One Driver’s Commitment to Community Shines Through: Meet Bob

Meet Bob, a HopeSource driver who has been keeping our community moving since 2017. With a background in driving and mechanics, Bob was inspired by his pastor to get more involved in the community and found his perfect fit behind the wheel.

When he learned that driving a Central Transit bus was an option, he was all in. “I’m a hands-on operator, I like to fix things up, I always just enjoy taking care of the bus,” says Bob. Each morning, he brings his own tools, completes pre-trip inspections, and makes sure everything is safe and ready for the routes he serves.

You’ll most often find Bob driving Routes 15 and 16, and during the summer months, he also fills in on Kittitas County Connector routes as needed.

“Bob is always willing to jump in whenever he can. He’s also constantly thinking about how he can help make our program better by sharing what he observes out on the road — our drivers really are the eyes and ears of our operation.” says HopeSource Transportation Director Keiko Walsh. “He’s highlighted several areas where accessibility can be improved, and he brings thoughtful suggestions to the table so that everyone in our community can access the bus more easily.”

While Bob takes safety and reliability seriously, what matters most to him is the people he serves. “Probably the highlight and why I stay at it is the people, I like to hear people’s stories and the bus tends to allow for that. If I only have 1-2 people on the bus I get to ride with someone and just ask them how they’re doing. I get people that tell me ‘Bob you’re the only person I’ll talk to today’. I get to interact with someone who might have no one, that’s really the joy of driving.”

This month, we’re proud to recognize Bob for his 9 years of dedicated service, his care for riders, and his commitment to making transportation in Kittitas County safe, accessible, and welcoming for everyone.