Recognizing Metro’s Operators of the Month (July-August 2024)

They are chess players, hikers and gardeners. They love to cook, barbeque, read and travel. They shoot hoops, shoot pool and ride motorcycles.  For riders, they are “patient and understanding,” carry “a really contagious positive energy,”  “very sweet and thoughtful” and make “my day better every time I ride on their route.”

They are operators with a century and a half 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 July and August 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 | July 2024: Larry Limbert
Larry joined started with Metro as a part-time driver in 2004 and went full-time in 2006. He has numerous years of safe driving and 13 commendations.
Larry was born in Boise, where he attended Boise High School and Links School of Business. Larry came to Metro after getting laid off and deciding he had the chance to do what he liked to do, drive and work with the public.
When not driving, Larry enjoys playing chess, helping his mom’s neighbors, and traveling.

Larry’s advice to other operators: “Helping people makes me happy and it might make you happy as well.”

Passenger praise: “This driver is calling the stops and giving us highlights of the buildings/connections nearby. He also calls out the time and wished us a “happy Friday.”  Am I in heaven? I think I am.”

Atlantic Base | August 2024: Darnell Robinson
Darnell started as a part-time driver for Metro in 2019 and went full-time in 2022. He has four commendations.
Darnell grew up in South Seattle where public transit was his means of transportation. His mom drove for Metro for 24 years. Darnell and his brother loved to ride her routes and ask questions about how she drove and why certain maneuvers were performed. In 2019, Darnell and his brother became Metro drivers.
When not driving, Darnell enjoys watching football, eating good food, and practicing self-care. Darnell has one child.

Darnell’s advice to other operators: “Treat everyone like they are a CEO because, you never know who you’re dealing with.”

Passenger praise: “Thank you to our driver for being patient and understanding.”

Bellevue Base | July 2024: Gayla Luster
Gayla started driving for Metro in 2007 and has been full-time since 2008. She has achieved multiple  years of safe driving and two commendations.
Born in Renton, Gayla came to Metro because she enjoys driving and helping others.
When not driving, Gayla loves spending time with family and friends. She enjoys crocheting, reading a good book, watching a good movie and traveling to new places.

Gayla’s advice to other operators: “Always take your time. Be patient and try to help when you can. Always be kind to each other as drivers. If you have unpleasant people, just let whatever they say roll off your back.”

Passenger praise: “…She was so kind and had a really contagious positive energy. I hope I get to take another bus – without mechanical issues – that she is driving.”

Bellevue Base | August 2024: Christopher Topps
Chris started driving for Metro in 2015 and went full-time in 2016. He has achieved several years of safe driving and 18 commendations. Chris grew up in Kent, where he attended Kentridge High School. He became a transit operator because he has always enjoyed being around the public and he grew up riding the bus. He never thought he’d be driving it!
When not driving, Chris enjoys playing basketball as well as watching it, along with football. Chris likes to hike and travel. He also enjoys spending time with his two nieces.

Chris’ advice to other operators:  “Take it easy and try to not let things bother you.”

Passenger praise: “Always friendly, kind, and personable. Always drives safely and lets passengers sit before accelerating.”

Central Base | July 2024: Yohans Ayele
Yohans joined Metro as a part-time operator in 2015 and went full-time in 2016. He has achieved  several years of safe driving with 12 commendations.
Yohans was born in Ethiopia and moved to Washington over 25 years ago. He came to Metro because he loves serving people and driving for King County fulfills that purpose on a grand scale.
In his free time, Yohans enjoys hiking and gardening. He has a spouse and two children.

Yohans’ advice to other operators:  “Pay attention while driving. Distracted driving causes many accidents.”

Passenger praise: “This driver is an extremely wonderful and exemplary person. This driver makes my day better every time I ride on their route.”

Central Base | August 2024:  Robert Batts
Bob joined Metro as a part-time operator in 1995 and went full-time in 2000. He has numerous safe driving awards with 12 commendations.
Born in North Carolina, Bob started driving trucks in the Army, though he had always wanted to drive a bus – which is why he decided to become a Metro transit operator.
In his free time, Bob enjoys working on house projects and repairs, riding motorcycles, cooking, and hanging out with family. He has an adult daughter and son.

Bob’s advice to other operators:  “Always remember to treat people the way you would like to be treated, with respect. Listen first and answer second.”

Passenger praise: “Always really friendly and nice! Recognizes regulars and doesn’t pull away from the curb if he sees you rushing to the stop. Good driver too. Thank you!”

East Base | July 2024:  Patricia Corona
Patricia has been driving part-time with Metro since 2007. She has achieved numerous years of safe driving and 13 commendations.
Born in Cali, Columbia, Patricia joined Metro because her husband and sister were working there and they loved it so much they encouraged her to apply.
Patricia and her husband have a son and a daughter. When not driving, she loves to get to know people, cook and visit new places.

Patricia’s advice to other operators: “Be happy with the work we have and do not take things personally”

Passenger praise: “The driver is very kind, competent, and professional. She’s very passionate about her job and kindhearted towards the passengers. It’s because of her that my everyday ride is so comfortable and full of joy.”

East Base | August 2024: Joya Jenkins
Joya has been a part-time driver with Metro since 2007. She has achieved multiple years of safe driving and three commendations.
Joya was born in Seattle and attended Franklin High School. She came to Metro because she wanted a flexible job that allowed her to focus on raising her children.
When not driving, Joya enjoys playing basketball and spending time with her husband of 26 years and her three, now adult, children.
She is the biggest fan of her daughter who plays basketball at the college level.

Joya’s advice to other operators: “Be mindful and demure while serving the public. You never know what kind of day someone is having.”

Passenger praise: “I love this driver! She is always in such a good mood and really funny! She is always smiling!”

North Base | July 2024: David Herman
David started as a part-time driver in 2001 and went full-time in 2003. He has numerous years of safe driving and 22 commendations! David was a previous Operator of the Month in 2017. He received Metro’s 2019 Turner Award, which recognizes a transit operator who best exemplifies a positive attitude and awareness of the elderly and disabled communities.
Born in Austin, Texas and raised in North Carolina, David says that when he got Seattle, he felt like a country mouse and when he goes home it feels so open. He says that he is a graduate of the “School of Hard Knocks.” Metro attracted David because of its wages and benefits.
David enjoys photography, cameras, traveling, coffee and the outdoors. He and his wife have two cats and one dog.

David’s advice to other operators: “Welcome everyone on the bus, forget and forgive about the fare. Try to be like the customers and you’re giving them a safe ride to their destination instead of being the captain.”

Passenger praise: “A very sweet and thoughtful bus driver, brightens my day. First person to ask me how I was doing today.”

North Base | August 2024: Rakesh Rimal
Rakesh started as a part-time operator in 2008 and went full-time in 2010. He has been recognized for numerous years of safe driving and has received four commendations.
Rakesh was born in Nepal. After working as a sales manager for a multinational company in Nepal, he came to the U.S. in search of better opportunities.
Rakesh became a driver because he likes helping people in need, conversing with different people and having a good paying job.
Rakesh is an active member of the Nepalese society. When not driving, he enjoys traveling, hiking, and playing soccer, ping-pong and pool. Rakesh has a wife and two children.

Rakesh’s advice to other operators: “Treat everyone with respect, politeness, and kindness; not because they are nice, but because you are. Also… SMILE, SMILE, SMILE.”

Passenger praise: “This driver provided great customer service. Thank you for your awareness of approaching riders.”

Ryerson Base | July 2024: Kurt Scharer
Kurt became a part-time operator for Metro in 1996 and went full-time the same year. He has earned multiple Safe Driver Awards and 17 commendations.
Born and raised in Seattle, Kurt knew from a young age he wanted to drive and, at the age of 12, had his first car.
Kurt is a life-long soccer player. He also loves cooking to release stress and maintain his health. Kurt has a son and a daughter.

Kurt’s advice to other operators: “Come to work with optimism and a good attitude. Every day is a good day; make something of it. Balance seat time with healthy activities”

Passenger praise: “Thank you for the safe, smooth ride today! I appreciate your skillful driving and maneuvering, as well as your professional demeanor. You make a positive difference in the lives of your passengers, and your efforts are noticed and valued.”

Ryerson Base | August 2024: Hussein Ahmed
Hussein became a part-time operator for Metro in 2007 and went full-time in 2008. He has earned numerous Safe Driver Awards and two commendations.
Born in Somalia, Hussein came to the U.S. in 1985 as a student where he attended Seattle Vocational Institute and Seattle Central College. Ahmed was not able to go back to Somalia after a civil war broke out. He came to Metro because he likes to interact with and help people in the community.
Hussein enjoys playing soccer and going on walks. He is an active member at his Mosque where he serves as a community advocate. He and his spouse of 33 years have five children.

Hussein’s advice to other operators:  “Be patient. Pay attention. Don’t panic. Don’t take things personally. Let it go and come back the next day. Don’t judge people because you never know what they are going through.”

Passenger praise: “A quick note to say, this driver is great!”

South Base | July 2024:  Simone Sharpe
Simone joined Metro as a part-time operator in 2015. She has received several safe driving awards and three commendations.
Born in Burien, Simone attended Highline College. She became an operator because she wanted a change from the industry she was in and she also wanted to work with her husband who also works for Metro.
Simone has four sons, three daughters-in-law, one grandchild and another on the way!
When not driving, she enjoys gardening, attending church, spending time with friends, her family and their dog, Razor.

Simone’s advice to other operators: “Try as much as possible to be friendly, safe and have a good attitude.”

Passenger praise: “She is always professional, gracious, and on time. She has a smile for everyone. Great customer service skills. So glad she drives this route.”

South Base | August 2024:  Regis Toilolo
Regis joined Metro as a part-time operator in 2015 and went full-time in 2017. He has achieved several years of safe driving and has four commendations.
Regis became an operator because he loves driving, and working at Metro has allowed him to provide for his family.
When not driving, Regis loves to barbeque, camp, travel and especially loves spending time with his family. Regis and his wife have five sons, two daughters and four grandchildren.

Regis’ 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: “The driver is always there to help and has great customer service.”

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!