The City of Grande Prairie has a new transit mascot and it has been named after a prominent member of the transit team. The mascot made its debut at the Canada day parade and he made an appearance at the Municipal Government Day in Muskoseepi Park. Transit Operator Roland Maillet was the man in the costume.
“I didn’t really have a name in mind but I heard what the name was and I was very impressed with that.”
People put in entries for the name at the event on Wednesday and Rollin’ the Bus was the most popular one.
Transit Manager Jason Henry says the transit staff came together to piece the costume together and they also had help from Rhonda and Aaron Johnson. It was handmade with everyone’s efforts with sewing and handyman work. He adds that it is very fitting that the bus suit be named after Maillet.
“He has been a driver for just about 10 years. He is big time into volunteering. He is just a really excitable guy and just always doing something but definitely is a transit ambassador.”
The bus driver volunteers for Christmas parades, Stuff the Bus, Meals on Wheels and is the designated driver for city staff at their Christmas parties as well as other community events when he is asked to. Maillet says he loves volunteering and thinks more people should do it.
He explains that he has always been a driver of some sort and loves working for the city.
“It was one of my goals when I moved to Grande Prairie 36 years ago. I have been with them almost 10 years now and it is quite an honour to serve my community like that.”
The transit operator also loves dressing up during Christmas time as Santa’s helper and during Halloween as a Minion. He says making people laugh is one of his favourite things to do and he will always be rollin’ around volunteering in the community.