AZ: YCIPTA Celebrates International Bus Driver Day

March 18 is International Bus Driver Appreciation Day, and the Yuma County Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority (YCIPTA) wants to recognize its 33 contracted bus operators who keep the transit system rolling each day.

Our contracted bus operators maneuver a 34-foot long, 19-ton vehicle through often crowded and tight streets in any type of weather, to safely deliver riders where they need to go.

On average, YCIPTA received many commendations for its contracted bus operators. Here are a few commendations received in the past year:

“Gerardo is nice and I like the fact that when I asked him something, he helped me. Thank you.” 

“YCAT OnCall has the best drivers in the Yuma area!”

“YCAT is doing a great job! Also, office staff and drivers are very nice and helpful. I love YCAT!”

"Paula is very nice and she really makes riding the bus fun"

"Albert has an awesome smile and he really makes my day"

"I am glad that YCAT hires vets like Dan to provide service to use seniors"

Some might think driving a bus is easy, but consider this: For hours on end, operators manage to keep a schedule, check fares, give directions, announce stops, remember stop requests and more, all while safely maneuvering a 34-foot vehicle through unpredictable traffic, adverse weather conditions and some really tight spaces. Not only that, they face frustrated passengers when the bus is late — even when it’s because of traffic or other circumstances out of their control. And then there’s that little issue of bathroom breaks… Fact is, bus drivers don’t have an easy job, they just make it look that way.

By the way, passengers don’t have to wait for an annual holiday to thank your operator for a job well done. Passengers can submit a commendation any time using our easy online.

This is YCIPTA second year in participating in this event in conjunction with TriMet, the transit system for the greater Portland, Ore., area, and it is the desire of TriMet to have this event become an international “holiday” and be recognized by other transit agencies and bus companies.

To celebrate International Bus Driver Appreciation Day, YCIPTA will be providing free bus rides to all passengers, all day long on any YCAT fixed and flex route bus in Yuma and eastern Imperial Counties.  YCIPTA requests that you thank your bus operator for a job well done over the past year!  The free ride is courtesy of your friendly bus operator!