Behind the Wheel with RJ

HopeSource Transit Driver RJ has spent the last seven years helping keep Kittitas County connected, one ride at a time. Most days, you’ll find him driving Dial-A-Ride routes throughout Upper County, helping seniors, people with disabilities, and neighbors without transportation get where they need to go. For many riders, RJ is more than a driver, he’s a familiar face, a steady presence, and often someone they look forward to talking with each week. 

Long before joining HopeSource, RJ spent years traveling the country as a tour manager for bands, managing lighting and sound equipment while helping touring crews move from city to city. Raised in Ellensburg, he worked with local bands throughout high school before eventually taking larger tours on the road. “I always loved driving,” RJ says. “It feels kind of full circle now. Running public transit is a lot less hectic than tour managing, but it’s the same idea.” 

After years of traveling, RJ decided it was time to return home to Ellensburg and find work that kept him closer to community and family.  

He joined HopeSource in early 2020, since then, transportation has become far more than a job. 

“The favorite part for me is knowing I can get people to the places they need to be,” RJ says. “It’s tough not having transportation. It’s a good feeling knowing I can help make sure people get groceries, prescriptions, or make it to important appointments.” 

Many of the individuals RJ serves travel with him regularly sometimes for years at a time. Those daily conversations have created meaningful connections along the way. 

“The one-on-one rides are nice,” he explains. “People love to talk. I’ve gotten to know so many people over the years.” 

One rider in particular stands out to him, an 83-year-old man with what RJ describes as a “photographic memory” who can recall birthdays and stories from nearly every member of his extended family. “You really get to know people,” RJ says. “That’s what makes the work special.” 

While the relationships matter most, RJ also genuinely loves the routes themselves, especially the drives through Upper County. “I love going from Ellensburg all the way to Lake Cle Elum,” he says. “It’s always a beautiful drive in the summer.” 

RJ’s mornings often begin early, transporting groups of employees to work in Cle Elum before continuing routes throughout the day. Over time, he became known for willingly taking the earliest shifts each week. “I never ever dread coming to work,” he says. 

He’s also developed a special connection to the vehicle he drives every day. “I’ve had the same bus since it was basically brand new to us,” RJ explains. “It had 5,000 miles on it when I started driving it, and now it has over 155,000. I enjoy seeing it every day and taking care of it.” 

For rural communities like Kittitas County, transportation is often one of the biggest barriers people face. Without reliable transportation, accessing healthcare, employment, groceries, or community support can quickly become overwhelming. Drivers like RJ help bridge that gap every single day. 

“If you enjoy people and like driving, you get a lot of both here,” RJ says. “It’s a good company to work for and a good place to be.” 

For the countless neighbors he’s transported safely across the county over the last seven years, RJ has become an important part of what makes community connection possible.