Connecting Neighbors, One Ride at a Time: Meet Susan

After a long and successful career with Alaska Airlines, Susan and her family returned to the Ellensburg area to be closer to family. After a few years of retirement, she found herself ready for a new adventure. “I love Kittitas County; the beautiful views, the mountains, and seeing the seasons change driving on I-90,” Susan says.  

HopeSource drivers were assisting with transportation for her aging mom, and that’s how Susan first learned about the programs. When she was ready to hit the road herself, she stopped a driver one day and asked how she could get involved. “I spoke with a driver to see how the job might fit into my life,” Susan recalls. Within a few weeks, Susan was behind the wheel, beginning what would become an eight-year career driving for HopeSource. 

“I love seeing the people that ride the bus with me, a lot of them have become friends, you get to learn about their animals and friends. I’ve learned so much about how different people live in our community. Really all walks of life use the buses.”  

From college students getting to class and shopping to seniors traveling to medical appointments and the grocery store, Susan has seen firsthand the importance of reliable transportation in the community  “A lot of them wouldn’t be able to get anywhere they need to go if it weren’t for our buses,” she says. 

When the Kittitas County Connector routes began in 2019, she began driving daily routes connecting Ellensburg with Cle Elum, Ronald and Roslyn. One of her favorite parts of the route has been the occasional opportunity to pick up Pacific Crest Trail hikers. “I love getting to meet the thru-hikers and hear what they’ve accomplished, it’s amazing,” Susan shares, “People get on the bus and they always ask how much it costs, and I have to say no it’s a free service, and they’re just amazed! Not a lot of places have that.” 

Eight years later, Susan still loves the work and is quick to recommend the opportunity to anyone considering becoming a HopeSource driver. “I have encouraged a lot of people to become drivers. It’s a great place to work. The people you work for and with are caring and fun, they love what they do, and they really have your back.” 

We’re grateful for the care and dedication Susan brings to every route and every rider in Kittitas County. Thank you, Susan, for eight years of helping our community get where it needs to go.