Montgomery County Honors
Barwood Driver
Veteran Driver Recognized for
Outstanding Service
For Immediate Release: May 18, 2007 Contact: Kristina Bigby (240) 514-1257 kbigby@bsg1.net
Kensington, MD - Montgomery transportation officials named Barwood's Leroy Alston as one of the premier taxi drivers of 2006.
Leroy Alston, a driver for 9 years with Barwood, was named the 'Best of the Best' for "embodying the ideal of the courteous, respectful and successful taxi driver" according to the award citation. "Alston mentors by example, proving that excellence and success do not tarnish with time," said Lee Barnes, Barwood's president and CEO. Barnes rewarded Alston, 72, with an extra week's pay and offered him congratulations and appreciation for his many years of hard work and dedication.
One telling event is an example of Alston's commitment to provide first rate taxi service. In October 2006 a Montgomery County citizen set up a trip for her disabled son. Her son became disoriented and got lost at Metro Center. The customer later told Barwood, "Leroy drove around looking for him and even got out of his cab to look for him. He also kept in constant touch with me and was able to keep me calm." Her son was found and she was very grateful for everyone's help, especially Alston's.
Alston regularly receives customer compliments such as this one, according to Barnes. This commitment to his customers was just one of the reasons Alston was singled out as the 'Best of the Best.'
Montgomery County's annual transportation awards - this is the 20th year - were given to individuals and organizations that showed exemplary dedication to transportation alternatives.
Barwood, Inc. has a fleet of 455 taxis, including 36 wheelchair accessible vehicles. The company handles 4,000 calls a day and 1.2 million trips annually. Barwood was named one of the Washington area's best commuter workplaces in 2004 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its efforts in helping to "reduce traffic and air pollution in the community."
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