Ben Franklin Transit

Keeping our riders safe in all seasons is our top priority. There's a lot going on behind the scenes here as we prep for winter weather. From vehicle maintenance to snow detour planning, we're getting ready for whatever Mother Nature throws our way. As it gets colder, check our website or download the Transit app for up-to-date rider alerts and detours.

Congratulations to our newest class of Dial-A-Ride drivers who graduated last week and are now out on the road. Our Dial-A-Ride drivers play a key role in our mission to support a livable community by providing equitable transportation for all. Thank you all for your hard work and welcome aboard!

Happy Friday! A (very unserious) note to our staff: please do your timesheet. If not for yourself, do it for Stefanie ????

Last month, the Richland School District 400 recognized our Dial-A-Ride team for their excellent service. RSD presented these plaques as an acknowledgement of appreciation for BFT's support of their Work Based Learning Program, which allows students—many of whom are Dial-A-Ride users—to get real-world work experience as they prepare for their next chapter of life. "Dial A Ride schedulers, drivers, & dispatch make all the difference in our students’ job experience success stories," says Laurie Price, Special Education/Work-Based Learning Teacher. From reservationists to dispatchers to drivers and every position in between: we look forward to our continued partnership with RSD and all school districts within our service area! Pictured here are: Nathan Baker, Driver; Becky Williamson, Reservationist; David Parra, ADA Eligibility Coordinator; Andrea Madden, Reservationist; and Omar Castellanos, Reservationist.

Join us in-person or virtually at our monthly board meeting, tomorrow, November 14. Find the agenda and zoom link on our website: https://lnkd.in/gxZHWxH5

On the horizon for 2025: E-buses! Ben Franklin Transit has two Zero-Emission Battery Electric Buses on order, scheduled to be delivered next year. Our new E-buses will round out our collection of military appreciation vehicles, paying homage to the Coast Guard and Space Force. These buses are the culmination of many years of hard work and collaboration, and are an important step forward in connectivity and sustainable transit in the Tri-Cities.

Happy Veterans Day! BFT had so much fun participating in the West Richland Veterans Day Parade for the second year in a row. We love watching veterans take photos with our military appreciation buses, and our staff members had a great time handing out flags to spectators. Our buses even served as unofficial warming shelters for other parade participants. We were glad to have an opportunity to come together and show our support for Veterans in our community.

On this Veterans Day, we would like to recognize and honor all those who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces. Veterans ride free on BFT, and can visit the Columbia Basin Veterans Center to pick up their free pass. Pictured here are a few of the veterans that BFT is proud to employ. Bus service will run as usual on Monday, November 11.

BFT is excited to join the West Richland Veterans Day Parade for the second year in a row. Pictured here are Brian Lubanski, Senior Manager of Customer Experience; Thomas Drozt, Chief Executive Officer; and Wayne Welle, Manager of Fleet Maintenance as they put the final touches on our four military appreciation buses. Join us tomorrow at 9:30AM in West Richland for the event!

An opportunity for any small business who wants to work with us! Our Procurement Manager will be available to answer your questions about navigating our procurement process and discuss upcoming opportunities.