Letter: Transit driver goes above and beyond

I would like to send a compliment out to an awesome student bus driver on our transit bus.

I would like the transit management to be aware of how exceptional he was, so that he can be commended for his good deed and superior customer service.

I was on the Paris Lo-Ellen leaving downtown at 5:45 p.m. on July 23, and our friendly, clean-cut, young driver was a young man named Steven, driving Bus 775. The elderly lady in front of me asked if she could stay on the bus as it went around the back of LoEllen and Algonquin, so that she could get off at Maki Avenue without having to cross the street, and he assured her that was fine.

As we got to Maki Avenue on our way towards Plaza 69, he pulled over the bus, and asked her if she would prefer it if he would help her cross the street, so that she would not have to sit on the bus for another 25 minutes. He then proceeded to take her arm, and cross the street with her, and then came running back onto the bus, and apologized to us, thanking the other passengers for their patience in waiting.

My response was that was the kindest thing I have seen anyone do in a very long time. It literally brought tears to my eyes. I have had mobility issues myself for the last few years, and to have this young man go way over and above his duty was phenomenal.

Before anyone complains about delays in the timetable, in the entire trip from Downtown, no one got on or off the bus until we picked up one gentleman at Walford Road, so we had been literally zooming along, and making great time. As well, all week there have been paving delays on Paris Street, where we have had to sit and sit, but not today.

I sincerely hope that by my giving Steven recognition for his awesome empathy, thoughtfulness and caring, that he does not get into trouble with the Transit Authority by this being made public. So often, people are complaining about surly bus drivers, or miserable riders, or any countless little incidents, that today’s exceptional customer service just stood over and above in my mind.

Pirjo Vainionpaa
Sudbury