Mitchell Transportation driver Lori Rhodes poses with Mitchell County Board of Commissioners Chair Steve Pitman. She was recognized for her safe driving.
Statewide recognition keeps coming for Mitchell County Transportation Authority.
The organization recently earned its fourth North Carolina Public Transportation Association Safety Award.
It marks the third straight year MCTA has taken home the honor.
During a recent regular meeting, the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners recognized MCTA for its honor. MCTA Director Sheila Blalock was in attendance to accept the recognition.
In addition to its annual Safety Award, NCPTA honored the specific drivers in the state who make public transportation a safe, viable option for North Carolina residents.
Local driver Lori Rhodes was nominated by Blalock and earned statewide recognition for her reliable, safe driving around Mitchell County and occasionally beyond.
“Lori is a dedicated transit driver who takes pleasure in her job and passengers,” Blalock said. “Her passengers appreciate her. She will be the first to volunteer for a difficult trip.”
Rhodes won the local Roadeo Driving Competition and last year came in second. In the fiscal year 2022, she drove the most miles without incident among MCTA drivers by posting 31,500 trouble-free miles.
Rhodes joined MCTA after being referred by Nicole Buchanan, who told her it was a great place to work and that the organization was actively hiring drivers.
Lori and her husband Randy Rhodes are active members of Fork Mountain Baptist Church.
To learn more about MCTA and the work it does in the community, call 688-4715.