MANATEE COUNTY, FL (Dec. 3, 2021) – Patricia Adams, Transit Operator with Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) for nearly 15 years, has been named Manatee County’s 2021 Employee of the Year.
A welcoming smile, friendly wave, and consistently courteous and respectful demeanor are some of the traits her coworkers say set Patricia apart from the crowd. Patricia has won multiple state awards, including 2021 Transit Operator and 2013 Paratransit Operator of the Year. Still, that’s not what earned Patricia this well-deserved award.
“The great thing about her is that she cares about everyone and is very empathetic towards our customers and co-workers,” said Kevin Sheerin, Transit Operator Superintendent. “She is a safe operator and has never had an incident in 15 years of service with MCAT.”
“My father and my mom raised me to always care and to help people that need help,” Patricia said when interviewed about being selected. “I think it’s important to always treat people the way you want to be treated.”
While driving a bus or trolley is Patricia’s job on paper, she is rarely ever seated. She helps passengers board, properly secures wheelchair devices, and answers customer questions about the service area, routes, and travel destinations. She even drags out garbage and recycling bins on the assigned day if MCAT Handy Bus customers cannot.
Patricia takes the time to get to know her riders, and they truly become an extension of her family. Her many positive customer comments and willingness to always assist passengers further solidify that she has a heart of gold. To learn more about Patricia, watch the video below.