‎RTC gathered on Oct. 9 to recognize one of Mesquite’s drivers at their meeting. From left to right is Deb Dauenhauer, Executive Director, Bob Peterson and Mike Jackson, Assistant Executive Director. Submitted photo.

‎RTC gathered on Oct. 9 to recognize one of Mesquite’s drivers at their meeting. From left to right is Deb Dauenhauer, Executive Director, Bob Peterson and Mike Jackson, Assistant Executive Director. Submitted photo.

The Southern Nevada Transit Coalition – Silver Rider announces that Mesquite driver Bob Peterson was recognized and awarded for his outstanding efforts as a transit operator by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada on Thursday, October 9. The Regional Transportation is one of the largest funders of public transportation in southern Nevada and as such is a major funder of SNTC – Silver Rider.

Bob Peterson has been with the SNTC – Silver Rider organization since 2009. Bob is a fixed route driver who drives seniors from Mesquite who need to access doctor appointments that are only available in the urban areas of Las Vegas and Henderson.

On Monday, September 8, Bob was driving his usual Monday shift and the day started uneventful. By the afternoon, remnants of Tropical Storm Norbert were evident in the Las Vegas Valley. Management of SNTC directed Bob to remain at the last fixed route stop the Cannery Hotel on Craig Road with the five passengers while SNTC management assessed the situation and weather conditions.

Subsequent to that decision, a section of I-15, the only viable route from Las Vegas back into Mesquite, washed out and the NHP closed the interstate. The interstate remained closed for a couple of days, so management of the SNTC quickly booked rooms for the passengers and our driver to ensure their safety.

Bob remained calm and professional and even used his own personal credit card so he could pay for the passengers’ food during their two-day ordeal. Bob never complained and he sprang into action putting the passengers’ safety and needs first. On Wednesday (2 days after the passengers should have been home), Bob got our passengers home safe and sound. Silver Rider is very proud of Bob, who is very deserving of the recognition for all he did during what turned out to be a much extended shift.