Family Grateful For Bus Operator’s Action

In moments big and small, METRO's dedicated bus operators demonstrate compassion and their commitment to excellent customer service, positively impacting the lives of passengers and the broader community. Too often, however, these extraordinary stories remain untold.

Not this one. METRO Bus Operator Marc Price, who works out of the Hiram Clarke Bus Operating Facility, recently made a huge difference in one family’s day.

Price was driving his usual 360 Peerless route. Little did he know fate had a moving encounter in store for him as he crossed paths with METRO passenger Josh Vance, who appeared visibly worried and anxious.

"Josh explained that he was on his way to meet his wife to pick up their 5-year-old son from the school bus stop," Price recounted. "They depend on the METRO circulator to get them from their apartment to a designated school bus stop roughly half a mile away."

On this day, however, the school bus was late. That meant the family would miss their usual METRO bus back home, and have to wait for half an hour for the next one.

Price seized the chance to help and keep that from happening. He decided to wait on the school bus to arrive so the family could take his bus to their apartment.

Vance says it was nothing short of a godsend, especially since he has a medical condition that causes severe swelling in his legs.

"I told him I didn't want to hold him up because I knew he had a schedule to follow, so I got off his bus," Vance shared. "But he honked, waved me back, and waited for my family. You have no idea how much that small act of kindness meant to us that day."

“You have no idea how much that small act of kindness meant to us that day,” said METRO customer Josh Vance.

Vance was so moved by the experience that he took the extra step of emailing METRO to share his heartfelt appreciation and deep gratitude.

Price was surprised, but very touched by Vance’s gesture. He said helping people in need is a big part of his job and that this strong sense of purpose is something he feels every time he gets behind the wheel.

METRO Bus Operator Marc Price said helping others is just part of the job and his commitment to public service.

Price there are many acts of kindness by METRO operators.

"There are a lot of people in this line of work who perform everyday acts of compassion that often go unnoticed," he said. "I just want people to hear about these stories and know that as public servants, we work diligently to provide safe and affordable transportation, ultimately improving the lives of people in our community."

Price joined METRO two years ago after a career in auto sales. He loves operating a bus and says he’s found profound fulfillment in his work because it provides  stability, camaraderie, and a shared sense of purpose.

Do you know an amazing METRO employee who has gone above and beyond? Send your story idea to the email below!