Apr 6, 2017
CLEVELAND – Three bus operators from the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) will receive Operator-of-the-Year awards from the Ohio Public Transit Association at their annual conference April 18, 2017.
The honorees, and their length of service with RTA:
- Truceilla Besses-Lewis, 12 years.
- Tiffannne Anderson, 18 years.
- Leonard Brown, 25 years.
Customers nominated the operators and submitted personal testimony regarding the bus operator’s skills and customer service. Operators were selected based upon their performance in 2016 with regard to safety, quality of customer service, efficiency of operation, ride comfort and general knowledge.
“Each one of these operators was deservedly praised for their professional skills and personal attention to their customers’ needs,” said RTA CEO and General Manager Joe Calabrese.
“When customers go out of their way to write their commendations about their driver, it is for very good reason,” Calabrese said.
The customers' commendations included:
- "Personable and professional, no matter how early in the morning."
- "So pleasant that we leave the bus with a smile or a chuckle to start the day."
- "Pauses at the bus stop to see if a customer is running for the bus."
- "Patient, tolerant and professional."
- "A person of exemplary character."
- "A safe driver in both good and inclement weather."
- "Awesome driving skills, especially going through construction."
- "I know I’m safe with him at the wheel."
- "Very alert and intelligent."
- "Always on time."
- "Very respectful."
- "Courteous, kind and thoughtful."
RTA will also honor these operators, and other employees, at annual Awards Banquet on April 26.
Media Contact:
Linda Scardilli Krecic
216-356-3104
216-390-9605, cell