Ben Martinez has been a shuttle driver with the Lab’s shuttle vendor since 2009, when he moved to the Bay Area with his family. After a childhood in Chicago, he appreciates the Bay Area’s climate, the Lab’s amazing views, and the turkeys.
How long have you been a driver at the Lab?
Fourteen years. I started driving a shuttle at the Lab in June 2010.
What do you like most about driving at the Lab?
I love the views. The views from up at Building 90, morning or evening, those views are wonderful.
What would you say are some of the challenges of driving at the Lab?
There’s not much except for the turkeys. Sometimes they stay in the road. Usually, when you drive slowly toward them, they move. But sometimes they gobble back at you.
What keeps you coming back as a driver?
I like to be outside. I like the wildlife. I like the deer, especially in springtime when the baby deer are around. But I especially love the view.
9 Comments
I appreciate all of the safe rides you’ve provided me over the years Ben! It’s a pleasure to see your friendly face around the Lab. Thank you for your service.
Thank you for all that you do to provide Berkeley Lab with shuttle services to keep us running on schedule. Happy National Transit Appreciation Day!
Happy National Transit Employee Appreciation Day to Ben and all our wonderful Berkeley Lab Shuttle Drivers! You make getting to, from, and around the Lab a pleasure!
Thank you, Ben, for your safe, consistent and friendly service! I appreciate you and have enjoyed getting to know you over the years. Keep up the great work!
Ben is a true bright spot here at LBNL!
Thanks to all our wonderful drivers who keep us safe while traveling to/from and around the Lab.
Taking the shuttle makes travel to the Lab and all around the Lab so easy. It is safe, clean and yes the views are so beautiful. Thank you for all of your years of service. We all greatly appreciate it and we all benefit!
I’m happy that Ben is here. He’s a great, reliable, friendly driver and has safely driven me to and from the lab hundreds of times.
Happy National Transit Employee Appreciation Day to all the drivers to get us everywhere.
Thank you for all you do for the lab Ben!