Recognizing Metro’s Operators of the Month (January-February 2025)
They are hikers and campers. Motorcycle riders and barbeque enthusiasts. They collect art and guitar pedals! Those who ride with them say “He always greets passengers and ensures they are in a safe position before he starts driving,” “You, kind Sir, brightened my day. A kind smile and a hello go such a long way,” and “Great driver, great smile. She made the whole trip excellent.”
They are operators with 150 years of professional 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 2025
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 | January 2025: Joseph Adamecz
Joseph started as a part-time operator with Metro in 2007 and went full-time a year later. He has multiple years of safe driving and 16 commendations.
Joseph came to Metro because he likes to interact with people, get to know the community, and he loves driving. When Joseph was a kid, he interviewed a bus driver about why they became a driver!
Born in Seattle, Joseph was a member of the Mountlake Terrace High School Dynamic Jazz Choir. He is currently a soloist in his church choir.
Joseph and his partner have two daughters and one grandchild. When not driving, he enjoys hiking and camping, taking his boat out and visiting restaurants on the water
Joseph’s advice to other operators: “Be courteous, kind, and patient.”
Passenger praise: “This guy is the best driver. He always greets passengers and ensures they are in a safe position before he starts driving.”
Atlantic Base | February 2025: Worba Wako
Worba joined Metro in 2016 and has been a full-time operator since 2017. He has several years of safe driving and eight commendations.
Born in Ethiopia, Worba moved to Seattle in 2005 and was working as a cab driver when a friend told him about Metro. He chose to join Metro because he loves driving.
When not driving, Worba enjoys spending time doing activities with his wife of 15 years and their daughter and two sons.
Worba’s advice to other operators: “Don’t take anything personally when you are driving.”
Passenger praise: “My first time riding the bus here in Seattle and the driver was so helpful, wonderful, and calming.”
Bellevue Base | January 2025: Donald Ballard
Don began working at Metro in 2012 and went full-time in 2023. He has several years of safe driving and three commendations.
Don started working as a transit operator because he enjoys driving, meeting new people, and the fellowship with other drivers.
Don was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and moved to Washington state when his father got a job with Boeing. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Tacoma, joined the Army National Guard and then served in the U.S. Navy where he spent time in Japan.
Don and his wife have been married since 2012. When not driving, he enjoys computer gaming, back-country motorcycle rides, camping, traveling and building computers.
Don’s advice to other operators: “Always keep a positive attitude and use your training.”
Passenger praise: “You, kind Sir, brightened my day. A kind smile and a hello go such a long way.”
Bellevue Base | February 2025: Brad Carmer
Brad began working at Metro in 2017 and went full-time in 2019.He has six years of safe driving and nine commendations.
Brad was born in Anchorage, is a graduate of Bellevue’s Sammamish High School and has a degree in elementary education from Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa.
Brad has taught in elementary and high schools, worked at a medical facility and in the oil field business in Alaska. He was a limousine driver before joining Metro.
Brad loves driving and will tell you that Metro is the best job he’s ever had.
When not driving, Brad enjoys hiking and playing golf.
Brad’s advice to other operators: “I hope you come to enjoy working at Metro as much as I have and appreciate the strong support system from colleagues who are always willing to share their expertise.”
Passenger praise: “Great driver. Amazingly kind, and always courteous and polite. Safe as can be with his driving and always careful.”
Central Base |January 2025: Kasey Gaborit
Kasey joined Metro in 2017 and has several years of safe driving and 10 commendations.
Kasey was born in Renton and earned a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the Evergreen State College in Olympia. She worked for 12 years as a photographer and found Metro while looking for a career that was reliable and would utilize her customer service experience.
Kasey enjoys spending time with her husband and their daughter, family, and friends. She likes to create art and study art history during her free time.
Kasey’s advice to other operators: “Compassion and a smile can go a long way.”
Passenger praise: “So sweet, thank you!”
Central Base | February 2025: Jacob Gosselin
Jacob started with Metro as a part-time operator in 2013 and went full-time in 2017. He has earned multiple years of safe driving and has received four commendations.
Jacob graduated from Bates Technical College with a certificate in audio/sound technology and spent time as a touring musician.
Jacob grew up riding the bus and always admired drivers. He joined Metro because he thought it would be a great opportunity to serve the community in which he grew up.
Jacob and his wife have two children. When not driving, he spends his free time playing the guitar and drums, recording and writing music, camping, and collecting guitar pedals.
Jacob’s advice to other operators: “Enjoy the day.”
Passenger praise: “The driver was helpful, professional, and considerate.
East Base | January 2025: Acacia Cadorette
Acacia joined Metro in 2014 as a part-time operator and has been full-time since 2019. She has several years of safe driving and 12 commendations.
Born in Marysville, Acacia applied with Metro after moving to Seattle because it looked fun.
Acacia enjoys spending time outdoors kayaking, hiking and running. She also enjoys writing and spending quiet days at home with her cats.
Acacia’s advice to other operators: “Take plenty of time off to recharge and remember to be kind.”
Passenger praise: “Great driver, great smile. She made the whole trip excellent.”
East Base | February 2025: Kevin Hoirup
Kevin started as a part-time driver for Metro in 2016 and went full-time in 2017. He has several years of safe driving and 34 commendations!
Born in Auburn, Kevin went into construction supply sales which led to management. Eventually he owned an office supply store and an insurance agency that he later sold.
A conversation with one of his customers, who is a bus driver, inspired him to apply to Metro because he likes people and driving.
Married for 44 years, Kevin and his wife have two children and five grandchildren. On his days off, he enjoys Bible study, home remodeling, and working on his Jeep.
Kevin’s advice to other operators: “Whether talking to a passenger, helping a person with a disability, or working with the homeless, do it all for the glory of God.”
Passenger praise: “He was so kind and friendly!! Really made my day.”
North Base | January 2025: Richard (Phil) Ryburn
Phil started as a part-time operator with Metro in 2015 and went full-time in 2018. He has multiple years of safe driving and 12 commendations.
A Puyallup native, Phil rode his motorcycle across Canada to attend the Rochester Institute of Technology where he earned a Fine Arts degree in photographic illustration. After 17 years of working as a commercial photographer, Phil joined Metro because he wanted a steady job with excellent benefits that served the public.
When not driving, Phil enjoys photography and motorcycling every chance he gets.
Phil’s advice to other operators: “Smile and welcome every customer who boards. You don’t know what battle they are fighting and yours just might be the only friendly face they see! Give them hope for a better day!”
Passenger praise: “Smooth, safe, and friendly service. Operators like this is what makes Metro so great.”
North Base | February 2025: Sandra Yameogo
Sandra joined Metro in 2017 and went full-time a year later. She has several years of safe driving and eight commendations.
Sandra didn’t know she would like driving a bus as much as she does. Sandra likes to play a game where she challenges herself to drive perfectly!
When not working, Sandra enjoys reading, playing games with kids, doing puzzles, gardening, and taking spontaneous road trips.
Sandra’s advice to other operators: “Every day, ask yourself with enthusiasm, ‘I wonder what will happen today?’”
Passenger praise: “The driver was very helpful. I was lost, going the wrong direction, and feeling scared. She made sure I got off at the right place.”
Ryerson Base | January 2025: Yared Merid
Yared began driving at Metro in 2015 and went full-time the same year. He has multiple years of safe driving and seven commendations.
A professional driver for the past 20 years, Yared said 10 years of driving for Yellow Cab provided him with extensive knowledge of Seattle before joining Metro.
Yared is married and when not driving, he enjoys traveling, driving, and sports.
Yared’s advice to other operators: “Learn from the past. Build our future for the better.”
Passenger praise: “The driver was very friendly. Said hello to everyone and was clearly announcing stops.”
Ryerson Base | February 2025: Kevin Sherrell 
Kevin began driving at Metro as a part-time operator in 2002 and went full-time in 2005. He has numerous years of safe driving and 12 commendations.
Kevin was born in Seattle where he attended Garfield High School. Kevin applied at Metro based on a recommendation from his sister and says he loves his job!
Kevin’s spiritual life comes first and helps him in dealing with customers and life. When not working, he enjoys barbecuing and traveling.
Kevin’s advice to other operators: “Greet the customers. It will make your day easier.”
Passenger praise: “I’ve seen this driver give detailed directions to tourists, lower the bus for the elderly, and be kind and courteous to people. Kudos to him!”
South Base | January 2025: Abdourahman Ahmed
Abdourahman joined Metro in 2022 and has been a full-time operator since 2023. He has been recognized for his safe driving and received one commendation.
Born in Djibouti, Abdourahman came to the U.S. with his family when he was a teenager and earned a degree from the University of Massachusetts. After working as a secondary educator, Abdourahman came to Metro where he could continue to give back to the community.
Abdourahman and his wife have two sons. As a die-hard Boston Celtics fan, he tries to watch all of their games. He also enjoys spending time having outdoor fun with his kids.
Abdourahman’s advice to other operators: “Be safe, have a lot of patience, and finally, relax!”
Passenger praise: “Driver was patient and helpful with people. It was nice to see and made me happy to ride and support Metro.”
South Base | February 2025: Herbert Collins
Herbert joined Metro in 2019 and went full-time six months later. He has several years of safe driving and 10 commendations.
Herbert was born in Springfield, Ohio, and moved to Lakewood, Wash., where he graduated from high school. He attended Pierce College and the University of Washington and is proud to say that he is the first member of his family to attend college. With a background in customer service, he decided to give Metro a try and says it is the best decision he ever made!
Herbert loves to study world history and collect African art.
Hebert’s advice to other operators: “Take your time and be safe. Give love and blessings. Treat all passengers with dignity, respect, and patience.”
Passenger praise: “I wanted to send a note of appreciation to a driver I’ve had multiple times. He is awesome and should be appreciated as such.”
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!