03/26/2026
As we recognize Transit Worker Appreciation Month this March, I just want to speak from my perspective as a bus operator here in California.
This job is often overlooked⌠and sometimes disrespected.
Every day, people board the bus and donât even look at us. No eye contact, no greetingâjust tap a card or scan a phone and keep it moving. And I understandâpeople are busy, focused, in their own world. But sometimes, sitting in that seat, you can feel invisible.
But then you remind yourselfâŚ
Weâre not here to be celebrities.
Weâre not here for applause.
Weâre here to do a jobâto get people where they need to go safely.
And thatâs what we focus on.
What a lot of people donât see is what bus operators really do beyond just driving.
There are operators out here helping reunite missing children with their parents.
Being the eyes and ears of the community.
Helping people who are lost, confused, or anxiousâespecially those riding public transit for the first time.
Thatâs not written in the job description.
Thatâs just human compassion.
Now yesâsome people will say, âYouâre getting paid, just do your job.â
And we do.
But appreciation still matters.
So I want to give a shoutout to the passengers who do show respectâ
The ones who say âgood morning,â
The ones who smile,
The ones who understand that delays happen and itâs not always in our control.
To those passengers: we appreciate you more than you know.
And if you have a bus operator who shows up, does their best, and treats people with respectâŚ
show them some love.
Not just in Marchâbut every day.
Because at the end of the dayâŚ
it doesnât cost anything to say,
âThank you.â
Also..pay your fare and stop arguing with us about it! đ¤Łđ¤Łđ¤Łđ¤Ł
-Bus Driver Life
