Although many people wouldn't list driving among their favorite activities, VTA Bus operator Janell Rubbo feels most joyful behind the wheel. With over 35 years of experience, she has recently achieved an impressive milestone of 4 million miles of safe driving! 

That's the equivalent of driving to the moon and back more than eight times, around the Earth 161 times, or from New York to Los Angeles 1,434 times.

Four million miles of no accidents, just endless stretches of road and countless passengers transported safely to their destinations.

Her journey as a driver began when she was only 18 years old. Starting as a school bus driver for the Franklin-McKinley Elementary School District in San Jose, she spent 35 years driving the yellow bus. She always dreamed of taking the kids on grand adventures beyond California. That dream came true when she drove a bus full of kids -without air conditioning- all the way to Wyoming, to Yellowstone National Park. It was her first out-of-state trip and the beginning of many more, totaling approximately 20,000 interstate miles.

Eventually, Janell joined VTA with an impressive one million miles already under her belt.

For the next 14 years, she has navigated the bustling streets of San Jose, greeting every passenger with a smile and ensuring each ride is as safe as the last.

Raised in San Jose, Janell has a special gift for making everyone feel welcome, always getting along with her colleagues and passengers alike.

Her secret to safe driving? Doing what she was told, driving at or under the speed limit, and always checking her mirrors. She is patient with traffic and has never lost her cool, qualities that have served her well throughout her career.

Recently, Dawn Wright, her superintendent at Chaboya, presented her with a 4-million-mile recognition plaque that gave Janell a wave of gratitude and pride.

Janell’s story is one of passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to safety.

Though she will soon be trading her driver’s seat for a fishing boat, her legacy will continue to inspire new drivers for years to come.

Janell looks forward to retiring in December and to a future filled with travel, fishing, and relaxation. But she knows she will miss the job that has given her so much joy and purpose.

So today we want to say congratulations Janell! And thank you for 4 million miles of safe Driving for our Santa Clara County residents.