MEET OUR LATINA BUS DRIVER

September 1, 2024 Buffalo Latino Village

“Public service is a calling that involves giving of oneself for the greater good. At 21, I had the privilege of driving public transportation (Metro Bus) for over three years, which allowed me to safeguard our environment while serving the community.” —- Alondra Morales

Alondra Morales, a Buffalonian and proud Puerto Rican, serves her community as a volunteer, mother, friend, and leader. Her role as a city bus driver mirrors national employment trends, with Hispanics or Latinos making up 17.0% of the workforce in this field. Spanish is the most common second language among city bus drivers, spoken by 25.0% of them.

Alondra’s contribution to public transit is a significant factor in the progress of Latinos across the nation. In 2022, 27% of Latinos depended on public transit more frequently than 14% of whites, and 12% of Latinos were less likely to own a car compared to 6.5% of whites, according to UnidosUS.org. The absence of public transit access to college campuses is an obstacle for Latino students, sometimes resulting in them discontinuing their education.

According to the American Public Transit Association, transit riders completed 7.1 billion trips on public transportation in 2023, marking a 16 percent increase from 2022. The Northeast depends more heavily on public transit compared to other regions, and women, particularly female workers, are the most reliant on it. Picture yourself as a young girl, anxiously waiting for the bus. You speak Spanish, and the bus, or “la guagua,” is your gateway to the world. The arrival of the bus and your experience aboard can set the tone for your whole day. As “la guagua” approaches, you’re instantly washed over with relief. The doors swing open, and you’re welcomed in your native language with respect by the kind Alondra Morales, filling you with relief and pride.

That event occurred, and there’s no need to confirm it with Alondra. There were moments when I was that little girl waiting for the bus with my aunt. The sheer amazement of seeing a Latina at the wheel left a lasting impression and provided a powerful affirmation for the Buffalonian communities that Alondra served. Alondra excels in affirming others through her service, which reaches beyond her role as a driver and into the community. Her words mirror her dedication to her causes:

“A smile, a kind gesture, or just giving your time can be incredibly valuable. To instill and share these values, I serve as a co-leader for my daughter’s Girl Scouts troop, fostering girls with courage, confidence, and character.” In her role as a Girl Scout troop co-leader, Alondra influences the local Girl Scouts world and infuses their mission with her unique identity and experiences. Her participation strengthens every organization she is involved with.

Surrounded by women who share her mindset and dedication to service, Alondra considers Alicia Montalvo one of her role models. “Alicia has always inspired me and remains a mentor,” Alondra says. “As both a business owner and public servant, she motivates me to ponder, ‘How far can I go? What’s the best way to navigate this hurdle?’

Alondra’s influence on the community is reflected in intangible moments where her presence, her distinctive identity, and her generous spirit have raised the morale of those around her.

Leadership is an investment in one’s community, arising from intentional actions that endure through change and the distinct challenges of being Latina. It contributes to a culture where, as Alondra describes the notion of helping others is akin to a superpower.

If you’re in search of your purpose, eager for new challenges, or yearning for greater fulfillment, you might contemplate following in Alondra’s footsteps. Some of these paths involve, quite earnestly, gripping the steering wheel and accelerating to grant those behind you access to vital services and, quite literally, the flow of commerce.