Plaque dedicated to oldest train operator unveiled on her 82nd birthday

Helen Antenucci (USA), the world’s oldest train operator, celebrated her 82nd birthday last week and received one of her favourite presents to date.

A plaque dedicated to her was unveiled at her favourite stop, Aquarium Station in downtown Boston.

It reads: “Dedicated in honor of Blue Line motorperson Helen Antenucci for her decades of service to the MBTA.”

Below the text is an engraved portrait of Helen above a quote from her: “Be kind to each other and have a wonderful day.”

She was also presented with her official Guinness World Records certificate by her colleague Dennis Moody, who applied for her record without her knowledge.

“She was thrilled!” Dennis said.

Aquarium Station is Helen’s favourite because she serves as an unofficial ambassador to the New England Aquarium. 

Speaking about what makes the station so special, she said: “The majority of people that get on or off my train there are families with children that are going to have a happy experience.

“The children are all excited; first about riding the train, and second, going to the aquarium. It’s so fun and heartwarming to see their happiness.”

Helen is now in her 30th year on the job, having joined the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority in 1995 aged 53.

“It was a way to get me out of the house,” she said. With five daughters at home, she found Boston’s bustling metro system to be the perfect place for her “to get some peace and quiet”.

Helen was one of only a few female train operators working for the city when she started, but she’s seen that number grow drastically over the past three decades. She estimates that 40% of MBTA staff are now women.

Known for her cheerful announcements, Helen is beloved by the city’s commuters, many of whom wait specifically for her train each day.

“I really enjoy coming to work and seeing the passengers,” she said when explaining why she hasn’t retired yet.

“I have come to know many of them over the years; they ride the train to and from work or school every day. It makes me feel good when I can quickly and safely bring them where they need to go.”

Despite her record receiving national media coverage after we announced it last month, Helen has kept a humble attitude towards it, saying: “I don’t know what all the fuss is about. I get up every day and do what I love to do. Not many people get to say that at my age.”

She added: “I would like to say thank you to all of my co-workers, family, friends and passengers for their support in making every day a wonderful journey.

“I will bring my passengers to and from where they need to go until my organization tells me I can’t, but I don’t see that happening anytime soon.”

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