"She's My Hero Today."

Mayor's Office of Disabilities Director Praises Veteran Bus Operator After Personal Experience

It all began with an indignity that was conquered by a simple act of kindness. METRO rider Maria Town, who has cerebral palsy, was boarding a bus after Easter Sunday church services when a few other riders began making unkind remarks about how long it was taking to secure her mobility scooter into place.

The bus’s operator, Benita Johnson, immediately spoke up and silenced the hecklers, defending Town and exclaiming that regardless of disability, everyone had a right to board the bus.

Johnson’s unwavering resolve left an impression on Town who later tweeted a heartfelt thank you to the veteran bus operator.

“Very grateful to the @METROHouston bus driver who spoke up when other riders made disparaging remarks about me & how long it took me to get on. I kept telling her thank you, and she just said, “No one’s gonna make you feel unworthy when you’re on my bus.” She’s my hero today,” tweeted Town.

Town is no stranger to fighting for the disabled. She is a disability rights advocate who also serves as director of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. Prior to her role with the city, she worked at the White House Office of Public Engagement where she was a senior associate director and the disability community liaison. Her tweet garnered more than 900 likes and 160 shares. It eventually led to a reunion with Johnson and a story in the Houston Chronicle.

When asked why she stood up for Town, Johnson said it was just the right thing to do.

“All passengers deserve fair treatment, something that starts even before they board the bus. I just wanted to let them know everybody can board a METRO bus. They didn’t say much after that.”

Town was happy to see Johnson get the recognition she deserved and hoped her actions would serve as an example to others.

“I have never seen before an operator really at their core understand this is about dignity and rights,” added Town. “It restored my faith in humanity. I know it sounds trite, but it did.”

Originally featured in METRO Connections: April 2018. To subscribe to future issues, click here.