Mitchell County Transportation Director Sheila Blalock stands with Mitchell County Board of Commissioners Chair Steve Pitman and receives a plaque from the NCPTA. (Submitted)
Mitchell County Transportation is standing out among its peers in the state.
MCT recently earned a pair of awards via the North Carolina Public Transportation Association— a safety award and the honor of Transit System of the Year.
MCT recently introduced a new route in Spruce Pine. Dubbed “The Pine Line,” MCT Director Sheila Blalock said the route has exploded in popularity, adding that 692 riders utilized it in March.
MCT has operated the new route in addition to its usual offerings with zero accidents over the past year, thus earning the NCPTA safety award.
The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners during its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 19 recognized Blalock and her department.
“When I think of going beyond the call of duty, I think of you,” board chair Steve Pitman said while looking at Blalock. “You’re doing exactly what a director should.”
Pitman cited Blalock’s willingness to pursue grants and other funding to help MCT grow and thrive. The safety award, he added, is no easy feat.
“This isn’t driving on a Florida highway,” Pitman said. “It’s curves. It’s hills. It’s ice. It’s snow.”
After receiving plaques commemorating the honors, Blalock briefly addressed the board and meeting attendees.
“I did not receive these awards,” she said. “Mitchell County Transportation received these awards.”
Blalock said the safety award is a testament to the hard work of the more than dozen drivers she employs. Drivers go through continued regular training throughout the year, which Blalock said is paying off.
Blalock also thanked the commissioners, county staff and the Town of Spruce Pine for their cooperation.
Her team, she added, makes everything possible.
“I couldn’t do my job and what I do if I didn’t have an awesome staff surrounding me,” Blalock said. “I have good people around me that I want to make sure get credit.”