May 2012: Les Dorrance

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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 86X bus driver, Les Dorrance. The 86X travels north and south from the Westminster Center Park-n-Ride to Market Street Station.

His nomination was submitted by Bonnie Sauer, who was impressed with Les’ dedication to his passengers.

"Commuting to work on RTD for the elderly or disabled can sometimes be challenging due to mobility limitations and dealing with adverse weather. I’ve been a dedicated RTD rider for thirty years and now find myself among this population. Les, who is one of the morning drivers on the 86X route to downtown, has become an ambassador of goodwill to people like me. He has helped me navigate through snow-filled sidewalks to get to the bus, helped me get up and down the steps, and always holds open doors. All of this is done with a caring attitude and friendly smile. In all my years of riding RTD, as an able-bodied adult and now as an elderly person, he definitely is one of the most outstanding persons and drivers I have had the honor of riding with. He is definitely a major asset for RTD."

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

How long have you worked for RTD and have you always been a driver?
I’ve been a driver for about four years.

What were you in a previous life?
I was many things. I spent time in the military before becoming a prison guard. And right before I became a driver, I worked seven to eight years as a security guard for RTD. To balance everything out, I’ve also worked in a pastoral capacity.

What do you like best about driving?
I enjoy the people and the interaction. And, variety – some people might think driving a route doesn’t equal variety, but there’s always something new happening in the city and I meet interesting people every day.

You never know what can happen on your route. I met my future wife on the Route 28. She was a new FasTracks employee, and we started talking about RTD and now 2 years later, we’re about to be married! What a ride!

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

If you could deck out your bus, what style?
Wider aisles and wifi access so everyone could sit back and enjoy pizza.

If you could change your uniform color, what color or does brown/gray go with your eyes?
I’m good with gray but if I could change the uniform, I would wear jeans and polo shirt.

What type of service would you drive if given the choice and/or favorite service to drive?
I like driving the local routes because passengers speak their minds and keep the ride interesting.

What are your favorite hobbies or activities?
Sleeping, eating and going to the gym.