UTA bus operator surpasses four million accident-free miles driven

On Dec. 29, Utah Transit Authority (UTA) bus operator Dale Brady surpassed driving four million accident-free miles.

“I don’t like to toot my own horn so much – it’s just driving,” Brady said. “I chose a good company to work for, I’ve driven for a long time, and it’s provided the essentials for my family.”

More important to Brady are his fellow UTA bus operators, many of whom have also driven millions of miles and, in his view, are equally worthy of recognition. One of those is Brady’s friend of 46 years, UTA bus operator Art LeFevre.

“Art was closer than I was; he would have gotten there first if his health had not declined,” Brady said.

When LeFevre passed away in July 2022, Brady drove extra miles, so they could receive their four-million-mile safety award together.

“We’re extremely proud as an organization to have one of our team members achieve this impressive milestone, four million miles without an accident, which is possibly unmatched nationally,” said Carlton Christensen, chair of the UTA Board of Trustees. “This reflects the quality of all our operators, and their commitment to the safety of our riders and the public we serve.”

“It was a privilege for me to share the moment with Dale, along with his family and UTA's family,” said Jay Fox, UTA executive director. “Dale’s 46-plus years happened one day and one trip at a time. He is a model for how UTA impacts the lives of our riders and our community as we move them to key destinations and opportunities every day.”

In addition to the acknowledgement by the authority, the Utah State Legislature intends to recognize Brady at its first transportation committee meeting on Jan. 20. 

Brady joined the UTA in April 1976. His tenure as a bus operator has spanned almost all UTA’s 52-year history.