Tributes Pour in for Bus Operator William Pena, Killed in the Line of Duty

TWU Local 100 members have been joined in mourning with members of the riding public – our customers – and union members in transit all over the world. The internet was filled with grief in the ways people express it now – tweets on Twitter, and comments on Facebook and news sites. One regular customer on William Pena’s M14 bus identifying herself as “Lady Di” on DNA Info spoke for many when she wrote:

“This really affected me as I take this bus so many times during the week - and I do remember Mr. Pena - friendly, helpful - everything you'd want, but don't often get, from a driver. I hope it helps his family to know that his riders (at least this one) took notice of his kindness and appreciated it so very much. please, let’s not let the truck driver get off with a typically light sentence. This was an out and out homicide or at the very least involuntary manslaughter.”

ATU Canada’s Mike Mahar sent thoughts and prayers “with a heavy heart” and said, “once again, we are reminded of the vulnerability and risk our members experience every day when they put on a uniform and go to work.” Transport for London RMT driver Pakie Baker said: “My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Pena and bereaved family and friends. May he Rest in Peace.” The New York State AFL-CIO tweeted thoughts and prayers, and TWU Local 556 expressed sadness “over the loss of a brother.” Local Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-Brooklyn/Staten Island) tweeted: “Heartbreaking. Please keep his family and @twulocal100 colleagues in your prayers.”