Sep 29, 2021
CLEVELAND, OH – After 45 years of service and a perfect driving record, bus operator Godwin McNeal of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) will pull his coach into the Louis Stokes-Windermere Station for the last time on Thursday afternoon, September 30.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY:
Transit Police, flashing lights and sirens, will surprise Mr. McNeal with an escort into the parking lot, where he will meet cheering staff as he finishes his last run at 3:41 p.m.
A PERFECT DRIVING RECORD:
Mr. McNeal has logged more than 1.3 million miles during his time on the road and never had a preventable accident. He recently drove the #7 Monticello but also logged many hours driving the HealthLine in Downtown Cleveland.
AWARDS:
Featured in The Plain Dealer in 2018, Mr. McNeal was provided the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at a Cleveland Indians game as a reward for his outstanding safety record.
Among his many safety awards, Mr. McNeal most recently was named the 2021 Lytx Driver of the Year. The Lytx Drivecam Program is an event-based operator performance program that monitors high-risk driving behavior on the road.
“He is the definition of a professional operator, with a passion for serving his customers and a safe driving record that cannot be matched. We’re really going to miss seeing him around the district. He has such a great outlook on things, it shines through in everything he does,” says RTA Hayden District Director, Nick Biggar.
“We wish Mr. McNeal all the best in his retirement and express our gratitude for his tireless service on behalf of the RTA family, as well as the people of this community,” said RTA CEO and General Manager India Birdsong.
“Mr. McNeal embodies excellence and is an outstanding example to us all of exceptional customer service. The diligence he displayed every day makes Mr. McNeal a leader in our industry and a bright star among our staff. He will be greatly missed,” Ms. Birdsong said.
“I’m really looking forward to the time I’ll get to spend with my family,” says Mr. McNeal. “I’ll enjoy having someone else drive me around for a change!”
Media Contact:
Linda Krecic
216-390-9605 (cell)