The wheels on the bus go round and round, thanks to Mason’s transit drivers

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To mark Transit Driver Appreciation Day, the ��ӽ紫ý community expressed gratitude for the public transit drivers who help the Mason Nation get to school, work, and around town.

Young children touch hands with the bus driver through the partition — Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

Leading up to the day, collected words of appreciation from shuttle riders via email. On March 18, Transit Driver Appreciation Day, partnered with the to distribute appreciation gift bags to drivers for , CUE Bus, and Metrobus as they passed through their usual stops on the Fairfax Campus.

Children visit with a bus driver and give an appreciation gift bag — Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

The gift bags included handmade cards from Child Development Center students, items and coupons from local businesses, and Mason swag.

The preschoolers enjoyed the chance to climb aboard the big, shiny buses and meet the community heroes who drive them.

A transit driver holds the appreciation gift bag she received for Transit Driver Appreciation Day — Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

The Mason Nation shared these anonymous words of appreciation for the transit drivers who help them get where they need to go:

“I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the incredibly skilled and kind professional drivers on the Fairfax/SciTech route. Having a safe, stress-free, and cost-free ride to work is an amazing benefit, and the way these professionals manage traffic and help all the students, staff, and faculty every day is to be commended.”

“I’m especially grateful to Osei, Farzad, CJ, and Teresa. You all make my on-campus work days easier and more enjoyable, and I truly appreciate your contributions to the Mason community. Thank you!”

Transit driver holds the appreciation bag she received — Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

“I’m a new grad student at ��ӽ紫ý. I just wanted to take a moment to give a shoutout to your awesome shuttle service and the amazing drivers who make my day a whole lot brighter.”

“As an international student, getting used to life here has been quite the adventure. But thanks to the Gunston shuttle, my daily commute from my apartment to campus has been a breeze. Having a stop right below my place is a game-changer!”

Children walk in a line toward the Mason Shuttle stop — Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

“Your drivers are absolute gems. Every morning, rain or shine, they greet me with a smile and a friendly, ‘Hi, how are you today?’ Even when I’m scrambling to find my ID before hopping on the bus (which, let’s be real, happens more often than I’d like to admit), they’re patient as can be.”

Two Mason Police officers pose and smile with a bus driver on a bus — Photo by Emily Ross/Mason Police

“Late into the night after class on a Monday, approximately 10:30 p.m., a fellow student had fallen fast asleep in their seat on the Gunston bus. The driver noticed and made sure they woke up at their stop. It was a small act of kindness that made sure we reached our destinations safely and on time.”

“Just want to send my sincere gratitude to all the hardworking shuttle drivers! Transit and public transportation have made my semester easier and cheaper on many occasions, and I hope that the work of the shuttle bus drivers never goes unnoticed.”

“Thank you to our Mason Shuttle drivers, and happy Transit Driver Appreciation Day! Especially thankful for drivers on the Fairfax–Mason Square route for safely and reliably getting me between campuses.”

Mason Police officer gives an appreciation bag to a transit driver on a bus — Photo by Emily Ross/Mason Police

“I'm always grateful for how punctual the Mason Shuttles are . . . and I appreciate being able to rely on them for my daily commute. I'm thankful for how safe the transit drivers are. I've never felt worried . . . even on busy highways and hectic roads. Especially at the start of the semester when many days were snowy and cold, I was grateful to have a warm, reliable shuttle home at the end of the day.”

“As an employee, it’s great to avoid the traffic and ride the shuttle each day I’m on campus. The drivers are always friendly, on time, and whether it’s a heartfelt hello or just a knowing nod and smile as we enter the shuttle, I can’t think of a better start or end to my workday. A massive thanks to all the shuttle drivers on this route. My fellow riders and I truly appreciate you being here!”

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