JACKSON, Miss. (PRESS RELEASE) – To commemorate the hard work and commitment of Mississippi’s public transit drivers to the people of Mississippi, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is recognizing March 18 as Transit Driver Appreciation Day.
Public transit drivers have a much more difficult job than you would think, they just make it look easy.
Along with safely maneuvering an extremely large vehicle through unpredictable traffic, public transit drivers are responsible for keeping a schedule, giving directions, checking fares, managing passeger requests and much more.
“MDOT supports more than 60 public tranist providers throughout Mississippi,” said MDOT Executive Director Melinda McGrath. “Mississippi’s public transit providers are vital to the economic growth and community well being of the areas they serve.”
Many people in our state rely heavily on public transportation to get them to their respective jobs, doctor’s appointments, schools and everyday shopping.
Present throughout most colleges and universities, public transportation has a significant impact on college students in Mississippi saving them time, commuting and vehicle type expenses.
Public transportation and the dedication of public transit drivers, help to provide safe, affordable and accessible mobility options that present individuals with opportunities to engage in activities that contribute to a higher quality of life, self-improvement and higher education.
MDOT encourages the public to join in commending the hard work of Mississippi’s public transit drivers not just on March 18, but everyday.
This could be as simple as a wave or a kind “thank you” while entering and exiting the bus or writing a thank you letter to formally thank the driver.
MDOT is also encouraging the public to get involved on March 18 in thanking public transit drivers via social media by using the hashtag #tdad, the name of the driver you wish to recognize and the city in which they are located.
Such a small effort to say thank you can mean so much to those who work tirelessly getting Mississippians where they need to go everyday.
“Public transportation is not only an important part of Mississippi’s transportation system, it also encourages social and economic growth ,” MDOT Executive Director Melinda McGrath said.
“We are sincerely grateful for all transit drivers and workers who help keep Mississippians moving to further grow our state.”
