Published 08 Jun, 2015
On Dec. 1, 2008, Bus Operator Edwin Thomas, a 46-year old father of two, was stabbed to death by a passenger on the B-46 Bus at Malcolm X Boulevard and Gates Ave in New York. He was loved by his co-workers and respected and liked by his passengers. Local 100 has helped keep his memory alive with annual memorials near the site of his murder, and now, with the help of City Councilman Alan Maisel, there will be a permanent memorial for Edwin Thomas: a street co-named in his honor in the shadow of the Flatbush Bus Depot, home to the B46 Line.
At the official street-naming ceremony, family and colleagues gathered to celebrate the life of Brother Thomas and his long history of service to the community. As Councilman Maisel said, “Today we honor the life of Edwin Thomas, who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our City. I salute the transit workers whose unheralded contributions often go without recognition.”
Local 100 President and TWU International’s Executive Vice President John Samuelsen said: “Our union, and especially the workers here at Flatbush Depot, are grateful to Councilman Maisel for his work to secure this recognition for Brother Edwin Thomas. Our bus operators safely carry more than 2.5 million passengers every day, and often are faced with unruly and dangerous situations for themselves and their passengers. They are truly unsung heroes in our society. Hopefully today’s event will serve as a reminder of the dangers they face and the service they render to our great city.”