Discover how Missouri’s transit operators, including three from Bi-State Development, are recognized for their dedication and service excellence with the 2025 Missouri Transit Operator Champion Award at the Midwest Transit Conference.
ST. LOUIS (Sept. 15, 2025) … Missouri is one of the few states that provides public transit service in every county – enabling individuals to get where they need to go. Beyond working to offer this unmatched level of accessibility, many transit operators are electively going the extra mile to serve
their respective communities and care for riders. This includes three transit operators from Bi-State Development who were presented with a Missouri Transit Operator Champion Award from the Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA) during the 2025 Midwest Transit Conference, held in Kansas City in early September.
“Transit operators are the backbone of public transit systems, working diligently to deliver essential services across every county,” said Kimberly Cella, executive director of the MPTA. “Their efforts often go unnoticed, and these awards are a way to recognize their dedication and willingness to go the distance.”
The transit operators honored in St. Louis were all nominated by their employer Bi-State Development and include:
Charles Boone, a Metro Transit Bus Operator, who was recognized for having driven the most miles among his peers—over 30,000 miles in just one year—while operating one of the highest-volume routes in the Metro system. Even more impressive, he accomplished this with zero customer complaints, stellar attendance and an on-time performance rate of 96%. Not only does he carry a heavy load, but Boone also makes it look effortless.
Eric Dixon, a MetroLink LRV Operator, who was recognized for consistently going above and beyond in his daily responsibilities. Recently, he received commendation from a customer for maintaining his composure and professionalism while being verbally confronted during a train ride. His ability to remain calm and respectful under pressure reflects his strong character and dedication to exceptional service.
Takesha Standford, a Call-A-Ride Van Operator, who was recognized for going above and beyond in delivering compassionate, attentive and respectful service—especially to individuals with disabilities. Her thoughtful accommodations and genuine care have left a lasting impact on the lives of countless passengers, many of whom have shared their praise and gratitude for her exceptional support. In addition to her outstanding customer service, she has maintained a flawless safety record with zero accidents, earned numerous commendations from riders and demonstrated impeccable reliability through perfect attendance and conduct. Standford sets a gold standard for others to follow, and her work reflects the highest values of Metro Transit.
The MPTA helps support the state’s 32 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 32 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.
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