NEW YORK - In the 14 years that Alejandra Frino has worked as an MTA bus driver, the job has changed some over the years, but no more so than in the past several months.

She drives the B38 to Downtown Brooklyn with a renewed appreciation for her role in keeping New Yorkers moving.

"In the beginning it was really, really difficult, because we didn't know exactly who was getting this disease," said Frino.

At the height of the pandemic, Frino was among the city's essential workers that had to manage their fears while reporting for duty, even as she lost two of her colleagues at her depot to COVID-19.

"It was very hard, it was very hard, it really make me depressed.  I feel like we gotta keep going no matter what," said Frino.

The MTA's safety protocols give her some peace of mind. "We get check our temperature every morning before we report ourselves which it does help."

Frino says hard work has been a way of life since emigrating from Argentina.  It's a value she shared with her three children.

"As a mother I tried to provide to them, always working since I started here," recalled Frino. "After two weeks here I started to work.  I never stop."

She doesn't show any signs of slowing down even in these challenging times and is happy to promote what she says is one of the best ways to get around in the city.

"Come to the bus," said Frino.  "Enjoy the sunshine, enjoy the day, enjoy the air."