More Community Transit buses are heading straight to local classrooms this school year, thanks to its award-winning youth program, Bussin’ Basics, and its team of Youth Engagement Specialist (YES) drivers.

Led by Natalie Lawrence and her crew, the interactive visits help students learn to ride the bus safely and independently throughout Snohomish County. Because of her vision and work helping young minds learn to navigate the state's third-largest public transit agency, Mass Transit magazine named Lawrence one of the top leaders in North America for 2026 in its annual 40 Under 40 list.

Her initiative features specially trained bus operators—known as YES drivers—who visit local schools to help tweens and teens develop real-world skills. During classroom visits, field trips, and library events, students learn:

• Route planning: How to use Community Transit’s online tools to find their buses and the right stops.
• Bike safety: How to easily secure a bicycle to the front rack of a bus.
• Using ORCA cards: How to use their free youth ORCA cards they receive from the YES team.
  

Lawrence has also created internship opportunities for students to keep her youth program operating at libraries and other special venues throughout the summer. Globally, she created an online networking group, Youth Mobility Professionals Unite, to help youth transit workers worldwide share ideas.

This school year, she’s on a mission to visit every incoming middle school class across Snohomish County so students can feel confident riding transit independently.

To learn more about the program, watch That Transit Show: How Public Transit Empowers Youth. You can also visit Community Transit’s website or send a message for details.