Wes Bauer was recently selected as City Utilities Transit's 2009 Driver of the Year. This is a program that was developed in 1985 and is designed to recognize excellence in the bus operator group. A committee of his peers and supervisors selected Wes for this award. Criteria for the award include excellent job performance, good attendance and accident-free driving. City Utilities bus operators average 25,000 miles each year on their route. Wes currently works a split shift that serves the north part of Springfield in the morning and the southwest area of Springfield during the afternoon hours. He has been with City Utilities since 2000 and also serves as the union steward for the Amalgamated Transit Union. Wes truly believes in the service we provide, he is totally focused on the customer. Bus operators have a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our customers – everyday they can influence the lives of people in a positive way.