Meet Tracy DeCrescenzo: USF Bull Runner driver, Brooklyn kid, rock star

Get to the assigned bus, start the engine, pick up his flash drive filled with Beatles songs and play “Here Comes the Sun.”
This is how 61-year-old Tracy DeCrescenzo starts his 7 a.m. shift driving Bull Runner buses at USF.
DeCrescenzo loves listening to classic rock ‘n’ roll at work. He skips songs when the lyrics sound “a little negative” because he doesn’t want anybody to feel sad on his bus.
“Without the music, I could not do this job,” he said. “So, I bring my own music.”
The only time he turns down the volume is to listen to riders’ stories.
On a cold winter morning, he asked the only six students on his bus, “What was the first concert you’ve ever been to?”
He listened to their answers and talked about common favorite bands to break the ice. But he would have done that even if the bus was at maximum capacity.
“I always ask myself, ‘Why am I still doing this?’” he said. “It’s not because of driving the bus. It’s because of you guys.”
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DeCrescenzo has been working at USF for nine years and is the fifth-longest serving Bull Runner driver, said Aaron Nichols, a spokesperson for USF Facilities.
But before that, DeCrescenzo was a Brooklyn kid. Growing up, he found a love greater than his hometown — his wife Jane.
The couple moved to New Jersey after getting married in 1990. Two years later, Tracy got a job as a city bus driver for New Jersey Transit, where he worked for 23 years.
In 2015, the couple decided to move to the Sunshine State on the weekend of the Fourth of July.
“The weather and the pace was getting to us,” DeCrescenzo said. “It was just too much, and we needed a break.”
Before moving to Florida, DeCrescenzo used to perform in New York and New Jersey with the band Rock Farm.
“I used to play bass, guitar and a little drums,” he said. “I’m all about the music.”

The only thing that brings DeCrescenzo more joy than being on stage is talking to USF students about it.
“I’ve been driving for 32 years now, but this is the best job ever,” DeCrescenzo said.
He tells riders on his bus he is such a “tremendous” Beatles fan that he has seen Paul McCartney live 17 times. He proudly reveals his outer bicep “Rubber Soul” tattoo, inspired by the band’s sixth studio album of the same name.
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DeCrescenzo sees a student running to cross the street, trying not to miss the bus. He waits patiently at the stop.
Even if he sees someone about to walk by his next stop, DeCrescenzo doesn’t drive past it until he is certain they are not getting on. He beeps, signs and waves first.
His supervisor, Tracy Williams, said DeCrescenzo is “outstanding” and consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to safety.
“With a natural rapport that passengers rave about, he ensures that everyone is secure before departing from any stop,” Williams said. “Tracy DeCrescenzo truly exemplifies excellence in driving.”
Walton Mattei, assistant manager of transportation for Parking and Transportation Services, said DeCrescenzo has a reputation for being very helpful and friendly.
The Bull Runner team frequently receives compliments through social media posts from DeCrescenzo’s passengers, Mattei said.
Nichols said DeCrescenzo has received multiple internal honors, including a peer-nominated “Excellence Award,” the “highest recognition” in the Office of Administrative Services.
DeCrescenzo greets every rider with a high five, fist bump or hug, but he lets them do it first.
“I want to make them feel comfortable,” he said. “I try to make them control that because I want you to come on my bus and know that you’re going to be a friend forever.”
DeCrescenzo said he does exactly what his mother Evangeline always taught him — to welcome everyone with a smile.

Ruihui Zhao, a senior English major, said she takes the bus in the early mornings to the Library. If DeCrescenzo is the driver, Zhao fist-bumps him no matter how sleepy she is.
“He is always so happy, and that gives us energy to go to school,” Zhao said.
DeCrescenzo also has a tradition of giving out lollipops to those boarding his bus on the first day of classes — something he has done every semester for eight years.
“It’s a thank you and welcome back because I miss you guys,” he said.
As DeCrescenzo’s shift ends, he returns home to his wife to make plans for their 35th anniversary in March. The couple never had any kids, but DeCrescenzo said being with her is all that matters to him.
“I’m the luckiest man,” he said. “Whatever you guys like about me is because of my mom and my wife.”