“YOU’RE GOING THE WRONG WAY!” At around 7:30 a.m. on Friday May 23rd, 2014 “Total Transit” Express Bus Operator Tyrone Nelson was returning to the bus yard from his morning tour (Tyrone operates a 40 ft. Valley Metro bus). Tyrone was exiting Grand Ave. using the ramp that navigates around to W. Camelback Rd.\N. 43th Ave. when he saw a driver in a small Nissan pickup truck making a left turn to go the wrong way onto the exit ramp. The driver of the pickup truck was talking on his cell phone! Tyrone stopped the express bus, turned on his four way flashers and used the bus horn in an effort to gain the attention of the now wrong-way driver. The driver of the pickup truck saw Tyrone’s alert and realized he made a wrong turn onto the exit ramp. While still talking on his cell phone, the driver turned around and exited the off-ramp, avoiding a possible catastrophe. When taking into consideration the time of morning and the fact that the off ramp makes a relatively moderate curve as it connects with Grand Ave., Mr. Nelson’s professional driving skills and training probably saved lives on that day. Mr. Nelson has been a ValuTrans operator for two years. On June 18th, 2014 Mr. Nelson received special awards of recognition from Total Transit and the Phoenix Police Department. Phoenix Police Lieutenant Chris Tucker praised Tyrone, “Your actions on May 23rd certainly saved lives. I have no doubt your training and your desire to help keep our community safe, and I mean this for all of you who participate in the TOP (Taxis on Patrol) program, is a great asset to law enforcement and our citizens.” Valley Metro Chief Operating Officer Ray Abraham added, “We are all very proud of you and we thank you for your quick actions on May 23rd.” Yes, thank you Tyrone from the citizens of Phoenix, and especially those who may have been traveling on that exit ramp!
Posted on: Thu, 19 Jun 2014 02:00:00 +0000
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