In Loving Memory of Tanya Perry – Los Angeles Mourns a Cherished Metro Bus Operator
The city of Los Angeles is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Tanya Perry, a beloved Metro bus operator, dedicated public servant, sister, friend, and cherished community member, whose life was tragically taken in a hit-and-run collision over the weekend. Her passing has left colleagues, neighbors, passengers, and loved ones devastated, as the city grapples with the sudden loss of someone whose presence brought warmth, reliability, and compassion to countless lives every day.
A Life of Service and Heart
For many Angelenos, Tanya was more than a bus operator—she was a familiar, friendly face who made the daily commute feel a little brighter. Co-workers shared that Tanya took great pride in her role, not just in safely transporting passengers, but in connecting with them. She greeted regular riders by name, offered words of encouragement to those who seemed down, and never hesitated to assist elderly or disabled passengers as they boarded.
To Tanya, driving a Metro bus wasn’t just a job—it was her contribution to the heartbeat of Los Angeles. She understood the importance of public transportation in a large and diverse city, and she embraced that responsibility with patience, dedication, and grace.
A Community in Grief
The news of Tanya’s tragic passing spread quickly across social media and through Metro employee networks, leading to an outpouring of grief and disbelief. Co-workers described her as the kind of colleague who lifted others up, volunteered to cover shifts when someone was struggling, and kept morale high in a demanding profession.
At the Metro division where she worked, employees gathered in silence—many hugging, crying, and sharing memories of her laughter, her kindness, and the way she made even hard days feel manageable. Her loss has created a painful void in a workforce already bonded through shared long hours, city-wide routes, and responsibility to the public.
A Sister, Friend, and Family Rock
To those closest to her, Tanya was the heartbeat of her family—someone who organized gatherings, checked in daily, and showed up whenever she was needed. Her family described her as someone with a gentle spirit and a strong sense of loyalty. She was the person who remembered every birthday, the one who sent late-night texts to remind loved ones that they were loved, appreciated, and capable of pushing through hard times.
Friends say her laughter was contagious, her hugs grounding, and her presence irreplaceable. She was someone who made others feel safe and cared for—no matter what they were going through.
The Hit-and-Run
Authorities are continuing to investigate the collision that claimed Tanya’s life. The driver responsible fled the scene, leaving family, friends, and the entire community searching for answers and justice. Officials are urging anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that accountability is essential for healing and closure.
Local residents in the area have begun placing flowers, candles, and heartfelt notes at the location of the crash. Some have stopped by to quietly pray, cry, or simply stand in stillness to honor the life that was unfairly taken.
Metro and City Leaders Respond
LA Metro released a statement expressing profound sadness and extending condolences to Tanya’s family, calling her an invaluable member of the Metro family. The statement highlighted her years of dedicated service and the positive impact she made on colleagues and riders alike.
City leaders also acknowledged the tragedy, emphasizing the need for safer streets, pedestrian awareness, and community support for grieving families affected by preventable traffic violence.
Honoring Tanya’s Legacy
Plans are currently underway for a public memorial and candlelight vigil, where family, friends, co-workers, and community members will gather to share stories, reflect, and celebrate the life Tanya lived. Additionally, fellow bus operators are discussing the possibility of a symbolic honor ride, where they will drive in procession to pay tribute to their colleague.
Some passengers have begun sharing memories online—stories of conversations, jokes shared between stops, and moments in which Tanya’s kindness changed their day. For many, Tanya was proof that even brief human interactions can leave lasting meaning.
Forever in Our Hearts
As Los Angeles continues to grieve, Tanya’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched—on crowded morning routes, in break rooms, in family gatherings, and in the hearts of those who loved her.
She will be remembered for her kindness.
For her patience.
For her laughter.
For the love she shared generously and without hesitation.
Her passing is a reminder of the fragility of life—and of the importance of compassion in everyday interactions.
Rest in peace, Tanya Perry.
Your light will continue to shine through the people who knew you, the passengers you greeted, and the family and friends who will carry your memory forward. You are loved. You are missed. You will never be forgotten.
