MV Transportation celebrates 50th anniversary by giving back
Officials and employees of MV Transportation, whose bus drivers and maintenance personnel work for the Butler Transit Authority, celebrated the company’s 50th anniversary with a cookout Tuesday, Aug. 5, in downtown Butler.
Dallas-based MV Transportation was established in 1975 by a husband and wife who shuttled disabled people to and from medical appointments in San Francisco.
The company now has more than 20,000 employees working under more than 200 transportation contracts in 30 states, including the 15 drivers and two maintenance workers at the transit authority.
“We’re here to show love and appreciation,” said John Notestine, vice president of payroll, who works at the company headquarters.
To mark the anniversary, officials from company headquarters and transit authority employees gave out freshly grilled hot dogs, snacks and drinks to people waiting for buses or just walking by the authority’s bus terminal on West New Castle Street.
Company officials “from the CEO and down” were hosting similar celebrations at each location where their employees work, Notestine said.
“We started in 1975 with a husband-and-wife team and a van,” Notestine said. “Both founders are still highly involved with the company. It’s amazing.”
He said MV Transportation has grown to become the largest privately owned transportation company in the United States. Company employees work for fixed-base services, like the transit authority, paratransit providers, and college and university shuttle services.
“We’ve got amazing drivers,” Notestine said.
Some drivers have retired from other jobs and are looking for second careers, he added.
Tom Fox, transit authority safety manager, said he briefly drove a bus before entering his current position three years ago and he loves his job.
“I’m their go-to person,” Fox said, while grilling hot dogs. “I have a great bunch of operators. They can call me anytime.”
He said he trains new drivers, does ridealongs and provides customer service.
“Love them. Outstanding company, Fox said, about MV Transportation. “They take care of their people.”
