Spotlight on Tim Riley, Via Student Transit driver in Appleton, Wisconsin
Tim Riley’s journey has been shaped by his commitment to care and service. A father of two daughters, military veteran, IT professional, and small business owner, now a grandparent of two. In “retirement,” he thought he’d finally slow down. But he quickly found himself drawn back to work — this time, behind the wheel, as a driver for Via Student Transit (VST). One year in, he’ll tell you it’s one of the most rewarding jobs he’s ever had. We sat down with Tim to hear why.
📖 Read: Appleton Area School District brings trust and reliability to student transportation
Tim, tell us a little about yourself. What led you to become a Via Student Transit driver?
Tim: Well, I’m technically “retired” three times over — from the Air Force, the Army, and a civilian career in IT. I also ran my own engraving business. After retirement, I tried driving for a delivery service, but when I saw an ad for Via Student Transit, I thought: This seems different. And it is. The hours work for me, the pay is good, and the real difference is the kids. That’s what makes it special.
What stands out to you about driving students every day?
Tim: The kids make my day. In the mornings, they’re half-asleep, like all of us. But by the afternoon, they’re wide awake and full of stories. We talk about school, about video games, about their families. They’ll tease me for not knowing Minecraft, and I’ll surprise them with stories about Mount St. Helens. We just have fun together.
What I love most is the consistency. I drive the same students each day, and those relationships matter. They know me, I know them. I can tell if something’s off — if they’re quieter than usual, or not feeling well. It’s not just about getting them from point A to point B. You notice things. You care.
Can you share a moment that showed you the impact of these connections?
Tim: One student I drove every day would light up when she saw my car coming down the driveway. She’d start jumping, singing, shouting “Mr. Tim!” Her parents later told the school district how much she looked forward to our rides together. That kind of feedback is priceless.
What do you hope school districts know about Via Student Transit drivers?
Tim: That we really care. We treat these kids like our own. They’re not packages to deliver — they’re people we look after. When districts choose Via, they’re not just getting a transportation service. They’re getting drivers who are invested in keeping students safe, showing up reliably, and being a positive part of their day.
Finally, what would you say to someone thinking about becoming a driver?
Tim: Do it. The pay is solid, the flexibility is there, but most importantly, the kids will keep you young. They give you purpose. At this stage in my life, I can say I’ve done a lot of things — but this role, it’s one of the most meaningful.
Why this matters for districts
Tim’s story is just one example of the driver partners behind Via Student Transit. Drivers like him get students to school safely, by the first bell. And what's more, they're creating safe, supportive, and joyful rides that help students get to school ready to learn.
Via Student Transit provides districts with safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation beyond the yellow bus. Dedicated drivers like Tim help ensure every student has consistent access to education while providing district staff, caregivers, and parents peace of mind.
Book a meeting with our Student Transit team here to learn more.
