On March 18, people worldwide will celebrate Transit Driver Appreciation Day (#TDAD). It’s a day dedicated to recognizing the hard work and dedication of transit drivers who provide essential transportation services to communities.

Because #TDAD falls on a Saturday this year, it will be observed on Friday, March 17.

Transit Driver Appreciation Day originated from this blog post in 2009, advocating for a “Bus Driver Appreciation Day.” (Note that the writer is a Seattle-area transit user!) Transit-related blogs (like Seattle Transit Blog) publicized this post, and Transit Driver Appreciation Day’s popularity grew into the day of observance it is today. 

Why March 18? 
On March 18, 1692, Blaise Pascal launched a precursor to public transportation in Paris – seven horse-drawn vehicles running along regular routes. Pascal was a French mathematician, inventor, physicist, philosopher, author, and general savant. Read more about the first instance of public transportation here.

Transit drivers are an essential part of our communities. They help people get to work, school, appointments, and other vital destinations every day. They operate buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation, ensuring that people have access to safe, reliable, and affordable transportation options.

Transit drivers play a critical role in keeping our communities moving, and they face many daily challenges and risks. They deal with heavy traffic, poor weather conditions, and difficult passengers -- all while ensuring that their passengers arrive at their destinations safely and on time.

It is important to appreciate the hard work and dedication of transit drivers. Here are a few ways customers can show their appreciation for transit drivers on Transit Driver Appreciation Day:

• Say thank you: The most straightforward way to show appreciation is to thank transit drivers for their hard work and dedication. A simple thank you can brighten their day and make them feel valued and appreciated.
• Write a note: Customers can write a note or card expressing their gratitude for the excellent service provided by the transit drivers. These notes can be posted in visible areas of the bus or train or handed to the driver in person.
• Write a commendation. Commendations are sent to the driver's supervisor and put into the driver's employee file. An easy way to send a commendation is to email Riders@commtran.org or fill out this Contact Us form. Ensure you include the driver's name, route, and time. And don't forget to tell us why they should be commended.
• Spread the word about Transit Driver Appreciation Day on social media and encourage others to express their gratitude for the hard work of transit drivers. (The hashtag if #TDAD.)

Transit Driver Appreciation Day is an excellent opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of transit drivers who play a vital role in keeping our communities moving. These essential workers play a critical role in our daily lives, and their contributions should not go unnoticed. By showing appreciation for their service, we can help boost their morale and let them know their efforts are valued and appreciated.

Give 'em some KUDOS! Post a message of appreciation on our Kudoboard, and we'll share it with our drivers.