2025 Midwest Transit Operator Champions
Brandie Smith, Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority, Paratransit Operator
How this operator has gone above and beyond this past year: Although Brandie Smith has been with CGCTA for less than a year, her dedication and impact have been nothing short of exceptional. From day one, Brandie has shown a strong commitment to their mission, consistently going above and beyond to serve the riders. She is dependable, eager to learn, and always ready to lend a hand. Her enthusiasm and reliability quickly earned her the role of driver trainer for new employees. Brandie truly cares about the safety and well-being of the riders, taking the time to build meaningful relationships with them and their families. She regularly transports dialysis patients several days a week, and her warm, caring personality brings comfort and positivity to their day. Brandie understands the importance of her role and consistently ensures her responsibilities are carried out with excellence and compassion.
Dwayne Bratcher, Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority, Demand Response Operator
How this operator has gone above and beyond this past year: This year, Dwayne has consistently gone above and beyond in his service to both CGCTA and the riders. His dedication is evident in his reliability—he arrives early for every shift and is always willing to stay late when needed. Dwayne approaches his work with a positive attitude and a welcoming smile, earning the trust and appreciation of our riders, many of whom specifically request him for their trips. His personal philosophy centers around communication and patience, emphasizing the importance of working closely with both riders and the dispatch team to ensure the highest level of service. Dwayne takes great pride in being part of CGCTA’s mission to support the community, especially seniors who rely on our services the most. His commitment and compassion truly make a difference every day.
Taylor Miller, Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation, Transportation Coordinator
How this operator has gone above and beyond this past year: Taylor has spent her own time and money getting out in the community and advocating for those that need transportation services. Whether she is recruiting volunteers or speaking with politicians about funding, she will make sure everyone in the room knows about her program and how they can get involved. The EZMO program has seen substantial growth since Taylor took charge.
Dora Howard, Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA), Badge #3
How this operator has gone above and beyond this past year: Dora has built a successful career and continues to provide excellent customer service to her coworkers and the passengers she transports daily. Dora comes to work each day and is always willing to work extra hours to ensure that service is running smoothly. Due to her dedicated service, she has achieved the status of badge #3.
Geralyn Pardo, OATS Transit – Labadie MO, Mideast Region
How this operator has gone above and beyond this past year: Geralyn has been with OATS Transit for three years. She mainly drives a senior center route and takes riders to life-saving dialysis appointments. The local staff call her a true hero– one day while she was doing her normal route she stopped for a rider, but that rider wasn’t answering her door. After waiting several minutes she had the office call the rider, but still no answer. Geralyn then went back to the rider’s door and noticed it was unlocked, so she yelled inside and the rider responded that she had fallen and needed help. Geralyn called 911 and stayed there until the EMS arrived. It turned out the rider had fallen and broke her arm, and was unable to get up. She was overly grateful for her going above and beyond when she didn’t get on the bus as usual.
Gerald “Jerry” Browning, OATS Transit – Nixa, MO, Southwest Region
How this operator has gone above and beyond this past year:Jerry has been a driver in OATS Transit’s Southwest Region since 2017. He works so well with our Christian County riders with developmental disabilities. Jerry goes above and beyond to make sure his riders are taken care of, and he treats them like family. He performs safe, reliable, courteous transportation daily to the Christian County Enterprises Workshop, and to day programs in Nixa and in Springfield MO.
Mike Born, OATS Transit – Lee’s Summit, MO, Midwest Region
How this operator has gone above and beyond this past year: Mike Born has been with us for over six years. He is knowledgeable about our clients and very good with understanding route efficiencies. Mike is very helpful in working with the dispatch team to problem solve routing issues, and lets management know if he has concerns about a rider. He’s a great driver to send when locations need checked out or when subbing on routes outside his county when needed. Mike is happy to jump in and help out and we appreciate Mike’s reliability, willingness to help out where its needed.
Terry Burns, OATS Transit – Braymer, MO, Northwest Region
How this operator has gone above and beyond this past year: Terry Burns has been with OATS Transit for over 25 years. She has been involved in Clinton and Caldwell counties getting the riders where they need to go. She often plans extra trips during the holidays to make sure the riders see the Christmas lights and get those Christmas presents. There is not a thrift store in the region that the bus has not shopped at, always looking for a bargain for the riders. We appreciate Terry’s dedication to OATS Transit and her service to our riders.
Forrest Williams, OATS Transit – Camdenton, MO, Mid-MO Region
How this operator has gone above and beyond this past year:Forrest has been with OATS Transit since 2022. He drives in the Lake of the Ozarks area and is a strong team player. He is very friendly, loved by his riders, and has a willingness to help OATS Transit succeed. Forrest is an all-around great driver and a positive representative of OATS Transit in the communities we serve.
Magdalena “Magda” Villareal Reed, OATS Transit – Calhoun, MO, Midwest Region
How this operator has gone above and beyond this past year: Magda has been with the Midwest Region since November 2007. As a CDL driver, she has the flexibility to provide transportation in any vehicle in our fleet. Magda occasionally serves as a translator for our riders since she speaks fluent Spanish. During the pandemic, Magda even took the test and earned her American citizenship, which is a great honor. She also maintains her bus in a manner that makes others green with envy. Magda has been a great asset to the Midwest Region!
Bus Operators, City Utilities of Springfield
How this operator has gone above and beyond this past year: On April 29, 2025 Springfield, MO was hit with unexpected devastating storms that caused outages to over 60,000 electric customers, damage to trees, and destroyed many buildings. Bus Operators reacted immediately to the sound of the storm sirens and direction of their supervisors to seek shelter for themselves and their passengers. Some experienced difficulties in securing shelter and persevered. During this storm, no lives were lost in the community and efforts of employees like CU’s Bus Operators are the reason why. CU Transit had participated in the Statewide Tornado drill just six weeks prior. This honor goes to all the Bus Operators on duty during the event. Tim Coram has been with CU for 38 years and was the most senior operator working that day. Mike Penrod was the newest operator working that morning having been with CU only 3 weeks at the time of the storm.
Noe’ Flores, SMTS, Inc., Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
How this operator has gone above and beyond this past year: Noe’ began driving for SMTS in August of 2024 and transports riders for non-emergency medical trips in Dent County, Missouri. In the past year, he has quickly proven to be reliable, kind, and always willing to go the extra mile. He consistently steps up without hesitation, volunteering for difficult or early trips, including long-distance dialysis runs, even if it means starting his day before dawn. Riders frequently express how much they enjoy riding with him because he has such a caring soul. He is always smiling and joking, which lifts the spirits of everyone around him. Noe’s commitment to helping others and his unwavering dedication to the team truly set him apart.
Tony Tate, SMTS, Inc., Workshop Transportation
How this operator has gone above and beyond this past year: Tony started driving for SMTS in 2019 in St. Francois County and quickly became a favorite, making lasting impressions with his riders and peers. Tony consistently goes above and beyond and is known for his kindness and uplifting spirit amongst riders and workshop staff. He brings joy to every ride, offers comfort during difficult times, and always takes the time to check in, lend a hand, or simply share a smile. Whether it’s helping someone through a personal health crisis, ensuring everyone’s safety with quiet respect, or cheering up a client having a rough day, Tony shows unmatched dedication and compassion. His reliability, friendliness, and genuine care make him truly the best of the best.
Whitney Phillips, SMTS, Inc., Long-Distance Transportation
How this operator has gone above and beyond this past year: Whitney is a truly compassionate and dedicated professional who consistently goes the extra mile for those she serves. Driving for SMTS since 2023 in Texas County, Missouri, she has shown consistent kindness, patience, and respect to her riders. Her friendly demeanor makes every interaction feel respectful and valued, never rushed or burdensome. Whether it’s recognizing a rider’s medical need and taking quick action to help, or simply showing up each day with a warm attitude and genuine care, Whitney brings comfort, safety, and positivity to every ride. Her reliability, attentiveness, and hardworking nature make her not only a pleasure to be around but an invaluable part of the team.
JR Parker, SMTS, Inc., Paratransit (Local Service)
How this operator has gone above and beyond this past year: JR has been driving for SMTS since 2018, with a focus on providing local paratransit service in Crawford County, Missouri. JR is a dedicated, dependable, and genuinely caring team member who goes above and beyond for both his fellow drivers and the riders he serves. Always ready to lend a hand without complaint, JR steps in whenever needed and is known for his positive attitude and team spirit. Riders often request him specifically because of the respectful and kind way he treats them. Whether he’s solving problems on the fly, assisting others with challenges, or working on projects in his spare time, JR brings reliability, initiative, and heart to everything he does.
Vernon Neel, SMTS, Inc., Deviated Fixed Route
How this operator has gone above and beyond this past year: Vernon started driving for SMTS in February 2023 as a driver for the “SMTS Connect” fixed route in Phelps County, Missouri. Vernon quickly became known for his dependability, self-sufficient work ethic, and strong attention to detail. Vernon is also deeply caring and consistently goes above and beyond for his riders. He takes pride in every aspect of his work, from maintaining a spotless vehicle so it is safe and comfortable for the riders to ensuring his paperwork is accurate and complete every day. Each morning and afternoon, he checks in with his supervisor and team to see if anything is needed, demonstrating a proactive and thoughtful attitude. Vernon’s dedication to his work is matched by his warm personality and the care he brings to both his team and passengers. Outside of work, he enjoys gardening and spending quality time vacationing with his family.
Charles Boone, Bi-State Development/Metro Transit, Bus Operator
How this operator has gone above and beyond this past year: Charles stands out for several reasons:
• He has driven the most miles among his peers—over 30,000 miles in just one year—while operating one of the highest-volume routes in the Metro system.
• Even more impressive, he accomplished this with zero customer complaints, stellar attendance, and an on-time performance rate of 96%.
• Not only does he carry a heavy load, but he also makes it look effortless.
Takesha Standford, Bi-State Development/Metro Transit, Call-A-Ride Van Operator
How this operator has gone above and beyond this past year: It is with deep pride and heartfelt appreciation that Metro Transit recognizes Operator Takesha Standford as this year’s Van Operator of the Year. Earning this prestigious honor for a second consecutive year is an extraordinary achievement, underscoring her unwavering professionalism and sustained excellence. Over the past year, Operator Standford has gone above and beyond in delivering compassionate, attentive, and respectful service—especially to individuals with disabilities. Her thoughtful accommodations and genuine care have left a lasting impact on the lives of countless passengers, many of whom have shared their praise and gratitude for her exceptional support. Whether assisting with mobility needs or ensuring a dignified experience from door to destination, she continually exemplifies what it means to serve with empathy and integrity. In addition to her outstanding customer service, she has maintained a flawless safety record with zero accidents, earned numerous commendations from riders, and demonstrated impeccable reliability through perfect attendance and conduct. Operator Standford sets a gold standard for others to follow, and her work reflects the highest values of this organization. We are proud to celebrate her contributions and dedication—and we invite everyone to join us in congratulating her on this well-earned and deeply meaningful recognition.
Eric Dixon, Bi-State Development/Metro Transit, MetroLink LRV Operator
How this operator has gone above and beyond this past year: Eric Dixon consistently goes above and beyond in his daily responsibilities. Recently, he received commendation from a customer for maintaining his composure and professionalism while being verbally confronted during a train ride. His ability to remain calm and respectful under pressure reflects his strong character and dedication to exceptional service.
Mark Hoover, SERVE, Inc., Driver
How this operator has gone above and beyond this past year: Mark is an outstanding driver. He cares for all of his riders and they love him. He particularly cares about the safety and security of everyone. He is being nominated because he goes above and beyond for anyone in need. This year a rider called and wanted to give a shout out to Mark as he had helped a rider with her groceries when she became ill and needed help taking them into her home. He helped assure things were unloaded and helped her get her medicine and made sure she was resting in a chair before leaving. Then contacted a family member to check on her. He has done this on several occasions this year. He doesn’t simply drop them at their desired location but makes sure they are inside and safe. Mark never complains about his route and rarely has trouble with a rider. Mark is a joy to work with!
Ray Whitlock, City of Joplin, Transit 3 Driver
How this operator has gone above and beyond this past year: This driver is always helpful to all of our citizens. A new elderly rider became unable to exit a restroom. The driver arrived for the pick up and was asked by the business staff to come to the restroom and assist the rider. Our driver protected the dignity of this rider, by assisting as needed. She arrived safely home.
Mike Costelow, KC Streetcar Authority
How this operator has gone above and beyond this past year: KC Streetcar Operator Mike Costelow has consistently shown himself to be a reliable, professional, and invaluable member of the KC Streetcar team. Mike has been a part of the KC Streetcar team since nearly the beginning, and everyone knows Mike as a dependable teammate. Mike has gone above and beyond this year by supporting KC Streetcar expansion efforts and new vehicle testing. He is the go-to Operator for new testing efforts and has been extremely flexible and dynamic over the past year (and longer). Mike takes each day, one day at a time and operates in a calm and collected manner. The KC Streetcar is lucky, and proud, to have Operator Costelow on the team. We look forward to many more great years!
Max Smelser, Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA), Lead Driver
How this operator has gone above and beyond this past year: Max has been an invaluable member of the SWITA team for 15 years and has been honored as Driver of the Year twice during his tenure. His commitment to excellence is evident in everything he does, from ensuring that the facilities and vehicles are always in top condition to providing exceptional care for both drivers and passengers. Max consistently goes above and beyond his duties, always ready to lend a hand to those in need. His reliability is unmatched—he never misses a shift, demonstrating a strong work ethic that inspires others. Beyond being an outstanding lead driver, Max is genuinely a good person. His positive attitude and dedication make a significant impact on the team and the community he serves.