TriMet names Rail Operator of the Year

Written by jrood

Gail Hanks is the second woman in the 25-year history of the Portland, Ore., TriMet Metropolitan Area Express light rail system to receive the Rail Operator of the Year award. Hanks started driving a bus for TriMet in 2002 and switched to MAX in 2006. She operates on the Blue and Red lines out of the Elmonica rail yard in Beaverton. Hanks is a lead operator, meaning she has earned two or more Superior Performance Awards, and has earned seven National Safety Council Safe Driver Awards. She also has experience operating the Portland Streetcar. Hanks is known as a friendly operator who goes above and beyond to keep riders informed. A Blue Line rider said, "I love the fact that in the tunnel she says good morning and announces the time of day over the train's intercom. I love it! Keep it up!" Another rider said, "It's so nice to hear such nice greetings first thing in the morning ... from a stranger!" Hanks said, "I enjoy having the opportunity to smile and wave to everyone from my ‘mobile office' every day. I love when my riders smile or wave at me, too."

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