On March 18th, the nation celebrates Transit Employee Appreciation Day, and WeDriveU is honoring this occasion throughout the week. This is a special opportunity to recognize the dedicated professionals in our industry and acknowledge the team members who make invaluable contributions every day and we thank the American Public Transportation Association for leading this occasion.

From bus drivers to maintenance crews, customer service representatives, and administrative staff, each role plays a vital part in ensuring seamless and reliable transportation. Their dedication not only fuels our communities but also enriches lives across the nation and within WeDriveU.

Well-Deserved Employee Accolades

To our 5,500 employees, we #WeThankU!

Employee recognition is a big part of our culture. Join us in showing appreciation for these incredible individuals who go the extra mile—because every ride matters, as do our team members behind the scenes and the wheel! Click the image below for a slideshow.

 

 

Colline Kikonyogo | Safety Manager

WeDriveU supporting MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) in Framingham, Maschussets

Colline has been an outstanding employee, excelling in various roles such as driver, dispatcher, demand response manager, and currently, safety manager. He is a dedicated professional who has made significant contributions as a leader, teacher, trainer, and team player within his safety team and in management.

Colline consistently goes the extra mile to assist new trainees, especially in clarifying safety-related topics that they may not fully understand. He demonstrates exceptional patience and empathy during his training sessions.

He never rushes through his classroom instruction, ensuring that each trainee fully comprehends the material. His calm demeanor fosters a supportive learning environment.

Having started as a driver himself, Colline relates deeply to his trainees. This background allows him to connect with and effectively guide drivers, significantly contributing to their professional growth and success.

“Thank you, Colline, for your hard work and commitment! Colline’s passion and diligent efforts truly set him apart.” — Giovanni Fleurancois, General Manager

Going the Extra (Millionth) Mile

Roberta Franklin | Driver

WeDriveU supporting Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) in Charleston, South Carolina

Roberta Franklin is more than a dedicated driver—she’s a compassionate professional whose hard work, and commitment to outstanding service make her an invaluable part of the team. Her unwavering dedication leaves a lasting impact every day.

Here are a few examples of what her Operations Manager says makes her truly exceptional:

• Over 1 million miles driven: A proud member of the Million Mile Club!
• Customer-focused: She cherishes the connections she’s built with her riders over the years.
• Team-oriented: A true team player who values collaboration and gets along with everyone.
• A valuable life lesson: Her role has deepened her respect for individuals with disabilities and taught her the importance of patience.

Roberta loves to travel, especially to Jamaica with her husband. An avid reader, she finds inspiration and wisdom in her favorite book, the Bible.

She also lives by the Golden Rule, embracing the philosophy: “Treat people the way you want to be treated.”

Lawrence Chavis | Driver

WeDriveU supporting WashU in St. Louis, Missouri

Lawrence Chavis recently appeared in the WashU Student Life Newspaper and was recognized as the new Shopper Shuttle driver, receiving high praise from both clients and students.

He is valued for his friendly demeanor and commitment to safety. Students affectionately refer to him as “Mr. Lawrence,” and commend his dedication.

Student Christiana Wills noted, “I feel as though Mr. Lawrence has done a fantastic job with the amount of work he has been given to accommodate the students.” (Konstorum, M., WashU Student Life Newspaper, Feb. 13, 2025).

Our St. Louis CSC acknowledges Lawrence for his outstanding work on the newly implemented “Shoppers Shuttle” route and “his contributions to the team have been valuable and truly exceptional. He has been a rock star, and his guidance has put us on a successful path.”

Jahaira Zagarell | Deputy General Counsel

WeDriveU Corporate Team

Jahaira is a dedicated legal professional with a passion for labor and employment law. As WeDriveU’s Deputy General Counsel, she helps navigate workplace challenges with expertise and a deep commitment to fairness.

Born and raised in the South Bronx, Jahaira’s resilience and drive were shaped by her community and the strong women in her family, whose perseverance continues to inspire her. Now based in Peekskill, NY, she brings that same determination to her work every day.

When she’s not tackling legal complexities, you can find Jahaira spending quality time with family, getting lost in a good book, or staying active. No matter what she’s doing, she’s always guided by the values of hard work, justice, and the people who shaped her journey.

Jason Woznac | Maintenance Manager

WeDriveU supporting Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) in Charleston, South Carolina

Growing up in a household where public transit was more than just a means of getting around, Jason Woznac’s connection to transportation began long before his professional journey. His mother, a paratransit operator, climbed the ranks to become a general manager in Massachusetts. For Woznac, riding the bus with her wasn’t merely a daily routine, it was his first classroom in the world of transit.

“I grew up on the bus,” Woznac reflects. “Transit has always been a part of my life, and watching my mom navigate her role inspired me from an early age.”

For over 20 years, Woznac has built a career that mirrors the dedication he witnessed as a child. Starting as a fueler/cleaner in 2003, he has navigated the evolving world of public transportation across various cities and roles. Today, he serves as the Maintenance Manager for WeDriveU in Charleston at CARTA, where his hands-on leadership style has made him a pivotal figure in keeping the city’s transit system running.

When asked about the challenges and rewards of his role, Woznac emphasized the dynamic nature of the job. “It’s not a desk job. I’m out there, making decisions, solving problems and working alongside my team.”

Reflecting on his journey, Woznac’s deep-rooted connection to the industry is clear. “It’s a career, not just a job,” he emphasizes. For those considering a path in transit, particularly young mechanics or those in trade schools, his advice is clear: “You’re going to learn a lot more than just being a diesel mechanic. With advancements in technology, from electronics to electric buses, it’s a constantly evolving field.”

“I’m here because I love what I do.”

And with that love comes a deep responsibility, to his team, his city and the countless people who rely on them every day.

Costillion (CJ) Bond | Driver

WeDriveU supporting Valley Metro in Phoenix, Arizona

“CJ is a dependable and trustworthy employee. We regularly receive calls from her riders expressing appreciation for her work. She greets her customers with a smile every time.” — Freddy Jimmy Chavez, General Manager

CJ is well-liked by all of her co-workers; she is easy to talk to and always willing to help out new drivers, making them feel comfortable. Her proudest moments come when riders contact Valley Metro to share positive feedback about her, earning her recognition in front of her peers.

Customers express admiration for CJ:

I would say that CJ is the BEST driver we have had to date. It’s not just driving either. CJ is friendly and has a sense of calm that welcomes you on the bus. CJ is a FANTASTIC driver and again the best that we’ve had. CJ is on time, patient, steady & smooth, we really enjoy her.

Another rider noted, “CJ is always on time, excellent driver, very courteous, really goes above and beyond in regards to helping people and she never goes over the curb. She is the best.”

CJ stands out for her professionalism, constant smile, and flawless safety record. She is dependable and trustworthy, consistently arriving on time, never missing a day, and maintaining a perfect On Time Performance record with zero customer complaints.

Tarrence (TJ) Jennings | Safety Manager

WeDriveU supporting Kern Transit (unincorporated communities) in Bakersfield, California

“TJ is organized, kind, and knowledgeable. He is always willing to help, and I don’t believe he has ever received a negative remark in the nearly seven years that I have worked with TJ.”
— Norma Quintero Hernandez, Operations Manager

Transit operations require strict compliance with state and federal laws, including mandatory driver training. New hires must complete a set number of training hours, followed by ongoing education to maintain their Transit driver’s license. Training covers ADA procedures, including wheelchair securement, and pre-inspection protocols to ensure vehicle safety. TJ remains consistently up to date with DOT regulations, requirements, and training.

TJ is always ready to help. When a fellow driver was impacted by another car running a red light, he immediately drove two hours to offer support, ensuring their well-being and that all proper procedures were followed. His quick response and dedication reflect his commitment to his team.

TJ is committed to training and adapting to various driver needs at the Kern County location, where drivers receive on-site training and assistance in obtaining their commercial driver’s licenses. The driver pool is diverse, with varying levels of certification—from permits to Class A and B licenses with or without endorsements. Training requirements are tailored to each case, and when DMV testing is required, TJ personally oversees and prepares drivers for success.

Amalia (Molly) Rosario | Office Administration

WeDriveU supporting Kern Transit (unincorporated communities) in Bakersfield, California

Molly is an outstanding team player who consistently exceeds expectations in every task. She not only fulfills her responsibilities but also helps oversee services to ensure all routes are covered, passengers reach their destinations, and operations run smoothly.

The Kern Transit operation runs 22/7 with only 2 hours of downtime within 24 hours. Calls come in almost nonstop for incidents, accidents, and call-offs. Molly helps cover routes, swaps out Dial-A-Ride vans when needed, and performs basic farebox maintenance—critical for funding. If dispatch gets busy, she steps in to handle customer calls. Whatever the task, Molly ensures operations run efficiently.

The only job Molly can’t do is drive a bus—she lacks a commercial driver’s license. From dispatching and scheduling to Zonar training, she does it all. She’s the go-to person for drivers locked out of ADP, struggling with W-2 downloads, or needing help with driver logs.

When Operations Manager Norma prepared for her maternity leave, Molly stepped in to learn her daily responsibilities, ensuring that nothing was overlooked. Although she likely felt some stress, she never complained and maintained a calm demeanor. Molly became the backbone of the Customer Service Center (CSC), providing support to both WeDriveU and our customers. Throughout all the transitions during her years of service, Molly has proven to be an invaluable asset to everyone.

“Her door is always open for anyone who needs assistance or a listening ear. We all could benefit from having ‘a Molly’ in our lives.” — Norma Quintero Hernandez, Operations Manager

Cristina Hallner | Director of Marketing

WeDriveU Corporate Team

Cristina, a 2024 graduate, participated in the Latinos in Transit (LIT) Leadership Academy, a program focused on community-building, knowledge-sharing, and leadership growth in public transportation. As part of the Capstone project, she collaborated with transit professionals to develop strategies shaping the future of transit.

She also serves as a Co-chair of WeDriveU’s Unidos ERG. In an engaging Unidos-hosted webinar, Cristina shared her LIT Leadership Academy journey—her motivations, experiences, and key takeaways. She collaborated with @acess and SunLine for the Leadership Academy Presentation series, presenting The Paratransit Transformers – Leading in Middle Management.

Cristina provided valuable insights on the application process, five-month certification journey, research, presentations, and cross-industry collaboration. Her firsthand experience offered attendees a roadmap for pursuing the program in 2025.

Where’s Your Career Journey Taking You?

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