Bus Operator, Conductor Honored as 'Keepers of the City'

(l-r) Conductor/Tower Chair Chris Drummond, RTO VP Tramell Thompson, Conductor Angel Rivera, Bus Operator Louis Ortiz, MaBSTOA Div. 1 Chair Sean Battaglia, MaBSTOA VP Donald Yates and Depot Chair Anthony Clark
(l-r) Conductor/Tower Chair Chris Drummond, RTO VP Tramell Thompson, Conductor Angel Rivera, Bus Operator Louis Ortiz, MaBSTOA Div. 1 Chair Sean Battaglia, MaBSTOA VP Donald Yates and Depot Chair Anthony Clark

DECEMBER 9—Bus Operator Louis Ortiz and Train Conductor Angel Rivera were honored Tuesday at DC37 headquarters as Keepers of the City, in an awards event sponsored by the local media company Straus News, which publishes Chelsea News, the West Side Spirit and other community newspapers. Each has 13 years of service with NYCT. They were among 12 state and city workers profiled in lStraus papers as essential workers who keep the city moving.

Ortiz, who drives the M23 crosstown bus, was praised at the event by Local 100 MaBSTOA Division 1 Chair Sean Battaglia.

"Louis Ortiz is a perfect example of an exemplary Bus Operator. He comes to work every day, he puts in long hours, he drives safely, he's all about the customers, he's just that guy who's always there. If you've got work, he covers it. During Covid, he was one of our Covid cleaners. Always in a good mood, never down, an outstanding Bus Operator," said Battaglia.

Ortiz was introduced by NY1 political anchor Errol Louis, who recapped the Bus Operator's lifelong love of New York City Transit.

"Growing up in the Bronx," Louis said, "Mr. Ortiz used to take the BX 9 to school and then take the bus up and down the Grand Concourse and as a kid, he always wanted to drive a bus. And now he gets to do it for a living."

When Ortiz accepted his award, he expressed thanks for the recognition.

"It's truly gratifying to know that you recognize the hard work that is being done by the people here," said Ortiz...I'd like to thank my TWU family, my Vice Preisdent, Donald Yates, my Chairman, Anthony Clark, and my mentor, Sean Battaglia. Without you I wouldn't be here."

Conductor Angel Rivera, who works the Q Train, was lauded by Council Member and presumptive City Council Speaker Julie Menin, who introduced him at the event.

"Those who commute within my district have come to know your voice over the intercom system. They know you, they appreciate you.... often riders thank him for keeping them safe and for taking them from one destination to the next. Angel, you're truly a person who puts the public in public service and it's an honor to recognize you tonight."

Brother Rivera, in accepting the award, said, "[recognition] isn't something I really think about when I go to work. I'm sure everybody feels the same way... It's nice to be recognized...but I'm providing a service, and it's nice to periodically hear a thank you for that. While it's not necessary, it does put a smile on my face."