Recognizing Metro’s Operators of the Month (May and June 2024)

Recognizing Metro’s Operators of the Month (May and June 2024)

They read, travel, garden and work around their homes. They are bike riders—both motor and stationary. They enjoy making jams and jellies They are even former clog dancers!

They are operators with 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 May and June 2024

We love to hear from our riders about their operators! Please share 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 provided by the operators)

Atlantic Base | May 2024:  Rage Shane
Shane joined Metro as a part-time driver in 2018 and became full-time in 2019. He has been recognized for safe driving and has received 29 commendations!
Born in Somalia, Shane immigrated to the U.S. when he was three. He grew up in Southern California and attended San Diego State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Sociology.
Shane became a transit operator to serve the community and make a difference in peoples’ lives.
When not driving, Shane enjoys reading, studying, and traveling. He is married with three children.

Shane’s advice to other operators: “Remember Metro’s basic fundamentals; 3-5 mph turns, rock and roll, accelerate and decelerate smoothly, and stop four to six feet from the stop bar. Always keep it professional.”

Passenger praise: “He is so kind and personally greeted everyone as they boarded the bus. He stopped for someone running for the bus and took special care to help a rider out.”

Atlantic Base | June 2024: Jeffrey Wright
Jeff joined Metro as a part-time driver in 1995 and has been full-time since 1998. He has numerous years of safe driving and has received 11 commendations.
Jeff was born in San Marcus, Texas, where he attended Franklin High School and Big Ben Community College, earning an associate’s degree.
Jeff came to Metro after working three part-time jobs and realizing he wanted a full-time opportunity. When not driving, Jeff enjoys working around the house. He and his wife have a son and a grandson.

Jeff’s advice to other operators:  “Treat everybody the same. Don’t judge, and patience, patience, patience!”

Passenger praise: “I would like to recognize Jeff for his excellent commitment to service. He saw I dropped my wallet and made sure to get it back to me.”

Bellevue Base | May 2024: Cheryl Jones
Cheryl started driving for Metro in 1996. She has achieved multiple years of safe driving and has received three commendations.
Cheryl was born and raised in Oakland, Calif., attending the University of California, Berkeley. She began working for Metro shortly after moving to Washington.
Driving allowed Cheryl to learn the area and be engaged with the community.
When not driving, Cheryl enjoys baking, making jelly and jam, reading, and spending time with family. She is a mother and grandmother of three.

Cheryl’s advice to other operators: “Treat others the way you would want to be treated.”

Passenger praise: “She is exceptional with each person who boards and departs. Above being an excellent driver, she creates an environment of calm welcome for all.”

Bellevue Base | June 2024: Neil Goldingay
Neil started driving part-time in 2015 and went full-time in 2016. He has achieved several years of safe driving and six commendations.
A graduate of Bellevue High School, Neil has a degree from South Seattle Community College.
Married for 32 years with three children, Neil enjoys working in the garden and playing Backgammon. He’s also a long-time Seattle sports fan.

Neil’s advice to other operators: “It’s ok to use common sense.”

Passenger praise: “He is very professional with passengers and helps those struggling with luggage. His attitude is always great.”

Central Base | May 2024:  Mohammad Allamyar
Mohammad joined Metro as a part-time operator in 2018. He has several years of safe driving and six commendations.
Mohammad was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, and graduated from Kabul University. He became a transit operator because of his passion for providing essential services to the community and contributing to the well-being of the passengers.
Mohammad is married and his wife attends college. When not driving, he enjoys playing volleyball.

Mohammad’s advice to other operators:  “Help passengers, including those with disabilities, get on and off the bus.”

Passenger praise: “He took the time to explain to me how to get to Bellevue and which bus to take.”

Central Base | June 2024: Jason Ring
Jason joined Metro as a part-time operator in 2008. He has achieved multiple years of safe driving with six commendations.
A Washington native, Jason earned a certificate in Commercial Truck Driving from South Seattle Community College.
After retiring from truck driving, he became a transit operator to help people get where they need to go. Jason and his wife of 41 years have a son and two grandchildren. When not driving, he likes to play with his two dogs and work in his backyard.

Jason’s advice to other operators:  “Keep your eyes moving. Look left, right, in front, behind, and inside the bus.”

Passenger praise: “He is consistent and always on time, EVERY DAY!! I appreciate his attention to detail and great driving skill.”

East Base | May 2024: Patricia McCormick
Patricia joined Metro as a part-time driver in 2018. She has since achieved several years of safe driving and has received five commendations.
Patricia was born in Vancouver, Wash., attended Highline Community College and holds an associate’s degree in Transportation Business.
Patricia became an operator when looking for a career change and her brother-in-law, a streetcar supervisor, suggested applying to be an operator.
Patricia is married with three children, two grandchildren, and two step-grandchildren. When not driving, Patricia is caring for her grandchildren, playing piano, biking, jogging and working in her yard.

Patricia’s advice to other operators: “Greet each passenger with a ‘welcome and good morning’ on your coach. Hopefully, they would do the same for the next person. Pass kindness on, like a snowball effect!”

Patricia’s advice to other operators: “Greet each passenger with a ‘welcome and good morning’ on your coach. Hopefully, they would do the same for the next person. Pass kindness on, like a snowball effect!”

Passenger praise: “She is a wonderful driver. She waited more than a few seconds for me to arrive and was super nice!”

East Base | June 2024: Craig Jefferson
Craig has been a full-time driver since 1999. He has achieved several years of safe driving and two commendations.
Born in Seattle, Craig attended Renton Technical College and Shoreline Community College.
When not driving, Craig enjoys playing darts, working on his watch collection and riding motorcycles, riding with Bikers Against Child Abuse.

Craig’s advice to other operators: “Metro wants us to succeed 100%. All we have to do is come to work, get along, and avoid accidents. Don’t worry about the schedule and always expect the unexpected.”

Passenger praise: “He is very kind and knowledgeable. He says ‘hello’ to every passenger and is also a very safe driver with great braking skills.”

North Base | May 2024: Damian Cordel
Damian started as a part-time operator in 2000 and went full-time in 2003. He’s achieved multiple years of safe driving and 17 commendations.
Damian was born in Chula Vista, Calif., and served in the Navy for four years with two deployments.
Prior to being an operator, Damian worked in real estate and the loan business. He became an operator because he saw a future with Metro.
Damian has two daughters and enjoys woodworking, farm life, traveling and everything home improvement.

Damian’s advice to other operators: “You are the captain of your ship. Actively set the temperature. Your passengers will emulate your behavior. Give kindness and respect to everyone and it will pay back tenfold over your career.”

Passenger praise: “He is always courteous, kind and polite. He is always a safe driver and makes sure everyone is settled and secured before leaving.”

North Base | June 2024: Anthony Wimmer
Tony started as a part-time operator in 1996 and went full-time in 1998. He has a multiple-year safe driving record and has received four commendations.
Tony was born in Everett and has lived in various locations around the area. Before becoming an operator, he worked in construction, and cabinetry, and drove a school bus. Tony loves to drive and that’s why he came to Metro.
Tony is married and has two children. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, swimming and pickleball.

Tony’s advice to other operators: “Always expect the unexpected.”

 Passenger praise: “A driver turned directly in front of his bus and he braked smoothly and quickly. He handled the situation professionally and quite impressively.”

Ryerson Base | May 2024: Scott Wildi
Scott became a part-time operator in 1980 and has been full-time since 1983. He has been recognized for multiple years of safe driving and has received 16 commendations.
Born in Seattle, Scott attended West Seattle High School. He has an Associate of Arts from North Seattle Community College.
Scott became an operator to support his young family with a good job.
Scott and his wife, whom he met driving, have a daughter and two grandchildren When not behind the wheel, Scott can be found playing saxophone, watching movies and enjoying the Seahawks and Mariners.

Scott’s advice to other operators: “Relax, don’t take negative comments personal. In one ear and out the other, don’t let it bounce around.”

Passenger praise: “He is a wonderful driver, very caring, and kind. He always takes extra effort to assist me and never complains. He is genuinely a wonderful person.”

Ryerson Base |June 2024: Drake De Grate
Drake started as a part-time operator in 1986 and has been full-time since 1990. He has been recognized for numerous years of safe driving and has received 12 commendations.
Drake was born in Portland, Ore., attending Madison High School and Lane Community College. He became an operator for the longevity and financial security of the job.
Drake mentors fellow operators to guide them on the path of success at Metro.
Married for 25 years with three children, Drake enjoys gardening and exercising with his Peloton bike.

Drake’s advice to other operators: “Be kind to your fellow operators out on the road. Your mirrors are your best friends when behind the wheel of a transit vehicle.”

 Passenger praise: “He was very nice and pleasant. He went out of his way to greet riders and put me in a good mood.”

South Base | May 2024:  Suleman Hassen
Suleman joined Metro as a part-time operator in 2019. He has several years of safe driving and one commendation.
Suleman once saved a passenger’s life by performing CPR until help arrived!
Suleman was born and raised in Eritrea. He has a bachelor’s degree in plant science from the University of Asmara.
Married with three children, Suleman enjoys playing or watching soccer games.

Suleman’s advice to other operators: “Expect the unexpected while driving and always take the positive side of it.”

Passenger praise: “This driver was passing right when my family and I got off the train. We went running and he waited for us at the stop. We appreciated this so much!”

South Base | June 2024: Patricia Venable
“Trish” joined Metro as a part-time operator in 2012 and went full-time in 2015. She has several years of safe driving and eight commendations.
Trish was born in Greenville, S.C., and holds an associate’s degree from Tacoma Community College. Trish became an operator because the bus reminds her of wonderful family vacation memories in their camper.
Trish has two children, and when not driving, loves going hiking.
A former member of the Carolina Sun Dance Cloggers, Trish wants to learn line dancing.

Trish’s advice to other operators: “Metro affords you the opportunity to make a difference amongst the communities you serve, no matter how big or small.”

Passenger praise: “She is really conscientious and considerate of the needs of her passengers and made my morning that much better. I really appreciate her thoughtfulness.”

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!