Each day, First Transit safely operates 69 fixed-route buses for Tri Delta Transit, busing more than 2.5 million passengers annually. For Driver Robert Joaquin, safely transporting passengers is his core value and something he has taken seriously for a quarter of a century.

Originally from Pittsburg, Joaquin was recently saluted for his 25 years running fixed routes in Antioch. During that time, he is estimated to have transported more than 1.4 million passengers and driven more than 735,000 miles.

Joaquin hasn’t always been behind the wheel when riding on Tri Delta buses, however. As a regular rider in 1986, he learned about employment opportunities from bus drivers. He applied in 1986 and has never looked back.

“The best part of my job is meeting the people I bus throughout the community,” he said. “The passengers I encounter daily always make my day interesting. Meeting new passengers and getting to know veteran bus riders is always a treat and keeps me on my toes daily.”

To General Manager Susan Hinson, Joaquin is an operator who cares about his job and is an important part of the Tri Delta Transit operation. “Since coming on board, Robert has been a great asset to the organization,” Hinson said. “His work ethic and positive attitude have been contagious to all of our staff. We are lucky to have someone like Robert on our team.”

Throughout his time with the company, Joaquin has learned a great deal about the industry, especially his customers. He continually emphasizes the importance of customer service to his fellow drivers. “Every driver and customer should treat people the way they would like to be treated,” Joaquin said. “Doing this makes your customer happy and allows you to be successful in your tenure with the company.”

First Transit, Inc. operates in 45 states and employs 15,800 people. Joaquin is one of 616 First Transit drivers with more than 10 years of experience with First Transit.