MISSOURI PUBLIC TRANSIT ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZES ST. LOUIS TRANSIT OPERATORS WITH CHAMPION AWARD

The Missouri Public Transit Association has recognized exceptional transit operators in St. Louis with the prestigious Champion Award, celebrating their dedication and service to the community.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (Sept. 9, 2026) … For thousands of Missourians, a transit operator is more than a driver. They are a trusted link to work, healthcare, groceries and daily life essentials, helping riders maintain their independence and stay connected to their communities. To honor operators who consistently go above and beyond in serving their riders, the Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA) presented Missouri Transit Operator Champion Awards tofour operators from the St. Louis area during the 2026 Missouri Transit Conference.

“Transit operators are the backbone of public transportation systems, working diligently every day to ensure riders can safely and reliably reach the places they need to go,” said Kimberly Cella, executive director of the MPTA. “Their efforts often extend far beyond transportation, and these awards recognize the exceptional dedication, compassion and service they provide to their communities.”

The transit operators honored in the St. Louis area were all nominated by their employers and include: 

Donell Dean of Metro Transit, who was recognized for dedicating 27 years to providing safe, reliable and compassionate transportation service. Throughout his distinguished career, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism, a strong work ethic and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Beyond his role as a Van Operator, Dean has helped shape the next generation of operators as a Line Instructor, reinforcing safe practices and supporting continuous improvement across the organization. Over the past year, he maintained a flawless safety record with no accidents, earned multiple compliments from passengers and achieved perfect attendance with no disciplinary actions. His sustained record of excellence, dedication to customer service and leadership by example reflect the highest standards of public transportation service.

Frankie Hedges of OATS Transit’s Mideast Region, who was recognized for consistently going above and beyond in her role as a driver since March 2008. An exceptionally dependable and reliable driver, Hedges has voluntarily canceled her own personal time off on several occasions to ensure routes remained covered at all times. She takes her responsibilities seriously, prioritizing the safety of her passengers and the public above all else. Her outstanding service and dedication exemplify the commitment and professionalism that make OATS Transit successful.

Gladys Mason of Metro Transit, who was recognized for dedicating more than 32 years to serving customers and the community as a Bus Operator. Throughout her career, she has earned a reputation for exceptional safety, dependability and professionalism, maintaining an outstanding attendance record and receiving the organization’s Safe Driver Award for 22 consecutive years. During one of the region’s most severe snowstorms in recent memory, when operators were being contacted to help keep service running, Mason was the only operator who agreed without hesitation. Despite more than 10 inches of snow, she safely reported to work and transported passengers who otherwise may have been stranded and unable to get home. Her commitment to safety, reliability and service has made her a trusted employee and an example for others across the organization.

Jacqueline Williams, who was recognized for dedicating 29 years of service to Metro Transit as a MetroLink Operator, earning a reputation for vigilance, sound judgment and an unwavering commitment to public safety. While operating a train near the Eads Bridge, Williams observed a pedestrian on the bridge ledge and immediately recognized the severity of the situation. After contacting the Operations Control Center, she engaged the individual in conversation, successfully encouraged her to board the train and ensured her safe removal from the bridge before arranging assistance from law enforcement. Known for consistently going above and beyond in her daily duties, Williams brings exceptional situational awareness and professionalism to every shift, exemplifying the commitment and care that defines Metro Transit’s frontline workforce.

The MPTA helps support the state’s 28 transit providers by promoting access to public transit services and the value of personal mobility. To learn more, visit www.mopublictransit.org.

About MPTA

The Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA) is a statewide transit advocacy organization established in 1980 to provide a unified voice for the state’s 28 public and specialized transportation providers. The association works to raise awareness about the importance of personal mobility, underscore the economic impact of public transit on Missouri’s bottom-line, build ridership, address challenges and position transit as an investment priority. To learn more, visit www.MOPublicTransit.org or follow the association on Facebook, X, Instagram or LinkedIn.