Cherriots Honors Million-Mile Drivers For Extraordinary Safety And Service (Photo) - 03/31/26

A Million Miles of Safety, Commitment, and Community

SALEM, OR – (March 31, 2026)  — Cherriots recognized two veteran operators, David Nichols-Alarcon and Pavel Kuzmenko, for achieving an extraordinary milestone: driving one million miles without a preventable accident. The recognition took place during the Cherriots Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

This achievement reflects years of professional excellence and dedication to safety. Operators who reach the million-mile mark demonstrate a remarkable commitment to serving the community and ensuring that thousands of riders travel safely every day.

“Driving a million miles without a preventable accident takes remarkable skill and dedication,” said Cherriots Board President Maria Hinojos Pressey. “David and Pavel’s milestone reflects the care and professionalism that make Cherriots service safe and reliable for our community every day.”

Beginning this year, Cherriots will hold an annual Million Mile Driver recognition each September during the Board Meeting to celebrate operators who achieve this elite milestone and exemplify the values of safety, reliability, and community service.

Past honorees include:
Harry McFadden – 2 Million Miles
John Welch – 1 Million Miles
Craig Spotts – 1 Million Miles
Marlene House – 1 Million Miles
Francisco Tolento – 1 Million Miles
Justin Schafer – 1 Million Miles
Paul Hudnell – 1 Million Miles
Lionel Segura – 1 Million Miles

Cherriots extends its congratulations to all million-mile drivers for their unwavering dedication to safety and excellence, values that help keep our community moving every day.

About Cherriots

Established in 1979, Salem Area Mass Transit District (SAMTD) is a special District covering 78 square miles in the Mid-Willamette Valley between Portland and Eugene. Locally known as Cherriots, the District provides vital service to more than 450,000 residents in Marion and Polk counties. SAMTD maintains a total of 124 transit vehicles across its various services and provides approximately 3.3 million passenger trips annually.

For more information, visit www.cherriots.org.