A lifelong bus rider from Bridgeport is circulating a petition protesting the fact that bus drivers are not deemed essential workers.

Dawn McClain, 59, says she's been riding buses since she was a baby and has the highest confidence in the men and women behind the wheel.

She says the federal government is depriving drivers of important financial benefits and physical protections by failing to classify them as essential.

McClain also says the companies that employ the drivers are not fighting for their rights.

She gathered more than 1,000 signatures and is planning to present them to state lawmakers.