They are fitness enthusiasts and bicycle and motorcycle fans. Some always wanted to be behind the wheel, others came because they enjoy serving the public and getting people where they need to go. They are our “rolling ambassadors,” the kind, courteous and helpful smile that greets you every day when you ride with us.
They represent over 150 years of driving experience. The operators who drive your bus are as unique as you, and all of them love driving and giving back to their community.
Meet your Operators of the Month for May and June 2023.
We love to hear from our riders about their operators! Please leave your comments about our drivers. Interested in becoming a transit operator? Visit “Start your Metro career” to explore well-paying positions with full benefits and a pension in transit operations, trades, rail operations, customer information and countless other fields.
(Information and photos provided by the operators)
Atlantic Base | May 2023: Elizabeth Coffelt
“Lizzy” joined King County Metro in 2015 as a part-time operator and has been full-time since 2016. She has earned several Safe Driver Awards and 11 commendations.
Elizabeth was born in Portland, attend Portland Community College for architectural landscaping, and went to the University of Oregon to further her education. She joined Metro due to a love of working with people in the community and being in different parts of a beautiful city.
Elizabeth and her spouse have been together for 15 years. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys mountain bike riding along with wind surfing the Hawaiian coastline when she isn’t drumming along to her own music.
Elizabeth’s advice to other operators: “Take turns at 5 MPH or less. It is almost infallible!”
Passenger praise: “The driver is very sweet and one of the nicest drivers.”
Atlantic Base | June 2023: Joselito Pebenito
Joselito has been a full-time operator since 2016. He has earned a several Safe Driver Awards and three commendations.
Born in the Philippines, Joselito grew up in the Tacoma area and had a long career in retail auto sales throughout King County. He joined Metro after seeing an advertisement back in 2010 saying Metro is “The greatest part-time job.”
Joselito’s advice to other operators: “Drive the bus as if your loved ones are riding with you. Show off your safe and smooth driving skills.”
Passenger praise: “Courteous, conscientious and kind, thank you.”
Bellevue Base | May 2023: Eli Woodward
Eli started as a part-time operator in 2010. He has earned multiple Safe Driver Awards and four commendations.
Born in Seattle, Eli grew up in Fairbanks, Alaska. and attended the University of Iowa for his bachelor’s degree in religious studies.
Married with one child, when Eli isn’t behind the wheel, he coaches his kid’s volleyball team and is looking forward to a summer filled with outdoor adventures such as hiking and camping.
Eli’s advice to other operators: “Take care of yourself and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
Passenger praise: “This driver has been on time EVERY day, completely reliable, even keeled, safe and steady.”
Bellevue Base | June 2023: Everett Grear
Everett has been a full-time operator since 2005. He has earned a numerous Safe Driver Awards and two commendations.
Everett was born in San Francisco and went to Oakland High School before joining the Navy.
In Everett’s free time, he enjoys knife making.
Everett’s advice to other operators: “Be patient, take deep breaths.”
Passenger praise: “Everett was professional and nice.”
Central Base | May 2023: Mark Lewis
Mark Lewis joined King County Metro in 1985 as a part-time operator and went full-time in 1989. He has earned numerous Safe Driver Awards and 19 commendations.
A native of Vancouver, Wash., Mark came to work at Metro so that he could help people.
Mark enjoys staying in shape, sports, and helping anybody anytime and anywhere he can.
Mark’s advice to other operators: “Do the Metroadeo.”
Passenger praise: “The bus driver on my ride downtown was really nice and welcoming when I got onboard.”
Central Base | June 2023: Paul Felix
Paul started as a part-time operator in 2011. He has earned multiple Safe Driver Awards.
Paul was born and raised in Seattle, he attended O’Dea High School, and Seattle Central
College. He started with Metro to supplement his income, and really fell in love with driving the bus and getting people to where they needed to go.
When he is away from work, Paul enjoys riding bicycles, vintage motorbikes, and spending time with his fellow motorbike club friends. He loves spending time with his wife of 30 years and cheering for all Seattle sport teams.
Paul’s advice to other operators: “Keep your cool, and there is always time for safety.”
East Base | May 2023
Operator who was selected in May chose not to accept the recognition.
East Base | June 2023: Derek Henman
Derek joined Metro in 2008 as a part-time operator and went full-time in 2012. He has earned multiple Safe Driver Awards and 15 commendations.
Derek joined Metro because he always enjoyed working with the public.
Married with two daughters, Derek spends his free time working out and cycling.
Derek’s advice to other operators: “Treat everyone with respect, always stay focused on the task at hand.”
Passenger praise: “My day started off with kindness and warmth thanks to the bus driver.”
North Base | May 2023: Dawn Vasquez
Dawn started as a part-time operator in 2018 and went full-time a year later. She has earned several Safe Driver Awards and four commendations.
Dawn was born in the Philippines, and experienced tough challenges in Seattle as a young mother but she stuck it out. She attended Seattle Community College and the Art Institute of Seattle, where her emphasis was Commercial Photography.
After working in a corporate setting, Dawn came to Metro because she desired a job that was more “hands on”, union represented, secure and with opportunity for growth.
Married with one child, Dawn enjoys spending her spare time staying fit, gaming, hiking, cooking, and watching UFC.
Dawn’s advice to other operators: “Remember that we contribute to the community for the greater good.”
Passenger praise: “A nice friendly smiling bus driver.”
North Base | June 2023: Jenifer Barringer
Jenifer “Jen” Barringer joined King County Metro in January 2017 as a part-time operator and went full time in December of that same year. She has earned several Safe Driver Awards and has received 12 commendations.
Jen was born and raised in Seattle and joined Metro after her son joined the Marines and she was looking for a new adventure in life.
Jen has one biological son and many adopted children with her boyfriend. In her spare time, she enjoys racing, hiking, canoeing, skiing, and going on many adventures.
Jenifer’s advice to other operators: “Sit back, relax and enjoy the journey.”
Passenger praise: “Awesome and friendly driver, very sweet and great customer service skills.”
Ryerson Base | May 2023: Matthew Brown
Matthew started at Metro as a part-time operator in 2018 and went full-time in 2019. He has earned several Safe Driver Awards and a total of 13 commendations.
He grew up in the White Center/Highland Park area and attended schools in west and south Seattle. He graduated from Rainier Beach High School.
Ready for a career change from the office products and furniture industry, Matt rode with his brother and sister-in-law who are both part-time operators. After riding with them on their routes, he decided he liked it and applied for the job.
When not driving behind the big wheel, Matthew’s riding motorcycles, hiking, paddleboarding and keeping his house and yard in tip-top shape.
Matthew’s advice to other operators: “This job is a mental game of chess, choose your words and actions carefully & methodically as not to put yourself in checkmate.”
Passenger praise: “My bus driver this morning was so kind, helpful and friendly.”
Ryerson Base | June 2023: Maria Stafford
Operator Maria Stafford joined King County Metro in 2017 as a part-time operator and went full time in 2018. She has earned a several Safe Driver Award and 11 commendations.
Maria was born and raised in Seattle and went to Seattle Community College. Maria rode the bus and noticed how much of an impact operators had on the start and end of her day. It wasn’t always positive, so she became an operator because she wanted to be a positive light for customers riding the bus.
Maria enjoys spending time with her friends, two children, four grandchildren and two dogs, along with working in her yard and working out.
Maria’s advice to other operators: “It’s not always easy, but be present as much as possible.”
Passenger praise: “She greeted each rider warmly and was a great driver.”
South Base | May 2023: Ruth Vollmer
Ruth Vollmer joined Metro in 2013 as a part-time operator and has been full-time since 2017. She has earned a multiple Safe Driver Awards and has received two commendations.
Ruth was born in Acapulco, Mexico, and has wanted to drive a bus since she was a child. After immigrating to the United States, her dreams came true. She chose a transit career because she loves helping people and not working in the office.
Ruth has five children and 11 grandchildren. In her spare time, she loves yard work, making bracelets, and studying the Bible.
Ruth’s advice to other operators: “Be patient and try to make a better day for one more person.”
Passenger praise: “The driver went above and beyond to help a customer.”
South Base | June 2023: Anthony Oden
Operator Anthony Oden joined King County Metro in 2017 as a part-time operator. He has earned multiple Safe Driver Awards and five commendations.
Born and raised in Seattle, Anthony joined Metro because of his love of driving.
Anthony has a wife and son and enjoys metal detecting and going to live shows.
Anthony’s advice to other operators: “Keep your knees, back and shoulders healthy.”
Passenger praise: “Always smiling and drives well, continues to be wonderful and kind.”
Every month, operators from King County Metro’s seven transit bases select an Operator of the Month. Each demonstrates safe driving skills, is courteous and helpful, and pays conscientious attention to attendance appearance and discipline.
Please join us in congratulating them. Our Operators of the Month later vote on who among them will be chosen as Metro’s Operator of the Year!