Tracy Holmes-Williams, a 26-year veteran of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), has turned her Route 36 trolley in Southwest Philadelphia into an oasis of positivity. Known as “Tracy’s Trolley,” her vehicle is adorned with motivational placards, notes, and uplifting messages that aim to brighten the day of every passenger.
“We’re the frontline workers; we are the first thing passengers see when we come down the street. I try to be the person that makes them smile,” Tracy explains. She decorates the trolley with inspirational quotes like “Have a wonderful day!” and “Smile, and the whole world smiles with you,” as well as references to local sports teams like the Eagles and Phillies.
Tracy’s mission extends beyond her passengers. She even sends heart signals to her co-workers on passing trolleys, recognizing that everyone, including her colleagues, might be having a challenging day. Her philosophy is simple but powerful: “Your energy and attitude determine what kind of day you’ll have. So keep those positive vibes, stay smiling, and you’ll be alright”.
This dedication to spreading joy has not gone unnoticed. Tracy takes pride in hearing customers thank her for the messages, and she believes that happy riders make the journey easier for everyone. Her efforts paint clearly how a small act of kindness can have immense effect, potentially improving the day of the approximately 750,000 customers SEPTA serves each workday.
Tracy Holmes-Williams’ approach to her job exemplifies the idea that treating strangers with kindness can make a significant difference in their lives, as we never know what challenges they might be facing. Through her daily actions, she transforms a simple trolley ride into an uplifting experience, proving that positivity can indeed be contagious.