-city traffic, and persevere through rain and fog. They are experts at transporting our customers safely, our number one priority. And they do this day after day.”
SFMTA Director of Transit John Haley is also quick to sing the praises of the Muni operators who dutifully serve the more than 700,000 weekday customers of San Francisco’s public transit system. Yesterday Haley said in his message to the entire Transit division:
It’s not an easy job as every day you travel on the unpredictable streets of San Francisco, facing the many vulnerabilities that there are, all while safely maneuvering through traffic, pedestrians, bicycles, changing landscape, weather conditions and some really tight twists and turns. We wish you a happy Transit Driver Appreciation Day and hope that you will carry on your honorable work.
Today is the official day to show your appreciation for the men and women who shuttle you to work, drop you off at the grocery store or get you home safely after an evening of revelry.
The official Transit Driver Appreciation Day website at http://transitdriverday.org/ from the good folks at TriMet makes it easy to say “thanks” with downloadable pre-made cards to show you care. You can also express your appreciation for your local operator on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram using #tdad and #SFMuni. And don’t forget to submit your commendation via 311 to make it official! Thanks!
Remember, a simple smile or thank-you any day works just as well.