Pat Plant

t’s a truism that some people, faced with lemons, choose to make lemonade.

Pat Plant is one such person. Several years ago she found herself faced with the fact she could no longer drive because of a medical problem. Instead of reducing her social and professional activities, Pat got out the maps, studied the web sites and started using the local public transportation system to go just about anywhere she needs to go. She does, however, admit her husband occasionally has to pinch-hit for VTA and other transit agencies.

Pat is a hunger action advocate in the faith community, working in the four-county district offices for the Presbyterian Church. “I work with individual churches to help build support programs for the poor, the hungry and homeless people in our community.”

While she once drove to work, Pat finds riding the bus a positive experience. “I live two blocks off of El Camino in Sunnyvale and I work across the street from the County buildings on North First Street in San Jose. The Route 22 and light rail make it easy for me to get to work. I appreciate VTA and its services being available.”

The bus operators she sees in action every day are another factor Pat appreciates. “I’ve seen bus drivers be so kind and so patient with disabled individuals. People come up to them while they’re driving and want to ask directions. I see them remind new riders that this is where they want to get off. I’m very impressed with VTA’s drivers. I have never seen an angry driver.”