Trailways members recently celebrated those making contributions to the industry through the organization’s annual awards.
The awards were given out earlier this month as the network gathered in Orlando, Florida, for its annual conference. They included the Spirit awards, Safety awards, Driver awards, and a special award for MCI’s Pat Ziska, who is retiring after a 46-year career serving the industry.
Spirit Awards
The winner of the Lifetime Support of Trailways Award was given to Bob Crescenzo, Vice President at Lancer Insurance Company.
The Outstanding Affiliate Support to given to Motor Coach Industries (MCI).
The Outstanding Leadership and Dedication Award went to MCI”s Pat Ziska.
“Our attendance and participation was a great way to start the new year as we co-located with the United Motorcoach Association (UMA) EXPO,” said Amy Brooks, Chair of the Trailways’ board of directors. In addition to the volunteer post, Brooks is Vice President of Sales for Susquehanna Trailways in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. “There was excitement surrounding the activities, where we celebrated the safety and accomplishments of members and their employees, in addition to sessions where members and our partners planned for the future of Team Trailways. Next year, we’ll co-locate in Nashville, Tennessee, with the American Bus Association (ABA).”
Safety Awards
MCI, the sponsor of Trailways Safety Awards, honored the following members for their Outstanding Safety Achievements during the year, based on quarterly accident-free reports to Trailways in these categories:
Fleet Service Safety, Charter and Tour
- Less than 2 million miles: Arrow Trailways, Killeen, Texas
Fleet Service Safety, Scheduled Route Division
- More than 2 million miles: Adirondack Trailways, Hurley, New York
- Most improved: Adirondack Trailways, Hurley, New York
- Less than 2 million miles: Martz Trailways, St. Petersburg, Florida
Martz Trailways and Arrow Trailways were not in attendance to accept the award. Both awards were accepted by Jonathan Berzas.
Driver of the Year Awards
Lancer Insurance, the sponsor of the Trailways Driver of the Year Awards, had three categories this year for full-time and part-time drivers.
In the Scheduled Route Division, the driver of the year is Delavan Smith, of Trailways of New York. Smith has been employed since 2007 and has driven almost 800,000 miles as a full-time driver. This past year, he drove 30,000 accident-free miles and has no absences or late arrivals at work. Smith is excellent with passengers, calm, courteous, and helpful. To dispatchers, he is reliable. He is helpful to his fellow drivers. He wasn’t able to attend the ceremony.
In the Charter and Tour Division, the driver of the year is Guy Phelps. He joined Capital Trailways of Montgomery 10 years ago and has been a safe and consistent driver since he began. He is well-regarded by staff, colleagues and other drivers. He can engage his customers while providing a safe and comfortable ride. As a Charter and Tour bus driver, he is required to manage driving to many different venues and often does overnight or multiple-day trips. This requires special skills and an ability to communicate. His Samsara (safety) score remains consistently good, and reviews from customers are excellent.
The driver of the year in the category of Full-time Charter and Tour Driver is Edna Whitmyer, with Susquehanna Trailways. She began her career as a school bus driver in 1999. She became a charter driver shortly after that and has amassed 1.1 million accident-free miles over her career.
Whitmyer has received several awards as the outstanding driver of the year at her company and, in 2014 and 2016, from the Pennsylvania Bus Association. In 2017, the Washington, D.C., Guild of Professional Tour Guides recognized her as the Motorcoach Professional of the Year. When a Tour Guide Association recognizes a driver, you know they are top-notch and professional.
Whitmyer exceeds expectations in every category of the application process. She was nominated for this award for her safe driving, communication skills, kindness, and ability to work with customers positively. She is described as the G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) of her company.
When not working, Whitmyer and her husband enjoy their children and grandchildren, and are known to be out riding their Harley-Davidson motorcycle. She also enjoys reading and walking on the beach.