Courtesy photo.
OXNARD — Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) recognized three of its bus operators for joining the prestigious One Million Mile Club and Two Million Mile Club, as determined by the National Safety Council, during today’s Board of Directors’ meeting. The former recognizes professional drivers who have completed 25,000 hours of drive time (12.5 years) without a preventable accident and the latter recognizes those who have driven 50,000 hours of drive time without a preventable accident.
Every few years, GCTD has the privilege of recognizing bus operators for joining this elite group of safe drivers. This year there are two drivers joining the Million Mile Club and one operator earning their second million mile recognition.
Joining the Million Mile Club this year are operators Cresencio Juarez and Francisco Leon. Operator Juarez joined GCTD in December of 1999 and Operator Leon joined in February of 2002. They are 24th and 25th GCTD operators to reach this milestone.
Additionally, GCTD is proud to welcome another member to the Two Million Mile Club. Operator Robyn Walton has accomplished 50,000 hours (25 years) of driving without a preventable accident. Operator Walton began her driving career in September of 1983. She becomes the sixth GCTD operator to earn this honor.
As of today, ten of those 25 members of the Million Mile Club are still driving. These operators share their experience and advice with newer operators every day.
“In today’s driving conditions these operators have accomplished something that demonstrates their high level of safety consciousness and commitment to the safety of their passengers, fellow motorists, pedestrians and cyclists”, said Andrew Mikkelson, Director of Transit Operations. “To put this achievement into perspective, one million miles is the equivalent of driving from Los Angeles to New York City – three hundred and sixty times”, he added.
GCTD is privileged to recognize the operators for this hard earned and well-deserved honor.
About the District: Gold Coast Transit District provides safe, responsive, convenient, efficient, and environmentally responsible fixed-route bus and paratransit public transportation that serves the diverse needs of the cities of Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Ventura, and in the unincorporated County areas between the cities. Utilizing a fleet of 56 clean natural gas-fueled buses, and 26 paratransit buses and vans, GCTD carries nearly 4 million passengers annually on its 20 bus routes. GCTD is the largest provider of public transit in Ventura County and is governed by a Board of Directors made up of an elected official from each member jurisdiction. For more information or to plan your trip, visit www.GoldCoastTransit.org