50 Years Plus for Brooklyn Bus Operator

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In the Photo: President Utano and Recording Secretary LaTonya Crisp with Bus Operator Cristo, Cristo’s son and daughter, and the Honor Guard.

AUGUST 11 -- It was a packed house at the Flatbush depot Wednesday as Bus Operators, managers, and union leaders all came together to honor Bus Operator Silverio Cristo for an amazing feat: 50 years on the job. And he’s not done yet.

Cristo, 81, said he has no plans of retiring. He’s going to keep doing what he’s done – quietly, humbly, and reliably – since 1971: safely get Brooklyn riders to their destinations.

Flatbush Chairman Richard Thorne spearheaded the drive to honor Cristo, who received two plaques and was praised by many at the event.

“He’s been through it all, good times and bad times,” TA Surface Vice President JP Patafio said. “Blackouts. Strikes. Superstorm Sandy, you name it. He always comes to work. His attendance is great.”

TWU Local 100 President Tony Utano, Recording Secretary LaTonya Crisp, MTA Acting Chairman Janno Lieber and Interim NYC Transit President Craig Cipriano joined the festivities along with about 100 Bus Operators.