MPTA Honors Southwest Missouri Transit Operators with Champion Awards

For thousands of Missourians, a transit operator is more than a driver. They are a trusted link to work, healthcare, groceries and daily life essentials, helping riders maintain their independence and stay connected to their communities. To honor operators who consistently go above and beyond in serving their riders, the Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA) presented Missouri Transit Operator Champion Awards to two operators from Southwest Missouri during the 2026 Missouri Transit Conference.

"Transit operators are the backbone of public transportation systems, working diligently every day to ensure riders can safely and reliably reach the places they need to go," said Kimberly Cella, executive director of the MPTA. "Their efforts often extend far beyond transportation, and these awards recognize the exceptional dedication, compassion and service they provide to their communities."

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The transit operators honored in Southwest Missouri were all nominated by their employer and include:

Lynn Dickerson, who has been a bus operator with City Utilities of Springfield since 2014 and was named Driver of the Year in 2020. This past year, Dickerson converted her locker into a community resource area, stocking it with clothes, shoes, toiletries and other items for passengers in need. Others have assisted in supplying the locker and supporting her efforts to help meet the basic needs of riders. Dickerson has a great heart for the community and serves it well, making her a deserving recipient of this recognition.

Mike Swallow of OATS Transit, who has been serving riders in Southwest Missouri since August 2020. He was recognized for quietly and diligently transporting riders to work and day programs, demonstrating a commitment to the safety of everyone he serves. Swallow communicates regularly with parents, guardians and management to stay on top of schedule changes and other concerns, and he always assists riders to and from the bus. He follows policies and procedures closely and does not hesitate to consult a manager or safety coordinator when questions arise. Swallow also goes above and beyond in maintaining his vehicle, ensuring preventive maintenance is scheduled on time and that his bus is always clean and clutter-free.

The MPTA helps support the state's 28 transit providers by promoting access to public transit services and the value of personal mobility. To learn more, visit www.mopublictransit.org.

About MPTA

The Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA) is a statewide transit advocacy organization established in 1980 to provide a unified voice for the state's 28 public and specialized transportation providers. The association works to raise awareness about the importance of personal mobility, underscore the economic impact of public transit on Missouri's bottom-line, build ridership, address challenges and position transit as an investment priority. To learn more, visit www.MOPublicTransit.org or follow the association on Facebook, X, Instagram or LinkedIn.