Today is Bus Driver Appreciation Day, and I wanted to share a few thoughts.

A bus driver is more than someone who gets people from point A to point B. They are transportation professionals responsible for safety, reliability, and creating a sense of comfort for every passenger on board.

Like many families, my children have relied on both school buses and public transit. And to be honest, not every experience felt as safe or supportive as it should have.

That stayed with me.

A couple of years ago, I made the decision to pursue my Class 4 license. While it may have seemed like a pivot, it wasn’t entirely out of left field. Driving has always been part of my foundation. My parent was a City of Calgary Professional Driver and Instructor for all vehicle classes, and I learned early.

By 14, I already had my learner’s permit and a strong grounding in defensive driving habits.

Around that same time, there was a real shortage of school bus drivers. Like many others, we relied on a “village” of parents to make sure kids got to school. I’m still incredibly grateful for that community effort.

Fast forward to last year…I was looking for something more purposeful. A company that didn’t just focus on contracts, but truly cared about people.

That’s when I found 4Seasons Transportation.

What stood out immediately was the mission: supporting students with cognitive, social, and physical disabilities, and doing it with care, respect, and intention.

Since joining, I’ve been supported by an incredible team—drivers, attendants, supervisors, and leadership. All working toward the same goal: making a meaningful difference for families.

There’s a quote attributed to Dr. Seuss: