I've always had a passion for driving transit because it allows me to serve others while getting to know residents and visitors in a community. This is one of the many reasons I love being a Town Center Trolley Driver. The trolleys are such a unique public transit system, and The Woodlands Township is an amazing place to work.
I’ve been driving as a career for over 20 years, and have previously worked for Houston Metro, Jackson Transit, and been a school bus driver. My profession brought me to The Woodlands, where I’ve enjoyed being a Town Center Trolley driver for a year and a half now. On any given day, during my shift, the ridership can range from 25 passengers to over 200! We have passengers from all over the country and around the world, as well as from different parts of Texas and the Houston area.
It’s always interesting to see how passengers experience The Woodlands. The area has a lot to offer. Sometimes visitors come with preconceived ideas of what The Woodlands is and what others have told them...and they’re always delighted to find out that The Woodlands is even better than what they’ve heard and what they expected.
One of my favorite things to do in The Woodlands when I’m not working is to check out the things my passengers rave about. I’ve been to the movie theaters, different restaurants, and I love to visit Hughes Landing. When I am working, I really enjoy assisting passengers on the trolley. Recently, I had a customer who required ADA boarding (all trolleys are equipped for passengers who need a little extra help). She was very grateful and excited that we were able to accommodate her to help her get around town. Moments like these often become my favorite memories as a trolley driver.
My career here is very rewarding, and I thoroughly enjoy my coworkers, the passengers, and The Township. It’s always evolving and improving, and I’m grateful to be a part of it. Come see me on the trolley sometime – I’d be happy to show you around.
- Jesse Blackwell
