Transit Driver Appreciation Day

Transit Driver Appreciation Day is an annual event celebrated to honor and recognize the hard work and dedication of public transit vehicle operators. This special day acknowledges the crucial role these professionals play in keeping our communities connected and moving.

Quick Facts

When is it?: March 18
Tagged as: Transit Driver Appreciation Day, Transit Operator Appreciation Day
What’s the hashtag?: #TransitDriverAppreciationDay
When was it founded?: 2009
Who founded it?: Hans Gerwitz and Shannon E. Thomas

History of Transit Driver Appreciation Day

Transit Driver Appreciation Day originated in 2009 when Hans Gerwitz and Shannon E. Thomas published a blog post calling for a Bus Driver Appreciation Day. The idea quickly gained traction and was promoted by local transit-oriented blogs in Seattle, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. In 2013, Portland’s TriMet established busdriverday.org to further promote the event. By 2014, the name was changed to Transit Driver Appreciation Day to include rail operators, and the Amalgamated Transit Union began publicly observing the day.

Timeline

2009: Hans Gerwitz and Shannon E. Thomas publish a blog post proposing Bus Driver Appreciation Day
2013: TriMet establishes busdriverday.org to promote the event
2014: The name changes to Transit Driver Appreciation Day, including rail operators
2023: The day is also recognized as “Transit Operator Appreciation Day” and “Transit Employee Appreciation Day”

Transit Driver Appreciation Day Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	March 18	Tuesday
2026	March 18	Wednesday
2027	March 18	Thursday
2028	March 18	Saturday
2029	March 18	Sunday
2030	March 18	Monday

Observed Transit Driver Appreciation Day

Transit Driver Appreciation Day is recognized by numerous transit agencies across North America. In Canada, agencies such as BC Transit, TransLink, Brampton Transit, Calgary Transit, Toronto Transit Commission, and Winnipeg Transit participate in the celebration. In the United States, agencies including Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, TriMet, King County Metro, Sun Tran of Tucson, and many others observe this day.

The day is marked by various activities and gestures of appreciation. Transit agencies often organize special events, provide breakfast or lunch for drivers, and give out tokens of appreciation like handwritten cards and small gifts. Many locations take the opportunity to reinforce their commitment to driver training, safety protocols, and ongoing support systems.

Passengers are encouraged to show their gratitude by saying thank you, waving, or giving their operator a smile. Some agencies set up banners for passengers to sign or provide opportunities for riders to submit formal thank-you notes through online platforms.

Fun Facts About Transit Driver Appreciation Day

The date March 18 was chosen to commemorate the first bus line, Blaise Pascal’s “Carrosses à cinq sols,” established in Paris in 1662.
Transit drivers not only operate vehicles but also give directions, announce stops, remember stop requests, and handle various unexpected situations.
Many transit agencies use social media to promote the day and encourage passengers to share their appreciation online.
Some cities organize events on transit malls or at major transit centers to celebrate drivers throughout the day.
Transit Driver Appreciation Day has evolved to include all forms of public transit operators, including bus, subway, rail, and ferry drivers.

Quiz

When is Transit Driver Appreciation Day celebrated?
Who founded Transit Driver Appreciation Day?
What was the original name of the day before it became Transit Driver Appreciation Day?
In which year was busdriverday.org established?
What historical event is commemorated by choosing March 18 as the date for this appreciation day?

(Answers: 1. March 18, 2. Hans Gerwitz and Shannon E. Thomas, 3. Bus Driver Appreciation Day, 4. 2013, 5. The establishment of the first bus line in Paris in 1662)

FAQs

Q: How can I show appreciation to my transit driver?
A: You can say thank you, wave, give a smile, write a note, or submit a formal commendation through your local transit agency’s website.

Q: Do all transit agencies participate in Transit Driver Appreciation Day?
A: While many transit agencies across North America participate, not all agencies may have formal celebrations. However, passengers can still show appreciation individually.

Q: Can I give gifts to my transit driver?
A: Check with your local transit agency, as policies on accepting gifts may vary. A sincere thank you is always appreciated and allowed.

Q: Is Transit Driver Appreciation Day only for bus drivers?
A: No, it’s for all public transit vehicle operators, including bus, subway, rail, and ferry drivers.

Q: How long has Transit Driver Appreciation Day been celebrated?
A: The day has been observed since 2009, when it was first proposed in a blog post.

Importance of Transit Driver Appreciation Day

Transit Driver Appreciation Day plays a crucial role in recognizing the often-overlooked contributions of transit operators to our daily lives. These professionals navigate through challenging traffic conditions, adverse weather, and tight schedules to ensure passengers reach their destinations safely and on time.

The day serves as a reminder of the essential service provided by transit drivers, who not only operate vehicles but also act as ambassadors for their cities, offering directions and assistance to passengers. It highlights the skill, patience, and dedication required to perform this job effectively day after day.

Moreover, Transit Driver Appreciation Day helps boost morale among transit operators, showing them that their hard work is valued and appreciated by the community they serve. This recognition can lead to improved job satisfaction and, consequently, better service for passengers.