Abdi Elmi has a motto: having a career driving a bus for Metro is one of the best kept secrets in the region.

Elmi, a Metro Base Chief in Bellevue, is from Somalia, and his story is one of triumph and hard work to overcome adversity. As a teenager he and his family fled the civil war in Somalia, and he lived in a refugee camp for several years.

Later he brought his family to the US, and came to Seattle in 2009. In 2012, he was hired as a part-time driver while going to the University of Washington, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business. He was promoted to chief in 2015.

Photo of Abdi Elmi, Metro base chief, standing next to a Metro bus
“If you like customer service, you would love this job,” says Abdi Elmi, Metro Transit base chief and former bus driver.

Metro is hiring, and Elmi will share his story and perspective on working for Metro at a free info session coming up July 26, where people can learn more about being a bus driver. Transit demand is growing and bus drivers are the backbone of transit service and the key connection to customers every day.

Drivers are part of the community and the economy, and connect with riders to make a difference. And by working for the county, there are good benefits, starting out with flexible part-time hours with room to grow into a full-time career.

Come to the event to hear Elmi’s inspirational story and understand the application process to become a transit operator, whether you want part-time flexible work or a full-time career. Space is limited so register today. Light refreshments will be provided. You also can go online to see our job description and application information.

  • WHEN: Tuesday, July 26, 2016 from 8-9:30 a.m.
  • WHERE: King Street Center Building – South Jackson Place 8th Floor Conference Center, Seattle, WA 98104 – View Map King County Transit

Learn more about becoming a transit operator at this information session and consider joining our team to support the growing demand for public transit throughout King County. We would love to meet you July 26!

King County Metro Transit is popular locally and admired nationwide for its innovative transit services, pioneering green practices, and visionary approach to meeting the transportation needs of the county’s growing population.

In a service area of more than 2,000 square miles and 2 million residents, Metro operates more than 200 bus, trolley and Demand Area Response Transit (DART) routes that serve destinations across the county. Every bus is equipped with a bicycle rack and a wheelchair lift.