MINNEAPOLIS — There aren't many bus routes that begin on the transit station sidewalk, but for decades now, Melanie Benson has greeted regular riders by name even before she takes her seat behind the wheel.
"I love my job," Benson said. "And it's not just because I don't like to do paperwork. It's just fun, especially getting to know the people."
This month, some of those people came bearing gifts in honor of Benson's 47th year as a driver. Many also took selfies with her as the boarded the Route 23 bus, which she drives between the Uptown Transit Station and the Minneapolis Veteran's Home five days a week.
"I brought chocolate," said Barb Kaufman, a long time rider who has also become a longtime friend. "I think she's one of the most conscientious drivers I've ever meant."
Though many people find driving a bus intimidating, Benson says she's never really wanted to drive anything else.
"I didn't have a car until I was 39 or 40, so I never really drove a car much," Benson said. "I really started driving with a bus. I think it's one of the coolest vehicles on the streets because it has all these people."
But if you ask the people, it's Melanie who makes the bus memorable.
"Melanie is an avid reader and every once and a while you'll just get on the bus and there will be a cardboard box full of books," said Jeanne Lakso. "When someone gets on the bus she'll be like, 'Oh, I know you like mysteries, here's a good one for you to try.' She really cares about people."
Kaufman says her former guide dog, which recently passed away, was a route regular and friend as well.
"There was one day my dog got hurt out here and she and I both carried my dog into the bus," Kaufman said. "I knew I had to get her in (to get checked out) So she actually stopped me right in front of the vet's office that was on Hennepin Avenue, which was just past the bus stop. She's more than a driver. She's just a friend."
Those friendships have been tested in recent years.
"I was sorry that so many people stopped using the bus."
The pandemic shifted riding habits and a few months later her route suddenly changed as well.
"Starting at Portland is part of the reroute around George Floyd Square," Benson said.
Three years later, Melanie says things are still far from what they were in Uptown.
"There are a lot of unhoused people and that is hard," she said.
But she knows it makes her job all the more critical.
"I'm a resident at the veteran's home, which is better than sleeping under the bridge," said Randy Hixson, a frequent rider on Route 23. "Melanie is one of our favorite drivers. She treats us like people. She's got a good heart. What more can you say?"
Benson says the feelings are mutual.
"I have an impact on their lives and they have an impact on mine."
And the only topic that's off limits on her route? Retirement.
"No, no, no, no... I don't use the 'R' word and I ask other people not to use it either," she said. "It's hard to imagine what else I would do."
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