FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – SEPTEMBER 27, 2024 – KITIMAT, BC—When Oscar Carrasco decided to move from Vancouver to Kitimat over four years ago, he needed to find full-time employment to support this move. This is when–while picking up his own transit passes–he discovered the opportunity to be a driver for PWTransit Canada, a job that has become much more than just a way to pay the bills.
“I am proud of myself and the way that I provide service here, especially with the seniors,” says Oscar. “Every day is different, I think for everybody, but especially for them.”
Having migrated from Honduras to Vancouver in 2006 and later to Kitimat in 2020, Oscar has been a full-time employee at PWTransit for almost four and a half years–the entirety of the time that he has lived in Kitimat. He provides services to a variety of customers, including seniors and those with physical disabilities, and always makes an effort to check in on those who may be going through difficult times. “When I see that, I ask the question, ‘How are you?’,” says Oscar.
Oscar primarily serves riders going to and from town, but the diversity of his customer base ensures that no day is exactly the same. As a new Kitimat resident himself, it initially took Oscar some time to learn the lay of the land, but he now prides himself on his ability to remember the routes of his regular riders by heart.
“I know everybody and where they live. I can even go straight into a trip without having to look at the address,” says Oscar.
PWTransit Canada is part of Bus the North – an initiative started by Northern Development Initiative Trust with the intention of increasing the utilization of inter-community and rural transportation services in Northern B.C. This connective network is made up of independent, region-wide buses and shuttles, within which Oscar proudly operates both conventional and handi-buses.
As a driver, safety and accessibility are of the utmost importance to Oscar. Whether that means giving his arm to dismounting riders or escorting them up to their front door and holding it open for them, he makes every effort to ensure that his riders are cared for, both on and off the bus. “Our responsibility is to bring them to the place they go and to help them come back home safely,” says Oscar.
As a result of his affinity for helping others and good conversation, Oscar has become somewhat of a local celebrity, being recognized around town by those who frequent his buses. He feels embraced by Kitimat’s multicultural community and values the people he serves. For Oscar, this is just the beginning of a long and fulfilling career.
“We applaud drivers like Oscar who work daily to make their passengers feel comfortable and safe. Public transportation is a great option for many travelers in our region and having a driver that genuinely cares for their passengers only makes the experience better.” – Holly Plato, Director of Communications, NDIT.
Kitimat residents can schedule their next ride by getting in touch with a PWTransit dispatcher at 250-632-4449. To discover more about transportation in your area and transportation options across the north, visit www.busthenorth.ca.
Media Relations Contact
Holly Plato, Director of Communications, NDIT
Phone: 250-561-2525
Email: hollyp@northerndevelopment.bc.ca