Brent Jones honors Ollie Volley with top safe driver award in San Francisco

The July 4, 2025, meeting of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA) began with a heartfelt recognition of a long-serving member of the cable car division. Brent Jones, the chief transit operator, introduced Operator Oliver Volley, who received the top safe driver award for his exceptional service and dedication to public transit.

Jones highlighted Volley’s impressive tenure, noting that he has been a vital ambassador for public transit in San Francisco for decades. With a cap number of 386, Volley has been providing excellent service since 1979, making him a familiar and respected figure among both locals and visitors. His role at Powell and Market has made him a go-to source for customer information, further enhancing the experience for tourists riding the iconic cable cars.

Fred Butler, the division manager at Cable Car, spoke next, emphasizing Volley’s influence on the training of new operators and his integral role in the operations team. Butler shared personal anecdotes, illustrating how Volley has contributed to the success of many operators, including himself. He praised Volley for achieving an extraordinary record of 48 years of safe driving without any accidents, underscoring the significance of this accomplishment in the transportation industry.

The meeting concluded with a strong sense of appreciation for Operator Volley’s commitment to safety and service, marking a significant moment in recognizing the contributions of dedicated transit operators in San Francisco. The MTA plans to continue honoring such exemplary service in future meetings, reinforcing the importance of safety and customer service in public transportation.