I am finishing my fifth season working here on Martha’s Vineyard. I have lived in New York City and Los Angeles. I have traveled in other countries. And I have been a public transit rider in all those places. So when I tell you that Vineyard Transit has the most confounding, challenging bus system, I do so with authority. But the following is not a discussion on how you can take the Number 4 bus to Menemsha from West Tisbury but not from Chilmark or why only the Number 1 bus has designated stops. No, it is to enlighten everyone who does not use public transit about the team — no, platoon of saints who appear as the bus doors open.

I am talking about the Vineyard Transit Authority bus drivers.

Anyone with halfway decent eyesight can get a CDL and operate a bus. But only a certain chosen few can call themselves bus drivers here on Martha’s Vineyard. They are also tour guides, travel advisors and living breathing websites of schedules and timetables. They get starry-eyed tourists from the ferry to the beach, yes, yes. But for us workers — both Islander and seasonal — they are our lifelines.

And while the patient Number 13 drivers muscle through thousands of tourists going to Oak Bluffs and the other down-Island drivers battle mind-boggling traffic, only an elite, highly trained force of drivers are qualified to take on the up-Island routes.

The complexity is stunning for a place that is mostly trees and stone walls. Oh, you’re going to Vineyard Haven from Old County Road in West Tisbury? You’re going to have to take the Number 3 and then transfer at the town hall to the Number 3. Edgartown to Aquinnah? Easy. Take the 6 and it will turn into the 5. Coming back? You have to transfer from the 5 to the 6 because the 5 becomes the 3. Got it??? And if there is a chance of a pretty sunset in Menemsha, avoid the Number 4 if you’re trying to make the last ferry.

But the up-Island drivers have handled it with grace and a smile. They use their experience, wisdom, CB radios and, I suspect, The Force, to get us all where we need to go. They coordinate with each other to make sure we catch our transfers. Their dedication is all that stands between us and being an hour late to work (or a $50 Uber ride).

But much more than that, they’re constant, kindred spirits and, often, the highlight of the day. We share stories and Martha’s Vineyard news. If the VTA bus drivers don’t have it, it’s not out. They remember us and look out for us. If you forget your water bottle on the bus, it magically appears at your job as the bus pulls away out front. And over the years, they’ve become our friends.

And I can’t forget the base staff. The angelic souls who have the thankless job of coordinating the whole thing. They put their backs into making sure the drivers get all the messages to wait for connecting passengers — even if it’s just for one, exhausted dishwasher who smells like sourdough starter.

So on behalf of all of us — workers, tourists, Islanders, seasonals — who take the bus, thank you for another great season. With special love to Loretta, James, Andre, Alan, Cindy and the whole 3-5-6 rotation crew.

See ya in May.

Linde Aseltine

Chilmark