Bus Op Sam Johnson, 97, Gets Birthday Wish!

Retired Bus Operator Sam Johnson's family called the Department of Buses with a special request -- that he be allowed to get in the driver's seat for his 97th birthday. It came together like clockwork on May 2nd, the rain clearing just as Operator Johnson got out of his car and made his way to a NYCT bus with its direction sign wishing him Happy Birthday.

Check out the video.

TWU Local 100 President Richard Davis was there to click Brother Johnson's seat belt as he gripped the bus wheel and shared memories with his extended family of union brothers and sisters alongside his children, grandchildren, and great-grands, who came along for the ride.

He said that he wished he could take the bus out for a spin, but that wasn't in the cards. What was offered were greetings and congratulations from both labor and management, including President Davis, NYCT Buses President Frank Annicaro, and others. Retirees Assocation staffers along with Director James Manzella serenaded him with both Happy Birthday songs, and chanted: "Are you One? Are you 97?" Let's do it again next year!