Da'Von Griffin, a 19-year-old from the Bay Area, has become an unlikely hero for transit-challenged San Franciscans. With a natural talent for public speaking and a deep, calm voice, Griffin has taken it upon himself to guide and inform fellow commuters on the city's complex public transportation system.
What makes Griffin's dedication particularly remarkable is his self-taught approach. He began his transit guidance journey at just 16 years old, riding BART trains with a microphone and JBL speaker, announcing the last stop and guiding fellow riders to the next station. His natural talent for making announcements and his desire to help people find their waypoints have made him a local legend.
Griffin's passion for public transit is deeply personal. He grew up in Berkeley and Oakland, riding BART and experiencing the city's public transportation system firsthand. When he moved to San Francisco with his mother and sister in 2020, he began studying the Muni Metro light rail and BART, memorizing stops and routes, and understanding the challenges of navigating the city's transit system.
The Covid-19 pandemic presented unique challenges for transit, with schedules and routes changing rapidly. Griffin's dedication to staying informed and helping others during this period has made him an invaluable resource for San Franciscans.
His efforts have not gone unnoticed. Griffin has received positive feedback from BART and Muni, and he has even landed a paid internship with Muni, becoming part of the system's Youth Transportation Advisory Board. His goal is to improve LED prediction screen technology for more accurate arrival times at transit stops, and he hopes to become a bus operator once he gets his driver's license.
Griffin's impact on the Bay Area transit system is undeniable. His presence at busy stops like 30th Avenue, the Geary and Masonic stop, 4th and King streets, and the Embarcadero station, providing accurate and detailed information, has made a significant difference for commuters. His dedication to helping people navigate the city's transit system is a testament to his character and a source of inspiration for many.
As Griffin continues his volunteer work, he remains committed to his goal of becoming the voice of Bay Area transit. His passion, dedication, and natural talent make him an ideal candidate to guide and inform fellow commuters, ensuring that San Franciscans can navigate the city's public transportation system with ease and confidence.
