September 03, 2014
Newest batch of 43 buses will be named for RTS employees’ children and grandchildren
One of the perks of working at RTS is the opportunity to have a bus named for your child or grandchild. Before each new bus is rolled out to serve the public, a child’s name is painted on the outside and remains there for the life of the bus.
RTS holds a drawing to choose children’s names and then dedicates the buses at a brief ceremony. Three ceremonies scheduled for Sept. 6 and 13 will launch 83 new buses for RTS and regional subsidiaries in Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Wayne and Wyoming counties.
Names are randomly chosen from employee submissions of children ages 12 and under. This year, more than 150 employees entered the drawing. Once a child’s name has been added, it typically remains on the bus until it is taken out of service—approximately 12 years. Since the practice began in 2009, 353 buses have been put in service bearing a name.
RTS Chief Executive Officer Bill Carpenter says, “We think this is a great way to celebrate our staff and, at the same time, make the riding experience a little bit friendlier for our customers. Since we started the tradition, it’s been one of the most popular staff events we hold, and definitely delightful to see the kids receive certificates bearing their buses’ number.”
Dates, times and locations of the events are:
10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Sept. 6
RTS Livingston (includes buses for RTS Genesee, RTS Livingston and RTS Wyoming)
4390 Gypsy Lane, Mt. Morris, NY 14510 (click here for map)
9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13
RTS Wayne
7227 Route 31, Lyons, NY 14489 (click here for map)
Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13
RTS Administrative Offices, Garage ‘B’ (click here for map)
1372 East Main Street, Rochester 14609
Event programs include remarks by Carpenter, a photo opportunity for families and light refreshments. Afterwards, the kids have a chance to explore the buses!
Free parking is available at each location.
About RTS
Rochester Transit Service (RTS) provides public bus transportation and paratransit service in Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. Recognized as one of the best-run transit systems in the nation, our 900+ employees proudly enjoy serving our customers who count on us for nearly 18.5 million rides each year. A public benefit entity and one of four regional transportation authorities in New York State, RTS is governed by 14 appointed commissioners who represent the City of Rochester, County of Monroe, and the surrounding counties in which RTS provides services. For more information, visit www.myRTS.com.
Back to all news