Double the excellence: King County Metro celebrates Operators of the Year

Metro celebrated two “Operators of the Year” today, marking the rare occasion of two drivers being selected for the annual honor.

Emmanuel “Manny” Bautista and Thulin Tolliver were jointly honored as Metro’s 2023 Operators of the Year during a ceremony at the Central/Atlantic Base on Wednesday.

Metro riders and colleagues call them skilled, kind and amazing examples of public servants.

“Every day, their commitment to safety and reliable service stands out,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “Their dedication is a shining example of King County’s public service, always putting our residents first.”

Metro General Manager Michelle Allison expressed her excitement in celebrating the operators, highlighting their invaluable contributions to both the public and the agency.

She noted Tolliver threw a baby shower aboard her bus to celebrate two regular riders, a couple adopting their first child, and how carefully Bautista seated his customers with mobility challenges.

“These operators connect our communities every day with dedication, kindness, and professionalism,” Allison said during the ceremony. “They are the ones who provide a lifeline for students heading to school, workers commuting to their jobs, and families traveling to see loved ones. And they do it with such grace.”

Thulin Tolliver drives bus routes from Metro’s Bellevue Base and has been a part-time operator since 1992. She has earned multiple Safe Driver Awards and lots of praise for her commitment to excellent service.

Born in Casper, Wyo., Tolliver attended Green River Community College for precision tools, drawing and electro-mechanical graphing.

She joined Metro because she loves serving people from all over the world. In addition to her work as an operator, Tolliver is the owner of multiple small businesses, including T&T’s Wine, a floral shop and a gift shop. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, hosting dinner parties, attending family gatherings, walking and fishing.

“This has been a journey,” Tolliver told the crowd at the ceremony. “This (day) will forever be remembered for me. I don’t take this lightly.”

Emmanuel “Manny” Bautista joined Metro in 1989 and drives bus routes from Metro’s North Base. He has earned numerous Safe Driver Awards and rider commendations during his tenure.

Born and raised in the Philippines, he attended the Far Eastern University and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Before joining Metro, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service, where he served as a vehicle maintenance manager.

When he joined Metro, he thought it would be brief, but instead it became a long and meaningful career in which he enjoys serving the public. Outside of work, Bautista is a husband, father and grandfather. In his free time, he enjoys boating, fishing and camping.

Bautista, too, said he was moved by the award.

“I want to thank my family,” he told the crowd, “especially my wife, for all her support.”

At the ceremony, each operator was presented with a ring to commemorate their recognition as Metro’s Operators of the Year. Their achievements will also be shared with the broader public, and their photos will grace bus cards inside and outside of Metro coaches throughout the year. Additionally, their photos will be featured on the cover of the Route Book used by Metro operators.

“Our Operators of the Year are special,” said Phil DeVault, Division Director of Bus Operations. “Thulin and Manny represent the truest spirit of public service. They bring a reliable presence, with kindness and a smile, to our customers day in and day out. Both stand out as amazing examples of Metro.”

Passenger praise for Tolliver:

“This bus driver is always so friendly and courteous! She is so considerate, even making sure elderly people who may not have good balance have a chance to sit down before she starts driving again. Every time I ride on her bus is a good experience!