Luxton students, transit drivers building community together

Sun, rain or snow, our Winnipeg Transit bus drivers get us where we need to go—and students at Luxton School want those drivers to know that their efforts are appreciated.

Luxton students recently wrote letters thanking city bus drivers for providing safe, affordable and environmentally friendly transportation every day.

Over the past several years, the students have built a friendship with the bus drivers that help drive them to field trips and other community events. Last year, Luxton held a bus ridership workshop for its students and community.

“An amazing friendship has grown, from kids just talking to one bus driver,” said teacher Robert Schulz. “Our students realized that we have bus drivers right in our school community. They are our neighbours and some of the bus drivers are even parents here at Luxton. And I’m sure if we did some research, we’d find out there were some bus drivers that were students here at Luxton.”

The transit drivers certainly appreciated the students’ letters—and many decided to write back to the Luxton students.

“It’s a phenomenal feeling, it’s overwhelming the love we get from these children,” said Roger Ribiero, who has been a Winnipeg Transit driver for 14 years. “I still have all 24 of my letters that I personally responded to. Some days, when we have a bad day, it’s nice to read a letter and get cheered up.”

On Feb. 28, a large group of bus drivers from Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1505 visited Luxton and brought handfuls of letters in tow, presenting them to the students during a schoolwide assembly. Students were delighted to receive the letters, which aren’t as common in the digital age.

“It makes us feel happy, because a lot of people don’t appreciate the drivers as much as they should,” said student Rayna Pawlyk. “It makes us happy to know they feel appreciated by us.”

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1505 President Aleem Chaudhary commended students and Mr. Schulz for their ongoing efforts: “You have done a wonderful job of teaching the whole community how to commute in the city—with love. And that’s what community is all about.”

Students said a few kind words and courtesy go a long way when using public transit and communicating with bus drivers.

“Say thank you and appreciate them,” said student Linnea Martens. “The drivers are always there for us, so we should be there for them.”

Chanel Schulz said even when buses are running late in cold weather, passengers should be patient and gracious: “At least you were picked up out of the cold weather. Even if they’re late, you should still say thank you.”