Meet the Team: Marie Sneed

Marie “Miss Marie” Sneed is a cherished member of the SolTrans team and a true embodiment of resilience, warmth, and community spirit. Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, she spent much of her youth on the very vehicle that would later define her career: the bus. At just 19, she embarked on a bold journey to California—by bus, of course—to live with her grandmother. It was her first time away from home and marked the beginning of a chapter filled with challenges, growth, and opportunity.

After exploring various jobs and raising her children, Marie eventually settled in Vallejo. She first worked at what was then Marine World, but fate soon steered her to Vallejo Transit in 2006. When she joined as a bus driver, she asked the agency why they had chosen her. Their reply? “You’re a mom, and moms make the best bus drivers.” Over the next two decades, Miss Marie fully embraced her role as a “bus mom,” nurturing not just her riders but also her fellow drivers.

Her secret? A remarkable ability to listen. Marie’s attentive ear has forged countless connections along her routes, with passengers often seeking her out as a confidante. Her warmth, empathy, and talent for noticing the little things have made her an irreplaceable figure in the community she serves.

Outside of work, Marie is devoted to her family and friends. She loves hosting gatherings and sharing home-cooked meals, but her creative talents extend beyond the kitchen. Marie is a skilled muralist, a talent she discovered while painting vibrant designs in her children’s classrooms. Her artistic touch has brightened school walls and even stage sets for local theater productions. When asked how she transforms small sketches into expansive works of art, she humbly says, “It’s a gift.”

Today, Marie continues to bring light to the SolTrans team, now working behind the scenes at the Transit Center. She supports operations and assists drivers with their day-to-day duties. While she sometimes misses the open road, her passion for her work remains unwavering. If you see her at the Transit Center, don’t hesitate to say hello. Chances are, she’ll offer a listening ear and brighten your day with her signature warmth.

‍