ANNAPOLIS, MD – Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller today joined the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration to celebrate National Transit Employee Appreciation Day and thank public transportation workers for their service at the Bush Bus Division in Baltimore. Joined by Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld and Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold, the appreciation event was the culmination of a week-long recognition of MTA transit workers. 

“Public transit is key to the success of the region and ensures that all of Maryland’s citizens can achieve their full potential,” said Lt. Gov. Miller. “Public transit workers are truly worthy of recognition for their efforts to deliver this critical service.”  

 

The Maryland Transit Administration’s Transit Employee Appreciation Week was inspired by Bus Operator Appreciation Day, first celebrated in various regions nationwide more than a decade ago. It is typically celebrated annually on March 18 to commemorate the launch day of the first bus line in 1662 in Paris. 

Every year, Maryland Transit Administration honors its “Superstars” in each division. The 2024 Bus Operator Superstar of the Year is Justin Harper of the Northwest Bus Division; this is the second consecutive year Mr. Harper has received this award. The 2024 Rail Operator Superstar of the Year is Light Rail Operator Mark Williams, and the Bush Bus Division has been honored as the 2024 Bus Division of the Year. 

 

“Whether they work on the front-lines or behind the scenes, the Maryland Department of Transportation is proud to honor the transit professionals who keep our systems running and our communities safe,” said Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld. “Their dedication to public service deserves to be celebrated.”

“Transit is a major driver of economic success and will help our region achieve our climate goals, none of which is possible without our outstanding transit workforce,” said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold. “Transit Worker Appreciation week is just a small way to say thank you to the dedicated women and men who keep Maryland moving.''