During the virtual Oregon Public Transportation Conference that was held on March 29 and 30, two Central Oregon bus drivers received awards for their outstanding performance and dedication to serving community members across our region. Rondha Madrigal received the prestigious “Public Transportation Hero Award” for providing safe and reliable Dial-A-Ride service within Madras. Rondha has operated buses for Cascades East Transit (CET) since the inception of public transportation in Central Oregon nearly 15 years ago. She goes above and beyond to make passengers feel welcome and appreciated. Her generosity and compassion for others has helped many CET riders overcome challenges and barriers to riding the bus.

Courtney O’Connor received the 2022 “Driver of the Year Award” for her contributions to the public transportation industry as a bus operator. Courtney works for MTM-Transit (CET’s Bend services contractor) and enjoys taking passengers to and from their destinations. She takes great pride in getting to know her riders on a more personal level and often greets them by their first name when they board the bus.

Congratulations to Rondha and Courtney for the outstanding public transportation services they provide to Central Oregon residents and visitors! Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council operates Cascades East Transit public transportation services across our region.