PHOTOS: Plymouth City Council Recognizes Pair of Drivers with Metrolink 2012 Driver Award

At its Tuesday evening meeting, the Plymouth City Council and Mayor Kelli Slavik presented the  Plymouth Metrolink 2012 Driver Awards to Michael Brinkley and Dollian Davis.  

Plymouth Metrolink Councilmember Jeffry Wosje introduced First Transit Operations Manager, Paul Buharin, who has been the operations manager for Plymouth Metrolink since 1993. The City of Plymouth contracts with First Transit for operations and maintenance of the Plymouth transit system. Buharin stated that Plymouth passengers like their drivers very much.  

Several bus riders attended the award ceremony to offer congratulations and show their appreciation to the drivers.  

In September 2012, Plymouth Metrolink, with the assistance of First Transit staff, conducted annual passenger surveys on all fixed route and dial-a-ride buses. The surveys are conducted annually in the fall. A portion of the annual survey is dedicated to driver performance.  

These driver awards are based upon the annual survey results, staff evaluations, and driver’s performance.  

Dollian Davis has been with First Transit driving Plymouth Metrolink Dial-A-Ride since March 2004. Dollian has been recognized by Plymouth Metrolink customers on several occasions for her exceptional customer service skills. Dolly also received this award in 2010 and 2011.  

Dial-A-Ride passengers wrote about Dollian in the survey this fall that she is "reliable, courteous, helpful, friendly, approachable, responsible, amazing and very humble." Passengers remarked that she is an all around people person, and greets everyone.  

One passenger wrote that she is “always a delight to see in the mornings.” Passengers wrote that she is a great driver, always on time and they love to be around her. Dollian's exceptional connection with passengers, first-rate customer service skills, and safe driving record make her an outstanding choice for the Dial-A-Ride Driver Award.

Michael Brinkley has been with First Transit since November 2007. He started driving in Plymouth on route 790 in northeast Plymouth. He now drives route 777 in the morning and route 776 in the afternoon. Michael also received this award in 2010.  

In the 2012 Annual Fixed Route Survey, passengers wrote this about Michael: "Michael is always polite, accommodating, informative, cheerful, friendly, thoughtful, caring, respectful, accommodating, efficient and courteous."  

One passenger wrote “Michael makes me smile after a long day at work.”  

Another wrote “He says ‘Have a nice day’ to every customer.”  

His riders appreciate Michael’s positive attitude. Routes 777 and 776 are on time due to Michael’s driving skills and reliability.