Editor’s Note – May/June 2025

Shown are Lucia Gallegos and Robert Aguilera. (Photo courtesy of VVTA)

Among the many responsibilities of a bus/motorcoach driver — and there are many — is providing another set of eyes on the road and surrounding area. Not only is that important when watching for distracted drivers and inattentive pedestrians, but there are many examples of bus/coach drivers coming to the rescue when something “just doesn’t seem right.”

Case in point, at its April 2025 Board of Directors Meeting, the Victor Valley Transit Authority (VVTA) honored two bus operators, Robert Aguilera and Lucia Gallegos, for their exceptional actions in protecting and assisting vulnerable individuals while on duty. The VVTA Board of Directors presented each operator with a formal proclamation in recognition of their extraordinary service to the community.

Robert Aguilera, while driving along C Avenue, observed a small child standing alone in the middle of the road. Without hesitation, Aguilera safely stopped the bus, allowed the child to board, and immediately contacted VVTA dispatch to request assistance from a supervisor and the San Bernardino (CA) County Sheriff’s Department. He remained with the child until deputies arrived, who were then able to reunite the child with the mother.

Meanwhile, Lucia Gallegos, operating Route 66 near Olive and G Streets, noticed an elderly man near a bus stop who appeared disoriented. After stopping the bus and speaking with him, she realized he was confused and possibly lost. Suspecting he may be experiencing dementia, Gallegos offered him a courtesy fare and contacted dispatch for help. A road supervisor and a sheriff deputy responded and discovered the man was from Bakersfield, CA. Thanks to Gallegos’ care and attentiveness, the man was safely reunited with his family and returned home via Greyhound bus.

There have been many cases through the years of bus/coach drivers “saving the day” for somebody — and perhaps saving a life. With today’s advancements in autonomous driving technology, it should not be forgotten the important role drivers serve when it comes to all areas of public safety.

I would also like to remind our readers that nominations are still open for Busline Magazine’s annual “Women To Recognize In Busing” award, which spotlights female leaders whose accomplishments set a foundation for women in all levels of service to the bus industry.

Entries are due August 1, 2025, and can be made by visiting buslinemag.com/women-to-recognize-in-busing/. Post-award coverage will take place in the September/October 2025 issue of Busline, as well as at www.buslinemag.com, and in our Busline enewsletter. This award is open to all females involved in either the private or public bus transportation systems. Honorees will be vetted by the Busline editorial staff.

I would like to thank everyone for their continual support of Busline Magazine. Please send news items and story ideas to: harrellk@rdgmedia.net.

Harrell Kerkhoff

Editor, Busline Magazine