Recognizing Metro’s Operators of the Month (Nov.-Dec. 2023)
They are musicians and painters. They are hikers, sports fans, gamers—board and video—and “rockhounds.” Some have followed in their parent’s footsteps, and others have had their children join them in driving for Metro.
They are operators with over two centuries of driving experience. The operators on 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 November and December 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 | November 2023: Brian Jobe
Brian started with Metro as a part-time operator in 2006 and has been full-time since 2008. He has earned multiple Safe Driver Awards and eight commendations.
Brian grew up in Seattle and has been riding Metro buses since the 1970’s. He studied Latin and Greek in college and taught high school in Boston for several years. Upon returning to Seattle, Brian worked in marketing and fundraising for the Seattle Opera.
Brian and his wife just celebrated their first wedding anniversary. Brian is a published author, including a novel and a book of poems. He also plays the cello and recorder.
Brian’s advice to other operators: “Smooth driving is safe driving, and our passengers appreciate it.”
Passenger praise: “He seemed so compassionate in how he communicated with all riders. I take the bus every day and he stands out as a great driver.”
Atlantic Base | December 2023: Calvin Doss
Calvin joined Metro in 2017 as a part-time operator and went full-time in 2018. He has earned multiple Safe Driver Awards and two commendations.
Before joining Metro, Calvin held a career in engineering that took him to Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington and Singapore. Calvin joined Metro because he wanted to pursue a more social oriented service occupation for his “second act.”
Calvin has a wife and son. When he’s not driving a bus, he enjoys hiking, snow shoeing, tropical fishing, traveling, continuous education, nutrition and healthy living.
Calvin’s advice to other operators: “Take care of yourself and follow a healthy lifestyle.”
Passenger praise: “Thank you to this driver who took the time to help me out! Thank him loads and put lots of gold stars next to his name.”
Bellevue Base | November 2023: Leaine Crashul
Leaine joined Metro in 1995 as a part-time operator and went full-time in 1997. She has earned numerous Safe Driver Awards and seven commendations.
Leaine has spent much of her time at South Base, and only recently moved to Bellevue Base. Leaine’s chief describes her as “a cheerful, hardworking transit operator. She is a credit to our team and a clear choice for operator of the month.”
Born and raised in Tacoma, Leaine is the mother of two daughters.
Leaine’s advice to other operators: “Smile more.”
Passenger praise: “She is very personable even at 6:04 in the morning! She always has a smile and treats everyone with respect and courtesy.”
Bellevue Base | December 2023: Thomas Housman
Thomas started as a Metro part-time operator in 2013 and went full-time in 2015. He has earned multiple Safe Driver Awards and six commendations.
Before joining Metro, Thomas’ jobs included car sales, retail management and 12 years at a phone company.
Thomas is married and a father of three kids, two of whom have followed in their father’s footsteps and joined the King County Metro team!
Thomas’ advice to other operators: “Always look for cars and people doing what you do not expect. Stay Safe!”
Passenger praise: “Just wanted to say how wonderful it is having him as a driver. He’s always friendly and goes out of his way to make the ride pleasant for everyone.”
Central Base | November 2023: Eric Betts
Eric started at Metro as a part-time operator in 2013 and went full-time in 2016. He has earned several Safe Driver Awards and three commendations.
Born in Redmond, Eric joined Metro after encouragement from his mother, who was also an operator. Eric appreciates Metro for supporting his transition into becoming a trans man.
Eric and his wife have been married for eight years. In his spare time, he enjoys aerial yoga and playing board games.
Eric’s advice to other operators: “This job could really harden you, so do your best to remember compassion and that other people are humans too.”
Passenger praise: “You can absolutely tell he has a passion for his job and is proud of the impact he has made on the community.”
Central Base | December 2023: Paul White
Paul joined Metro as a part-time operator in 2007. He has earned multiple Safe Driver Awards, and three commendations.
Born in Southwest Montana, Paul demonstrates a commitment to safety, his customers and serving the community of King County.
Paul’s advice to other operators: “You never know when you’re going to need a rubber band.”
Passenger praise: “The driver was very patient, courteous, and helpful with getting my stroller loaded.”
East Base | November 2023: Thomas George
Thomas joined Metro as a part-time operator in 1995 and went full-time in 1998. He has earned numerous Safe Driver Awards and five commendations.
Born in Tottenham, England, Thomas moved to the U.S. when he was five years old. He attended Washington State University and the University of Washington where he studied medicine, microbiology, and chemistry.
Tom has three adult children, and enjoys travel, racquetball, ping pong, soccer and cooking.
Thomas’ advice to other operators: “Always take time to decompress and relax. Never begin a trip being angry or upset from the last one.”
Passenger praise: “My bus driver was awesome. Very helpful!”
East Base | December 2023: Rene Moore Maxwell
Rene joined Metro as a part-time operator in 2013 and has been full-time since 2015. She has earned several Safe Driver Awards and seven commendations.
Born in Great Falls, Mont., Rene moved to Seattle after high school in search of better job opportunities. She chose Metro because she enjoys people and the view from her office window: sunrises, sunsets, mountains, water, cool cars, watching the seasons change and the list goes on!
Rene has two sons and two granddaughters. She enjoys hiking, camping, rockhounding and anything else that brings her out into nature.
Rene’s advice to other operators: “Enjoy the view from your window. Try not to take anything personal. Your right and left mirror are your best friends out there on the road. Smile.”
Passenger praise: “Big thanks to a very helpful and kind bus driver! She was professional, kind, clear, and great with all travelers who boarded the bus.”
North Base | November 2023: Emmanuel Bautista
Manny joined King County Metro in 1989. He has earned numerous Safe Driver Awards and three commendations.
Manny was born and raised in the Philippines, where he attended the Far Eastern University and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He’s retired from U.S. Postal Service where he was a vehicle maintenance manager. When he joined Metro, he thought it would be for only a short time, but it turned into a meaningful career.
Manny is a husband, father and grandfather. In his free time, he enjoys boating, fishing and camping.
Manny’s advice to other operators: “Safety first, schedule last, and avoid the worst.”
Passenger praise: “I use a walker and he helped me get seated, and it was a very smooth ride. He is doing an excellent job.”
North Base | December 2023: Daniel Sly
Daniel joined Metro in 2021 as a part-time operator and went full-time in 2022. He has earned two Safe Driver Awards and 25 commendations!
Daniel joined Metro so he could work part-time while going to school.
A graduate of West Seattle High School, Daniel lives with his parents, his brother, and his pug.
He enjoys multiplayer video games, spending time outside with his dog, and playing piano.
Daniel’s advice to other operators: “Attitude is everything. Go into each day with good vibes.”
Passenger praise: “Really great driver! Super helpful, accommodating, polite, and friendly!”
Ryerson Base | November 2023: Zakaria Farah
Zakaria started at Metro in 2017 as part-time operator and went full-time a year later. He has earned multiple Safe Driver Awards and four commendations.
Zakaria immigrated to the U.S. from Somalia in 2007. He went to Evergreen High School in Burien and earned an HVAC Certification from North Seattle College in 2015.
Zakaria is married and has a three-year-old son. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, playing soccer and basketball, and watching the NFL, NBA, and soccer.
Zakaria’s advice to other operators: “There are good days and bad days, but the difference is how you look at it. Always find the positive in the bad days no matter how small and cherish the memory of the good days. Be happy, humble, and grateful.”
Passenger praise: “He was really nice and respectful to everyone. At one of the bus stops, the bus driver got off the bus just to hand a tissue to a customer in a wheelchair.”
Ryerson Base |December 2023: Carrielee Hebert
Carrielee joined Metro in 2019 as part-time operator and went full-time in 2022. She has earned several Safe Driver Awards and eight commendations.
Born in Torrance, Calif., Carrielee grew up in Southern California and moved to Houston, Texas for 18 years before moving to the Pacific Northwest.
Carrielee has a son and daughter. She enjoys painting and anything dealing with water.
Carrielee’s advice to other operators: “No job is perfect. Always keep in mind what your big picture is in life. Stay focused.”
Passenger praise: “I would like to thank this driver for a great job helping me get on the bus when my walker was stuck. A very polite and caring driver.”
South Base | November 2023: Linda Baines
Linda joined Metro in 2007 as a part-time operator and went full-time in 2008. She has earned several Safe Driver Awards and 16 commendations.
Linda was born in St. Louis, Mo., and grew up in a house with eight siblings. She has worked as a psychiatric aid at Children’s Mental Psychiatric Hospital, as well as a teacher’s assistant for children with disabilities.
Linda has won multiple fine-arts contests, and enjoys all forms of art, including drawing, sketching, painting, sculpting, and creating murals. Linda is married with four children and loves spending time with her nine grandchildren.
Linda’s advice to other operators: “My mother would always tell me to treat others the way I want to be treated. So I remind myself why I’m driving…to provide a service.”
Passenger praise: “She is wonderful, considerate, friendly, and has a great sense of humor. She greets each passenger and truly makes them feel welcomed.”
South Base | December 2023: Rodney Williams
Rodney started at Metro in 1995 as a part-time operator and went full-time in 1997. He has earned numerous Safe Driver Awards and seven commendations.
Rod was born in El Paso, Texas. He is an active member of his church and a devout Christian.
Rod has been married for 38 years. He has a son, daughter and three granddaughters. When he’s not driving a bus, Rod enjoys restoring classic cars, riding his Harley and golfing.
Rodney’s advice to other operators: “Try not to bring your work home!”
Passenger praise: “The bus driver showed much concern to find a safe place to let everyone on and off the bus when there was construction.”
Every month, operators from King County Metro’s seven transit bases select an Operator of the Month. Each operator recognized 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!