Metro’s 2023 Rail and Streetcar Employees of the Year

Metro is thrilled to celebrate two incredible employees from the Rail Division as Employee of the Year. This is the first year Rail has named a division-level Employee of the Year, and the final vote was so close that two people were selected. We can’t think of two better individuals to represent this inaugural award than Streetcar Electro Mechanic Peter Kruger and Link Rail Supervisor Abdi Ibrahim!

2023 Streetcar Employee of the Year, Peter Krueger

In a surprise ceremony at First Hill Streetcar base, Peter Krueger was shocked to learn he had received this accolade. However, it wasn’t a surprise to his colleagues who described him as a hardworking and creative problem solver who is always learning and going out of his way to be helpful.

“Pete is always taking the time to explain something, or answer questions in depth about what wasn’t working, and explain in a way that you can understand even if you don’t have a mechanical background,” First Hill Operations and Maintenance Supervisor Shawn Blanchette shared. “It’s so nice to be working with someone like this.”

Peter Krueger joined the Streetcar team in 2021, after more than a decade in the automotive industry. Pete is from Tacoma and an avid Mariners fan. When he’s not at work, Peter enjoys mountain biking and spending time with his wife and daughters.

2023 Link Light Rail Employee of the Year, Abdi Ibrahim

The pair were honored as Employees of the Year in front of a crowd of over 150 colleagues at the Link team’s year-end celebration. From Abdi’s generosity and patience in sharing his knowledge with new employees to how deeply he cares about our riders—there was no shortage of accolades for Abdi during the event.

Among those who spoke, Rail Division Director Evan Inkster shared, “I got to do a job shadow with Abdi, and I was floored by his professionalism and the way that he cared for the customer. No matter how chaotic it is, [Abdi] puts our customers at ease and put [his] co-workers at ease. I am so proud to be working with [Abdi].”

Abdi began his career at Metro in 2004 as a part-time Bus Operator. In 2011, he transferred to the Rail Division as a Train Operator and was then promoted to Rail Supervisor in 2018. Outside of work, Abdi enjoys spending time with his wife and five children, working out, and traveling.

Congratulations Peter and Abdi!