Woman given lifetime bus pass as 103rd birthday gift

Aug. 16 (UPI) -- A frequent bus rider in Florida was given a lifetime bus pass in celebration of her 103rd birthday.

Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority shared a photo of Barbara Rygiel receiving the special bus pass from CEO Brad Miller and Board Chair Darden Rice on Tuesday.

Rygiel takes the bus to church about four times a week and said the lifetime bus pass would help her avoid the fees that tend to pile up over time.

"It means everything to me. Look at how much I can save," she told Bay News 9.

Miller said that PSTA was proud to award the centenarian with a gift that will help make her regular commute easier.

"We are very proud to serve everyone in Pinellas County and certainly folks that are seniors, many who can't drive or have limited availability to drive, rely on public transportation," he said.

Rygiel said the bus pass will remind her of the kindness of those who have helped her get around.

"With this, it helps me greatly, so I appreciate you and you are in my prayers eternally," she said.