- December 4, 2025
Bernard Huggins stands in front of the bus recognizing his years with Votran during the 50th anniversary event on Friday, Sept, 19. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Hannah Stokes sings during Votran's 50th anniversary event on Friday, Sept, 19. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Bernard Huggins was recently recognized as Driver of the Year by the Florida Public Transportation Association, for second time in his over 50-year career. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
A Votran bus celebrates the 50th anniversary. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Volusia County Councilman Matt Reinhart speaks during Votran's 50th anniversary event on Friday, Sept, 19. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower speaks during Votran's 50th anniversary event on Friday, Sept, 19. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Bobbie King, Volusia County director of Transit Services, speaks during Votran's 50th anniversary event on Friday, Sept, 19. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Votran bus driver Bernard Huggins stands alongside Bobbie King, Volusia County director of Transit Services, as she reads a statement written by him during Votran's 50th anniversary event on Friday, Sept, 19. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Bobbie King, Volusia County director of Transit Services, unveils new logos during Votran's 50th anniversary event on Friday, Sept, 19. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
A Votran bus with Bernard Huggins photograph is unveiled during Votran's 50th anniversary event on Friday, Sept, 19. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Bernard Huggins reacts to the newly decorated bus during Votran's 50th anniversary event on Friday, Sept, 19. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Bernard Huggins shakes hands with Volusia County Councilman Jeff Brower during Votran's 50th anniversary event on Friday, Sept, 19. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Bernard Huggins stands in front of the bus recognizing his years with Votran during the 50th anniversary event on Friday, Sept, 19. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Bernard Huggins has been behind the wheel for Votran for as long as Volusia County's public transit system has existed.
That's 50 years, a milestone the county celebrated on Friday, Sept. 19, during a special anniversary event held at Votran's headquarters in South Daytona. The celebration was attended by Votran staff, elected officials and representatives from the Florida Department of Transportation.
Huggins, who — for the second time in his career — was recently awarded Driver of the Year by the Florida Public Transportation Association, was the ceremony's special guest, which concluded with the unveiling of a bus, containing Votran's new logo and Huggin's photograph.
"Obviously, he's seen it all," said Bobbie King, county director of Transit Services. "He has no plans to retire. He loves what he does — that makes him the best employee ever."
King read a statement written by Huggins as he stood alongside her on the platform. Holding the title of bus driver and wearing the uniform, he wrote, has been on of his "greatest blessings."
"The dictionary defines a bus driver as a person whose job it is to drive a bus, but from the very first day I put on my uniform, the job meant much more to me," Huggins statement read. "A bus driver is a navigator of the streets and highways of the community he serves. He is a protector for the customers who board his bus, trusting his skills to get them safely from one destination to the other. He is a timekeeper for his timeliness on his routes."
For over 50 years, Huggins has worked as a bus driver, and he attributed his work ethic to his late mother, Annie Bell Huggins.
"I am grateful to the passengers that have boarded my busses on the hot days, the chilly days, the wet days and the days in between," his statement said. "I am grateful for their smiles and greetings. Many of them have shared their lives with me — news of marriages, births, jobs, homes and sometimes the pain of the loss of a loved one. I am grateful to my coworkers, fellow drivers, mechanics and office staff, who have been there with me, for me, through these 50 years. Some of the faces have changed, but the spirit and the commitment to serve our passengers has been constant."
As part of the ceremony, King unveiled new logos for the county's three public transit options:
King also announced that Votran will be modernizing its system, with plans to add more on-demand options such as VoRide, which is only available on the west side of the county for now. New technology allowing riders to schedule and pay for trips online, along with a new mobile app, are underway.
As the county celebrates 50 years of Votran, it is also celebrating "the future of mobility," said Volusa County Councilman Matt Reinhart.
"While Votran honors its past, it is actively building the transportation system for tomorrow — one that makes our county more connected, more competitive and more prepared for what lies ahead," Reinhart said.
While highlighting the importance transportation plays in the economy, Reinhart said that reliable transit helps employers attract and retain workers while supporting the tourism industry.
"In short, Votran is fueling opportunity across our county," he said. "We know our roads are busier — trust me. Our economy is more dynamic, and expectations of residents and visitors alike are higher than ever. Public transit remains part of the solution."
Fifty years is a "huge milestone," said County Council Chair Jeff Brower.
"You don't make it 50 years unless you're doing something right," he said.
In addition to helping the economy, Votran helps the elderly, the disabled and the financially-disadvantaged be able to attend doctor's appointments, go shopping and visit friends and family, Brower said. Things most people with a car take for granted, he added.
"We jump in our car and get there," he said. "Not everybody can do that. Votran is filling that void, and they're doing it in a way that's absolutely efficient."
