Celebrating National Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation Day

Do you ride transit? If so, please take a moment today to thank your operator and help recognize the important work transit workers do as part of National Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation Day on March 18.


In 2023 Kingston Transit completed nearly 6.2 million trips, logging almost 5.5 million kilometres. That’s the same distance as driving to the moon and back seven times. All community members benefit from transit as each trip reduces passenger vehicles on the road, alleviating congestion.


“Everyday, thousands of trips move people to work, to shop, to events or to see family and friends,” said Mayor Bryan Paterson. “Transit is critical to our city in so many ways, from reducing our impact on the climate to supporting sustainable growth. It’s important we recognize that dedication and thank transit workers for their service.”


Nearly 225 people work with Kingston Transit in a wide variety of roles from bus operators and mechanics to customer service agents. 


“Transit is a people business, it’s people moving people, and without our operators and operations teams we wouldn’t have a transit system,” said Christopher Norris, General Manager of Kingston Transit. “Everyday our staff work hard to keep people moving around the city, it’s vital and significant work."


Keeping that fleet of buses on the roads requires an extremely dedicated support team in place seven days a week to make sure vehicles are available, safe, clean and in operating condition. That team manages thousands of parts, completes more than 4,000 work orders and 21,000 bus washes a year.


“Behind the scenes our fleet and maintenance staff keep the buses running smoothly by handling all preventative maintenance, repairs servicing and cleaning” said Brent Fowler, Director of Corporate Asset Management and Fleet. “To our dedicated staff – thank you for your care, expertise and professionalism in keeping our transit fleet operating.”