RIPTA Celebrates National Transit Driver Appreciation Day

Transit Heroes Never Stopped Worked During Pandemic

 

Providence, Rhode Island, March 16, 2023 This Saturday, March 18, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will celebrate its heroes – 497 fixed-route and RIde paratransit drivers – in observance of National Transit Driver Appreciation Day. This special day is celebrated annually to recognize and show appreciation for the public service that public transit vehicle operators provide.

 

“Transit drivers do not have an easy job; they just make it look that way,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I want RIPTA drivers to know that their hard work and dedication is seen and appreciated. We thank them for providing an essential community service to Rhode Islanders, especially throughout the pandemic.”

 

“RIPTA is one of the very few agencies nationwide that did not cut or suspend service during the COVID-19 pandemic – and we owe that all to our drivers,” said Scott Avedisian, RIPTA Chief Executive Officer. “Our drivers are committed to getting people to school, work, medical appointments, shopping facilities, and other services every day without fail. For that, I would like to commend their hard work and dedication.”

 

Whether they are operating RIPTA’s large fixed-route buses or smaller RIde paratransit vans that provide crucial service to people with disabilities who cannot access the fixed-route buses, RIPTA drivers are the ones who keep Rhode Island moving.  RIPTA drivers inspect their vehicle at the start of their shift, collect fares, pick up riders, and answer trip planning questions – all while safely maneuvering oversized vehicles down narrow city streets, through unpredictable traffic and in all sorts of weather.

 

“RIPTA kept its buses running at full-service levels during the pandemic, ensuring that Rhode Island’s essential businesses could continue to operate,” said Normand Benoit, RIPTA Board Chairman. “Our drivers keep Rhode Island’s economy and workforce moving. We appreciate their commitment to delivering a world-class transit system to our passengers.”

 

“Even with all the obstacles our transit drivers face each and every day they provide a level of professionalism and commitment which is second to none,” said Nick DeCristofaro, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 618 President. “They are truly the backbone of our public transit system, ensuring our passengers reach their destinations safely and on time. We want to thank them for continuously going above and beyond for RIPTA and Rhode Islanders.”

 

RIPTA is encouraging riders to celebrate and appreciate Rhode Island’s hard-working transit drivers on March 18 by telling their transit driver “thank you.” Riders can also express their

gratitude and support by sharing their appreciation on social media using #LoveMyRIPTADriver and tagging RIPTA (Facebook @RideRIPTA, Twitter @RIPTA_RI) or by submitting kind wishes via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

For more information on Transit Driver Appreciation Day, visit RIPTA.com/ThankYou

 

Former President Trump wants the Manhattan District Attorney booted from office immediately. On his social media site Truth Social, Trump called Democrat Alvin Bragg "a danger to our Country." The call comes as a New York City grand jury considers whether to indict Trump in a case involving him and alleged money paid to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to cover-up an affair.        The CEO of TikTok is facing a grilling on Capitol Hill as the U.S. considers banning the popular app. Today, a House committee focused on concerns about the app's data privacy, protections for kids, and connection to the Chinese Communist Party. Members grilled the CEO over videos on the site like the "blackout challenge" that has led to death of some young children.        Don't cut the Pentagon's budget. That's the message the nation's defense secretary and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff delivered to a House committee. General Mark Milley specifically cited a cut in military readiness should lawmakers slash the budget.        Protests are turning violent in Paris as folks again protest a measure to raise France's retirement age. Tear gas had to be used by authorities today in the French capital. France's president defended his decision to implement the bill, saying he doesn't enjoy the measure, but insisted he had to take action.        A bill that limits gender-affirming treatment care for minors is set to become law in Georgia. Republican Governor Brian Kemp signed the bill Thursday, saying it would "ensure we protect the health and wellbeing of Georgia's children." S-B 140 outlaws licensed medical professionals from providing patients under the age of 18 with hormone therapy or surgery related to gender transition.        Beyonce and Adidas are ending their creative partnership. The singer's custom clothing line Ivy Park fell 210-million-dollars below its projected sales in 2022. This year's sales predictions were shifted from 335 million down to just 65-million, but so far it doesn't look like the brand will reach those numbers.