Thank a bus driver today

For 10 years, Frank Teichmann has been behind the wheel of a Kelowna Regional Transit bus.

He is the most requested member of the peer-to-peer defuser program, where operators assist their colleagues who are in need of counselling following a challenging situation on the job.

Frank also is the team lead on the Santa Sleigh Bus at Christmas, and always gives his riders a friendly hello when they come aboard.

Years of dedication and hard work on the job have not gone unnoticed, as BC Transit is recognizing Teichmann ahead of Driver Appreciation day scheduled for March 18. Teichmann says he still very much enjoys his job and driving the city bus.

“It’s a nice job that I still get up in the morning and still enjoy going to work, and I work with a really good bunch of bus drivers that make it a lot easier."

His job on the road has given Teichmann the opportunity to meet and talk with Kelowna locals giving him a real feel for the city after moving with his family from Saskatchewan in the early 2000s.

“As time goes on you get to know your passengers and that is nice. People get on and you recognized them, you know each other and you can have a little chit chat as they cruise by you,” explains Teichmann. “You get to be more personable with people."

Over the years Frank has driven routes through Rutland, Lakeshore and West Kelowna, but most recently he has been placed on the number 5.

“I have variety in my shifts, I do this shift (driving route number 5) for two days then on Wednesday I will switch to a different run for two days, so that gives me that variety."

The special salute by BC Transit and Kelowna Regional Transit came as a bit of a surprise for Teichmann.

“I was surprised when I got a call and they said that I won,” he laughs. “It is nice to be recognized for the profession that you do.”

The Kelowna transit driver was even given a nod by Kelowna-Mission MLA Steve Thomson and Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick.

"Every day, residents of Kelowna rely on a transit system that is safe, comfortable and reliable. Drivers like Frank are a big part of that success, and we thank him for his contributions,” says Thompson.

“Drivers like Frank are a big part of that success, and we thank him for his contributions,” adds Letnick.

When asked what the future will hold now he has been recognized, Teichmann replied, “Keep driving the bus I guess, just keep driving."