Regional Transportation Program Names Fred Kilbride 'Driver of the Year'

RTP drivers honored at Driver Recognition Day

Frederick Kilbride, a driver with Regional Transportation Program for five years, has been named 'Driver of the Year' by the Portland-based community transportation provider. He received the agency's top honor during its annual Driver Recognition Day.

Kilbride, a resident of Hollis, provides transportation to riders throughout Cumberland County. He has 26 years in transportation, and also serves as shop steward as a member of the Amalgamated Transit Union. RTP drivers John Bachman of Portland and David Lozier of Buxton received honorable mention for the award.

"We are proud of our drivers and their accomplishments," said Jon B. McNulty, the executive director of RTP. "It's an honor to be named 'Driver of the Year.' And I'm sure Fred's many passengers can attest that he is deserving of this award."

Also at Driver Recognition Day, RTP's 35 professional full and part-time drivers were awarded for years of service, attendance, driving and safety, and no lost time to injuries. Each RTP driver is trained in defensive driving techniques, passenger sensitivity and passenger safety. Award winners at the October 27 event included:

Driving and Safety
Dorothy O'Connell, Naples; Gary Spencer, Buxton; D.J. Moore, West Buxton; Faith Gluse, Scarborough; Marilyn Brofee, Westbrook; George Kenney, West Buxton; Steve Hanrahan, Windham; Kent Whitney, New Gloucester; Ken Neptune, Westbrook; Peter Misenor, Portland; David Lozier, Buxton; Daniel DiFiore, Portland.

No Lost Time to Injuries
D.J. Moore, West Buxton, 20 years; Kent Whitney, New Gloucester, 12 years; David Lozier, Buxton, 11 years

Years of Service
D.J. Moore, West Buxton, 21 years; Faith Gluse, Scarborough, 20 years; Peter Misenor, Portland, 19 years; Woody Davis, Portland, 19 years

Perfect Attendance
John Bachman, Portland; Fred Kilbride, Hollis; Gary McDougall, Portland; Peter Misenor, Portland; Tony Ragucci, Buxton.

Established in 1976, RTP is a United Way agency that provides door-to-door transportation to the elderly, social service agency clients, the economically disadvantaged and persons with disabilities in Cumberland County. RTP serves more than 4,500 people countywide, providing 1,000 rides a day to people who need to get to medical appointments, grocery shopping, work and other necessary services.

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