Recognizing Metro’s Operators of the Month (Jan-Feb. 2024)
They farm and raise chickens. They have been chefs and driven tractors and 18-wheelers. They enjoy cooking, racing and Billiards. One even found love because of what they do.
They are operators with two-and-a-half 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 January and February 2024
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 | January 2024: Darryl Estes
Darryl joined Metro in 1997 as a part-time operator and went full-time a year later. Darryl came to Metro because he has always enjoyed helping people.
Born in South Paris, Maine, Darryl went to the University of Maine and the Down East Massage School.
Darryl’s wife is a driver at Ryerson Base and yes, they met at Metro.
Darryl’s advice to other operators: “Keep honing your safe driving habits.”
Passenger praise: “He was polite and friendly and he made my granddaughter and I feel safe.”
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Atlantic Base | February 2024: Richard Leonard
“Rev” started with Metro as a part-time operator in 1999 and went full-time in 2000. Along with multiple Safe Driver Awards, he has received 4 commendations.
Born in Alabama, Rev served in the USMC and as pastor for the Greater Friendship Baptist Church. He joined Metro for a better opportunity than his previous job.
Rev and his wife have three sons and four grandchildren. When not driving, he enjoys cooking, family gatherings and vacations.
Richard’s advice to other operators: “Do your job and be on time.”
Passenger praise: “Our driver rushed out to help a man who had collapsed on the street of what appeared to be a seizure. What an awesome guy!”
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Bellevue Base | January 2024: Cherry Denise Gilbert
Cherry started at Metro in 2013 and has been a full-time operator since 2015. She has several Safe Driving Awards and 16 total commendations.
Cherry was born in New Orleans and has a been a life-long New Orleans Saints fan. She volunteered for the Super Bowl 2010 and 2013.
The youngest of 12 children, Cherry volunteers as a Domestic Violence victim advocate and is an avid teapot collector.
Cherry’s advice to other operators: “Stay humble through adversity! Stay positive, treat others with respect.”
Passenger praise: “She went above and beyond helping a wheelchair user. She called the dispatcher and dropped the passenger off closer to the stop.”
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Bellevue Base | February 2024: Brian Girard 
Brian has been full-time since 2007. He has multiple Safe Driving Awards and nine commendations.
Born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa, Brian attended Iowa State University and Western Washington University, earning a BA and MA in History respectively.
Brian has four children. When not behind the wheel, he likes gardening, history, literature and billiards.
Brian’s advice to other operators: “Try to take your ego out of stressful situations, don’t take things personally, and try to remember you’re a professional. Stay alert and focused. Maintain a good work-life balance.”
Passenger praise: “Driver did exceptionally well with two difficult folks. He was pleasant with them and I appreciated his professionalism.”
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Central Base | January 2024: Levi H Elenzano
Levi joined Metro as a part-time operator in 2012 and went full-time in 2015. He has multiple Safe Driver Awards and three commendations.
When not driving, Levi enjoys maintaining his family cars and biking. He makes sure to take time to relax and go on walks with his wife and children.
Levi’s advice to other operators: “Be respectful. Be considerate!”
Passenger praise: “The driver went out of their way to help me, and it was very kind.”
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Central Base | February 2024: James Turner, Jr.
James joined Metro as a part-time operator in 2001 and went full-time in 2005. He has several Safe Driving Awards and has received nine commendations. He has an aunt, sister, and cousins who all drive for Metro.
Born and raised in Seattle, James attended Roosevelt High School. He has degrees from both Seattle Central and the University of Washington.
When not driving, James likes music, seeing live concerts, and going to good movies.
James’ advice to other operators: “Come to work with a clear and stress-free mind. Treat others the way you would want to be treated and strive to give passengers a good, safe ride each day.”
Passenger praise: “Thank you for stopping and waiting for me as I was running to catch the bus. That was awesome nice service!”
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East Base | January 2024: Nathan Goldsworthy
Nathan began as a part-time operator in 2018 and went full-time in 2019. He has earned a several Safe Driver Awards and nine commendations.
Nathan is a born and raised Seattleite, attending Garfield and Ballard High Schools. Prior to Metro, he was a chef at Cactus, Nordstrom, and Anthony’s.
Nathan became an operator to stay involved with public service and provide a better future for his family.
Nathan and his wife have two daughters. When not driving, Nathan likes video games, fishing, and softball training with his daughter.
Nathan’s advice to other operators: “STAY CALM, like water off a duck’s back.”
Passenger praise: “He greeted each rider and was EXTREMELY friendly and helpful to the individuals needing assistance onto the bus.”
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East Base | February 2024: Chris Bridgeman
Chris began at Metro as a part-time operator in 2001 and went full-time in April 2003. He has earned numerous Safe Driver Awards and nine commendations.
Born in Seattle, Chris attended Ingraham High School and studied computer science at North Seattle Community College and the University of Washington.
When not driving, Chris is a professional diver and business owner in lumber sales.
He has one fantastic daughter and enjoys tennis, mountain/ocean activities and traveling.
Chris’ advice to other operators: “Work does not define you, you define the work.”
Passenger praise: “I was riding my bike by a bus stop and the driver patiently waited for me to pass the bus stop before pulling in. Thanks for being safe on the road.”
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North Base | January 2024: Sandeep Sandhu
Sandeep joined King County Metro in 2018 as a part-time operator and went full-time in 2019. He has earned a several Safe Driver Awards and has received four commendations.
Sandeep was born in Ganganagar, a village in India, where he completed Senior Secondary School and Senior Higher Secondary School. Sandeep grew up in an agricultural family and drove a tractor for twenty years. He then moved to the U.S. and came to Metro.
Sandeep is married and has a daughter and son. His hobbies include farming, driving, and mechanical work.
Sandeep’s advice to other operators: “Be patient, talk to passengers nicely and drive safe.”
Passenger praise: “My driver was very professional dealing with an unruly passenger.”
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North Base | February 2024: Christo Dendrinos
Christos has been a full-time operator since 1998. He has earned numerous Safe Driver Awards and 20 commendations.
Christos became a transit operator because he likes driving.
When not behind the wheel of a bus Christos, can be found cooking and gardening. He also enjoys hanging out with his cats and friends.
Christo’s advice to other operators: “Have a sense of humor.”
Passenger praise: “He waited a few seconds so I could safely arrive at the stop and get on. I really appreciate he was so considerate and patient.”
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Ryerson Base | January 2024: Evelyn Joyce Hicks
Evelyn has been a full-time operator for Metro since 1991. She has earned numerous Safe Driver Awards and multiple commendations. For her fantastic customer service, Evelyn received the Turner Award which is given by the Northwest Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America and recognizes a transit operator who best exemplifies a positive attitude and awareness of the elderly and disabled communities.
Evelyn, who was born in Dallas, Texas, says becoming a transit operator was a “total accident.”
Evelyn has two daughters and a son. When she is not driving, Evelyn takes mini walking vacations, cooks, attends church and spends quality time with her family.
Evelyn’s advice to other operators: “Treat everyone with dignity and respect. Follow the rules. Get plenty of rest. All money is not good money.”
Passenger praise: “She is a great driver. She is kind and makes the customers feel good about using the bus system.”
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Ryerson Base | February 2024: Derek Scarlett
Derek became a part-time operator in 2003 and went full-time in 2006. He has earned several Safe Driver Awards and seven commendations.
Derek attended Nathan Hale High School and Shoreline Community College. He enjoys driving for Metro and making days smoother for everyone.
Derek likes the Seahawks, any outdoor activities, and loves all types of music.
Derek’s advice to other operators: “Go easy on yourself. Take your time and don’t rush.”
Passenger praise: “I commend the driver – he is always as close to being on time as possible, friendly, and exceedingly pleasant to interact with.”
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South Base | January 2024: Zeneeda Oakley
Zeneeda was promoted to full-time transit operator in 2012. Along with three commendations, she has received multiple Safe Driver Awards.
Born in Oakland, Calif., Zeneeda grew up in Kent and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. She moved from here to Las Vegas, Nevada, where she drove a city bus for 10 years. Zeneeda also drove an 18-wheeler before coming to Metro and she couldn’t be happier.
In her spare time, Zeneeda loves spending time with her two sons and two grandchildren. She also enjoys raising chickens, boating, fishing, and gardening.
Zeneeda’s advice to other operators: “Approaching customers with a bossy attitude does not work. Empathy and courteous attitudes works wonders.”
Passenger praise: “I was heartened to see that the driver was calmly and professionally able to prioritize a girl’s safety in the stressful situation.”
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South Base | February 2024: Scott Whitestine
Scott joined Metro 2007 and became a full-time operator in 2008. He has earned five commendations and several Safe Driving Awards.
Born in Enumclaw, Scott went to Thomas Jefferson High School. He came looking for a job to pay him to drive and be home every night and found Metro. He is very appreciative of the job Metro has provided him and his family.
Married with three children, Scott and his family are into auto racing, computer gaming, and sim racing.
Scott’s advice to other operators: “Things happen, and if you let it fester it can really get to you. It’s not worth the time and stress towards your mental health. The quicker you can let it go, the better person you will be.”
Passenger praise: “He stayed composed while deftly handling an emergency and informing the passengers of the trip’s status.”
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!
In 2007, I was a driver of the month, I still miss driving for Metro…