News

March 2021 Employee of the Month

April 23, 2021

It takes a lot of hard work to keep a transit system running smoothly, day after day. Members of the team all contribute in their unique role, from office staff, reservationists, and dispatchers to bus drivers, supervisors, utility workers, and management. This month, one employee receives special recognition.

“Lani is one of our ROCK STAR employees! She works hard and gives her best always. She is kind and never drops an opportunity to help others. We are privileged to have her as part of our team!”
— Ginger Doll, General Manager

 

Name: Lani Benton
Job title: Dispatcher
Tell us about your job: I work in dispatch, which entails many tasks from answering the phone and questions from drivers, recording information for para rides, making reservations for para and nightline, and just generally helping with what is needed around the office and sometimes driving a route when we are shorthanded.
How long have you been working with Lawrence Transit / KU on Wheels? I was hired in the middle of 2016 as a driver and eventually transitioned to dispatch.
What do you like most about your job? I enjoy helping people and being able to make a difference in what I do.
What do you like to do when you’re not at work? I seem to keep busy. I dabble in quite a bit of things. I like to do crafts, crochet, ceramics. I would like to learn how to make stained glass windows and pottery.
What else would you like to tell us about yourself? I grew up in Kansas City, KS. I am a mother of five, three boys and two girls. I have one grandson, and one on the way. My youngest is the only one at home, (not counting Dozer the dog), who is currently going to school and working at First Transit as well.
What is the best part about being employee of the month? Just knowing I am able to help is the best part of working here and being employee of the month.