CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas \u2014 The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority held a surprise going away celebration at the Staples Street Station for bus driver Maria Flores, who wrapped up a 39-year career with the RTA.<\/p>\n
For her last day, Flores got to take the RTA’s flag bus on its very first voyage.<\/p>\n
“I want to cry because this is my life. This was my life. I enjoyed driving the buses, transporting my passengers, safely where they needed to go, you know, and I wanted always, I always made sure they felt safe when they got on my bus and I’m gonna miss that. I truly am,” Flores said.<\/p>\n
Family, friends and co-workers were on hand to celebrate her last day on the job.<\/p>\n
The secret to staying on the job for 39 years? Flores said you need to have a lot of patience and show a lot of kindness.<\/p>\n
As for the next chapter in her life, Flores said she wants to get closer to her church and do some traveling when her husband retires next year.<\/p>\n
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