December 2012: Gary Isaac

Each month, RTD encourages passengers to nominate a bus driver or light rail operator who goes above and beyond to make their experience memorable. This month’s winning nomination goes to Route 12 bus driver, Gary Isaac. The 12 travels north and south from the Wagon Road Park-n-Ride to the Englewood Station.

His nomination was submitted by Jolene (Jo) Chadwick, who was impressed with Gary’s friendly approach and excellent customer service.

"I wanted to send a quick note to tell you how much I have enjoyed riding the #12 aka, “Gary’s bus” to work on days that I’m scheduled at Swedish. As you know, Gary will be leaving the route and he will be greatly missed by me and many others. Riding the bus and light rail daily to Swedish and SkyRidge allows me to encounter many of your drivers, and I can safely say that Gary stands far above the rest. I would catch the 35, ART or 12, whatever was leaving next, until the first time I rode with him. After that, I planned my trip so I could ride with him every time. He greets EVERY rider with a kind welcome, regular rider or not. Several times, he’s noticed a rider walking by looking confused about what bus to get on, and he was quick to ask if he could help. I wish I’d had time to get to know him better, but I understand him needing a change. I wish him luck on his new Route 20. I know he will increase ridership on his new route as he did on the 12."

After receiving the commendation from Jo, we wanted to know more about Gary, and he graciously agreed to answer a few of our questions.

How long have you worked for RTD and have you always been a Bus Driver?

I’ve been a driver with RTD since 2004

What were you in a previous life?

I was in sales for 39 years, the last 19 of that selling commercial printing

What do you like best about your job?

I'm fascinated with the diversity of people; the world rides my bus. I enjoy the smiles from the “little people”; kids haven't learned how to hide yet and a smile is a gift, regardless the age. It replenishes the human spirit.

If you could listen to music while working, what type?

How about a little Johnny Cash, a few black spirituals and the St. Andrew's Episcopal church choir. Often I've sung for a passenger when it was just the two of us, and more often than not they join in. On return trips they ask me to do it again.

If you could deck out your train, what style?

I would have to go with a theme from my "roots" – the wild, wild, west. I was born in the Cimarron River Basin of southwest Kansas, on a farm 18 miles southeast of Meade. As a driver they would be greeted with a "Marshall Dillon look-a-like".

If you could change your uniform color, what color or does brown/gray go with your eyes?

I’d like bright blue pants with a white shirt.

What type of service would you drive if given the choice and/or favorite service to drive or operate?

Before I retire, can I drive the “Coach Bus” from Nederland or Evergreen? I’ve driven 20 plus routes and my favorite is Route 52, where I met my wife. I enjoy going through downtown with all the hustle and bustle at one end of the route, and then to end up in the quiet space of 64th and Ward Road is special.

What are your favorite hobbies or activities?

In February 2002, I was bequeathed the honor of being called "Coach Grandpa", as a guest coach for the girl’s basketball team at Kent Denver School. I started giving a sports award based on being a team player, academic responsibility, sportsmanship, and community service. Ten years later I have recognized over 140 student athletes from 77 high schools and colleges representing 17 states. My wife Renee and I are in the process of starting a non-profit organization, which will offer a $1,000 scholarship to high school winners by the 2013-2014 school year.