PVTA driver retires after 37 years of serving community

SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - One of the longest-serving drivers for the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority is set to retire. The popular saying goes “When you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life” and that’s the case for longtime Springfield resident Renita Bell, who is headed into retirement Friday after serving 37 years as a dedicated bus driver for the PVTA. When asked what kept her going all these years, she told Western Mass News it’s all about the journey and all the wonderful people she’s met along the way. “I appreciate it. I have good drivers that have been good to me and I enjoy what I do,” she said.

Being of service has always been Bell’s greatest joy. She started off as a school bus driver before joining the PVTA, where she joined the bus driver union board. Bell was also titled the most senior bus driver since December 2022, making her the first African American woman to ever hold the title in PVTA history. “I’m so proud of her. She’s the first African American woman to hold the position of number one and all the hard work is paid off. You know, she’s had a good quality life,” said Lorenzo Bell.

To help celebrate the milestone, Bell was joined by her children and grandchildren. “I feel really excited and cold. We came all the way from Dallas to watch the legendary Renita Bell retire,” added Elaina Bell.

Before taking off for her last ride, Bell told us she will miss all her passengers. “Passengers have been on the bus this morning and yesterday and they gave me well wishes and everything, so I’ve met a lot of people over the years,” she explained.