Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation Day

Reina shares her love of operating trains

In 2007, Reina Granados applied to ETS hoping for more financial security and a better work-life balance. She was a single mom to four kids, working two jobs with a mere three-hours rest between shifts.

But, when Reina started her training, she panicked. Realising she had to drive a regular-sized bus, she said to her instructor, “I’ve made a mistake. I'm in the wrong class." He suggested giving it three days to see if she’d change her mind. Reina laughs while recollecting “impeding traffic, because I was driving so slowly. But by the third day, my instructor had to tell me to slow down." Reina hasn’t looked back since. And, she switched from operating a bus to the LRT in 2015.

In the last eight years, she formed a special connection with one of her passengers, David Tsang. David engaged in conversation with Reina while they were on the platform and became quick friends. He sits near her operator enclosure, and Reina will sometimes say his name on the intercom to David’s delight. David spoke at great lengths to his mom and speech therapist about Reina. His conversations prompted him to introduce Reina to his mom. During this conversation, Reina mentioned going to an upcoming Pride and Prejudice ball and David asked if he could join her. She happily agreed, and together, they attended eight classes to learn 18th-century ballroom dances for the event at the Fairmont Hotel. They had a blast. David later volunteered with Reina for Stuff a Bus, the annual collection event for Edmonton's Food Bank.

Reina loves her job and wants to retire with ETS. She said people may be surprised to know there is no auto-pilot to operate the train - everything is done manually. She also wants to dispel the myth that operators can’t use washrooms on shift, noting every LRT station has washrooms for use at any point. And finally, the train is fast, going up to 70 km/hr in some sections! 

Reina spends her free-time with ETS, too, volunteering on six different committees, including the ETS Pipes and Drums band. She also volunteers for the Caribbean Women’s Network for Cariwest Festival, where she was photographed with Mayor Sohi. When she finds time for everything she does is phenomenal, but it's in alignment with her ability to keep Edmonton riders on track, on time, safely, conveniently and reliably.

Operator Saves the Day in Heroic Act

When Jagjit Singh moved to Edmonton in 2013 - by way of Punjab, India and Toronto - he decided his dream job was to drive for Edmonton Transit. He joined ETS in 2019, expecting to serve riders by ensuring they got to their destinations safely and on time. What Jagjit didn’t realise was that he’d also end up a hero. 

In May 2022, while driving route 509 in Mill Woods, Jagjit noticed a three-year-old girl running into a major intersection at Mill Woods Road and 34 St. Every driver stopped, cautious of the young toddler running carefree between the lights. The girl had jumped over the fence in her backyard and was now running between the lights of the intersection. 

Jagjit immediately pulled over and ran out of the bus. As a father of two young boys, he instinctively took action to protect this young girl. Jagjit scooped her up and brought her back onto his bus. He contacted police and ETS Control staff to notify them of the situation. Jagjit’s passengers boarded a second bus en route behind him. Jagjit proceeded to bandage the girl's scrapes and cuts on her legs. While waiting for the police, Jagjit showed her features of the bus. She became fascinated with the door, the on-board cameras, and the large steering wheel, which outsized her small stature. Everything was an enthralling curiosity that "grownups" take for granted. 

Jagjit reflects that she was a “happy, charming child” who loved yellow buses. And, with this unique introduction to ETS, she confessed a love for “blue buses” too. 

The girls’ distraught uncle came to the scene after the EPS arrived. He wrapped his arms around his niece, forever grateful for Jagjit’s quick action.

Today, Jagjit said the experience is one that he thinks about often.  He now offers his children this sage advice: “If you are ever scared or alone, go find a bus driver.”  

Inspired by her family, Michelle knew at 18 years old she was going to be a bus operator. Michelle’s mom was a school bus driver. Her Dad built the roads. And, Michelle’s late twin brother drove trucks, school buses and charters. But it wasn’t until working as a caregiver for women with disabilities that she discovered she wanted to work for DATS. In 2009 she accomplished her goal.

Now, 14 years into her career, Michelle still radiates joy when she talks about helping others on the job. In her day-to-day work, she helps guide people between their seat and the door. She helps riders be independent and feel confident. She also mixes in some fun! Michelle will play DJ for her passengers, taking radio station requests to enrich their transit experience.

She cares deeply for her passengers, even learning American Sign Language to better communicate with some of her passengers. It’s not part of the job description, but Michelle reinforced that, "I can do it. And it helps others. It’s why I love this job.”

Her passion for the work exists even when she’s not behind the wheel. In 2021, Michelle dressed up as Miss ETS for a DATS open house event. She completed the outfit with a cardboard bus.

Michelle’s passengers go the extra mile for her, too. One year she received a handmade crocheted Santa Claus while on a Christmas Day shift. She took such pride in that gift that Santa stayed in her purse into July.

Anyone sitting in one of her fourteen DATS seats is lucky. Michelle is a woman working her dream job, helping others have more freedom and autonomy. Michelle loves DATS and knows she will work with ETS until the day she retires.