Celebrating 40 Years of Service

This year, Advance Transit had the honor of celebrating one of its most dedicated team members: Steve Leavitt, who marked an incredible 40 years of service as a bus driver serving the Upper Valley communities of Vermont and New Hampshire. Known for his warmth, professionalism, and deep commitment to helping others, Steve has become more than just a bus driver—he's become a fixture in the lives of many passengers and a role model for his colleagues.

Steve's career with Advance Transit began in 1984. Since then, he's navigated snowy winters, early mornings, and busy schedules with a calm, cheerful demeanor that passengers have come to rely on. Through four decades of change and growth in the region, Steve has remained a steady, friendly presence—often going the extra mile (literally and figuratively) to make someone's day a little easier.

His impact has not gone unnoticed. This year, Steve received the Excellence in Transit Award from the New Hampshire Transit Association, a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding service, professionalism, and dedication to public transit in the Upper Valley. The award highlights not just his longevity, but also the quality and heart he brings to his work every day.

Steve was also featured in Humans of the Upper Valley, a project that highlights inspiring stories from local residents. In his profile, Steve reflects on his life's purpose with humility and kindness:

"That is, I guess, my mission in life—to help people as much as I possibly can. This job, quite honestly, is the best way I know how to do it. And in the process, I have just really fallen in love with the job itself.”
Excerpt courtesy of Humans of the Upper Valley

That mission shines through in the countless stories passengers and colleagues share about Steve. He embodies the spirit of community and care that Advance Transit strives to provide in every ride, every day.

As a fare-free transit agency, Advance Transit is proud to connect people to the places they need to go—work, school, medical appointments, grocery stores—without barriers. And behind the wheel, it’s people like Steve Leavitt who make those connections truly meaningful.

Steve’s 40 years of service remind us that public transit isn’t just about buses and routes; it’s about people. It's about drivers like Steve who show up every day with a sense of purpose and kindness, who understand that sometimes a simple smile or friendly word can be just as important as the ride itself.

Congratulations, Steve, and thank you—for the miles driven, the lives touched, and the legacy you’ve built here in the Upper Valley.