At Votran, 30 drivers working for the public transit agency
have reached the one million safety milestone, and another four drivers who
have each driven two million accident-free miles. It takes a Votran fixed
route driver about 12 years to drive one million miles.
Evett “Doc” Wilson was the first Votran driver to
accomplish the achievement of one and two million safe miles. Bernard
Huggins, Nathaniel Flynt and Paul Garrigan have also driven two million
miles without an accident. These four drivers showcase Votran’s excellent
safety record.
“The Votran team is very proud of our four two-million
mile drivers and commend them for their outstanding achievement,” said
Votran General Manager Lois Bollenback. “Doc, Bernard, Nate, and Paul have
provided an essential service to the citizens of Volusia County with an
unblemished safety record for the past three decades.”
“It is an honor,” said Wilson. “I didn’t realize how many
million milers we have.” Wilson explained the level of safety that such a
designation entails. He said Votran puts safety first and meeting the
schedule second. ”Votran does a great job of training its drivers.”
Wilson achieved this honored accomplishment in April 2001.
During his 31 years with Votran, Wilson has been named1995 and 2000 Operator
of the Year and Employee of the Month three times. He also has received
commendations for perfect attendance, safe driving, excellent customer
service and has participated in numerous special events. Wilson is an
eastside operator driving daily on Route 40 and Route 41.
“I’d rather get our rider there late than not at all,”
said Wilson. “For us drivers, it’s all about defensive driving. Traffic has
increased tremendously. We have to watch out for so many other cars on the
road these days.”
During his 32 years with Votran, Bernard Huggins has been
named 1997 Operator of the Year and Employee of the Month five times. He
also has received commendations for perfect attendance, safe driving,
excellent customer service and has participated in numerous special events.
Huggins is a westside operator driving daily on Route 21.
Nate Flynt has earned several commendations and awards
including safe driving, excellent customer service and has participated in
numerous special events during his 30 years at Votran. Flynt is an eastside
operator driving daily on Route 10 and Route 17.
Paul Garrigan, a 31-year Votran employee, been recognized
as Employee of the Month twice. He also has received commendations for safe
driving, excellent customer service and has participated in numerous special
events. Garrigan is an eastside operator driving daily on Route 10 and Route
17.
“Safety is a top concern,” said Bollenback. “Votran’s mission is to identify
and safely meet the mobility needs of Volusia County. These drivers are
evidence of the extreme quality of our service. But what makes it even
better is that these guys do it with a level of courtesy and professionalism
that sets a benchmark for others to meet.”
