The necessity to place only the safest drivers behind the wheel can never be stressed enough. The drivers with the skill and dedication to continually play it safe for the sake of their passengers, others on the road and the equipment, are treasures to their company and agency and to the entire bus and motorcoach industry.
The road to millions of miles of accident-free driving begins with their sense of professionalism that encompasses the highest performance standards in driving skill, personal appearance, exemplary conduct and physical health, as well as for the safe operation and physical appearance of their vehicles. One million miles of safe driving is a significant achievement as even small “fender-benders” are considered accidents. To go three million miles is exemplary.
5Star Crump and BUSRide welcome and congratulate these newest inductees into the 2011 BUSRide Safe Driver Hall of Fame.
They represent the best in the bus and motorcoach industry. By demonstrating their remarkable performance over millions of miles these honorees provide value and security to their employers and passengers and raise the standards among their peers.
Three million miles
3,000,000 miles = at least 36 consecutive years of safe driving; equivalent to 120 times around the world or 6.3 round trips to the moon and back
Graham Hyde
Red Arrow Bus Line
Calgary, AB, Canada
Graham Hyde continues his career with Red Arrow Bus Lines, a division of Pacific Western Transportation (PWT) with more than 3.5 million miles of safe accident-free driving to his credit. Hyde began driving for Healy Coach in 1967 and was behind the wheel for the inaugural run when Red Arrow launched in 1979. Pacific Western Transportation says Hyde’s contributions for more than 30 years have proven vital to the success of the scheduled service through central Alberta.
Hyde also has served as president of the Red Arrow Driver’s Association since its inception in 1994. His passengers appreciate and respect Hyde for his quality customer service. PWT says his willingness to go out of his way to accommodate any and all Red Arrow passengers is nearly legendary.
Joseph Anderson
Peter Pan Bus Lines
Springfield, MA
Peter Pan honored Anderson at its annual Super Team Achievement and Recognition (STAR) Awards in April, where he received a proclamation from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts commending him for this distinction. To publicly attest to Anderson’s accomplishment his company put a new coach bearing a commemorative bus wrap into service.
Anderson is the fourth Peter Pan motorcoach operator to reach this milestone, sharing this distinction with Edward Hope, Robert Guistimbelli, and his brother, Everett Anderson, who completed his own three-million-miles of safe driving in 2008. The Andersons are believed to be the only brothers to have achieved this mark. Both are still actively employed as motorcoach operators for Peter Pan in Springfield.
Peter Pan Bus Lines is the only company in New England to boast four veteran drivers who have attained three-million-miles.
Two million miles
2,000,000 miles = 24-plus years of accident-free performance
Patrick Magner
Peter Pan Bus Lines
Springfield, MA
Pat Magner began his career in 1980 with Pawtuxet Valley Bus Lines and joined the former Bonanza Bus Lines in 1985, which Peter Pan Bus Lines acquired in 2003. Well liked and appreciated for his sense of humor, Magner always ensures his passengers a safe and enjoyable ride.
One million miles
1,000,000 miles = 12-plus years of accident-free performance
Michael Dise
Peter Pan Bus Lines
Springfield, MA
Peter Pan saluted Michael “The Diceman” Dise for his quick wit, great service to his passengers and his accident-free driving record. Dise has driven coaches for over 34 years. He joined Peter Pan in 2001.
Peter Frangomihalos
Peter Pan Bus Lines
Springfield, MA
Born in Greece, Peter Frangomihalos came to the U.S. in 1987. After 16 years of service for Peter Pan he is one of the most requested charter drivers in Secaucus, NJ. He has been the recipient of the NY Division Driver of the Year in 1995 and earned the Atlantic City Driver of the Year award in 2004.
Eugene Nwafor
Peter Pan Bus Lines
Springfield, MA
Born in Nigeria, Eugene Nwafor immigrated to Toronto, ON, Canada before coming to the U.S. in 1978. He has driven 15 years for Peter Pan Bus Lines.
Howard SimonEugene Nwafor
Peter Pan Bus Lines
Springfield, MA
Howard Simon, a native of Ghana, joined Peter Pan at its Tuxedo, MD Division in 1997, and has driven nearly 15 years for the company.