PORT ANGELES — Adrian Ripley of Port Angeles took a bus rider’s holiday Thursday, fated to be Clallam Transit System’s 15 millionth rider and feted with gifts and a yearlong pass.
Ripley, 78, was a random choice but couldn’t have been a better pick.
The retired heavy equipment mechanic spends most of his days riding Clallam Transit buses.
He’s done so since he stopped driving in October 2002.
Ripley said he takes most of his rides with transit operator Anita Messner, first from Port Angeles to and from Joyce, then on a round trip to Sequim.
“I’m riding with the same driver,” he said of his six-day-a-week schedule,”and I think she set me up on this.”
He was truly a random choice, however, said transit office manager Mary Bower, and he represents a group of riders whom Bower called “a social community.”
“The public transit system is actually a form of socialization for many people in our community,” she said.
Ripley was greeted by Clallam Transit officials as he got off a bus at the Oak Street Station at noon.
“I’m thoroughly amazed, shocked and very pleased,” he said.
