Thomas Cute Jr.'s Last Ride

Congratulations to RIPTA Bus Operator Thomas G. Cute Jr. on His Retirement and 45 Years of Service

After more than four decades of dedicated service, Thomas G. Cute Jr. is retiring from RIPTA, closing out an extraordinary 45-year career marked by leadership, advocacy and a deep commitment to public service.

Tom began his journey at RIPTA on March 17, 1980. Through hard work and consistency, he rose to become the #2 ranked bus operator and #3 in overall seniority across the entire organization—an incredible accomplishment that speaks to his longevity and respect among peers.

In 2002, Tom showcased his driving skills by winning RIPTA’s Bus Roadeo, a driving competition for bus operators, and went on to represent the Authority at the national competition held that year in Las Vegas. His commitment to excellence extended beyond the wheel; from 1998 to 2000, he contributed to both the Scheduling and Training Departments, helping train future operators and prepare them for their Commercial Driver’s Licenses.

A strong advocate for his colleagues, Tom was elected to the ATU Executive Board in 1991 and again from 1993 to 1996. His union leadership continued as he served as Vice President from 2002 to 2014, and later as President/Business Agent from 2015 through 2020. In every role, Tom was known for his steady guidance and dedication to improving the working conditions for all RIPTA employees.

Throughout his career, Tom remained committed to both his fellow employees and the public he served every day. On the last day of his shift, he was surprised by dozens of friends, family members, and coworkers who came to celebrate as he pulled into RIPTA headquarters for the final time.

Congratulations, Tom, and thank you for 45 years of remarkable service behind the wheel!

For more information about RIPTA, visit https://www.ripta.com.