Recognizing Metro’s Operators of the Month (March-April 2025)
They cook, take trips and root for their grandchildren’s sports teams. They collect comic books, watch retro TV, ride motorcycles, crochet and work with worms. Some are traveling in the footsteps of relatives who work for transit systems across the county and country. Those who ride with them say “Thanks to the operator who greets me with a big smile,” that they are “always kind and patient,” and have “Such great compassion and understanding for others.”
These operators—with a combined 175 years of transit driving experience—are as unique as you. They also enjoy meeting with their riders and giving back to their communities.
Meet your Operators of the Month for March and April 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 | March 2025: Kumlachew Haile
“Chewy” has been a full-time operator for Metro since 2006. He has numerous years of safe driving and 21 commendations. This is his third Operator of the Month recognition.
Chewy was born in Ethiopia where he attended Addis High School. He joined Metro because he wanted to interact with and serve the public.
Chewy and his wife, a former operator, have been married for 27 years. They have three adult children.
When not driving, Chewy enjoys traveling.
Chewy’s advice to other operators: “Treat everybody the same, the way you want to be treated.”
Passenger praise: “Thanks to the operator who saw me running for the bus stop and waited for me. And he greeted me with a big smile!”
Atlantic Base | April 2025: Travis Corgatelli
Travis joined Metro in 2016 as a part-time operator and went full-time a year later. He has several years of safe driving and six commendations.
Born in Seattle, Travis served in the U.S. Army for six years as a helicopter mechanic and was deployed twice to Afghanistan. While attending school and looking for part-time work, Travis applied to Metro.
Travis has two sons and is the proud grandfather of a baby boy born in January 2025. When not driving, he enjoys shooting, hunting, fishing, motorcycles and crocheting.
Travis’ advice to other operators: “Keep your head clear and calm!”
Passenger praise: “Friendly driver who facilitated a smooth ride with great announcements about reroutes and timetables.”
Bellevue Base | March 2025: Robert Saunders
Rob began as a part-time operator in 2016 and went full-time in 2017. He has several years of safe driving and 11 commendations.
Rob was born in Harlem, where his father worked for New York City Transit. He worked as a plumber, a technician and served as a director for youth crisis programs.
Rob was looking for better opportunities when a friend suggested he apply to Metro.
Rob and his wife of over 30 years have three children and three grandchildren. When not driving, he enjoys collecting comic books, watching Sci-Fi shows and movies, reading, traveling and attending comedy shows.
Rob’s advice to other operators: “Always be respectful; you never know what someone is dealing with. A smile and kind words go a long way. Be the reason that others smile.”
Passenger praise: “This driver is always kind and patient. I can tell he is mindful of safety and operates his coach with confidence and skill.”
Bellevue Base | April 2025: William Chen
William started as a part-time operator in 2018 and went full-time in 2019. He has several years of safe driving and one commendation.
Born in Taiwan, William moved to the U.S. with his mom when he was 18. He holds degrees in art and web design.
When he stopped next to a Route 245 bus when he was driving a HopeLink shuttle, William realized that he wanted to operate a bus.
William’s interests include retro gaming, retro TV, cars, and road trips. He and his wife plan to have three children. William shares that, “My work is smooth, my family is harmonious, and life is happy.”
William’s advice to other operators: “Soar up with wings like an eagle; walk and not faint; run and no tire.”
Passenger praise: “There were no abrupt stops or hard accelerations. This was the best ride I’ve had on Metro in a long time.”
Central Base |March 2025: Charles Tribble
Charles joined Metro in 2017 and has been a full-time operator since 2019. He has been recognized for a number of years of safe driving and has received one commendation.
Charles was born in Phoenix, where he owned a carpet cleaning company. He decided to follow in the footsteps of his father by moving to Seattle and applying to Metro.
Charles and his wife have a son and a daughter. He enjoys going on cruises during his vacations.
Charles’ advice to other operators: “Keep your mind at peace, pay attention, be fair with your answers, be professional, and do not allow anyone to disturb your peace.”
Passenger praise: “The driver was patient and helpful with three disabled riders.”
Central Base | April 2025: Cutonja Vann
Cutonja joined Metro in 2019. She has been recognized for several years of safe driving and has received 25 commendations!
Born in Seattle, Cutonja has degrees in cosmetology and social services. She joined Metro for the sense of community and to be part of something that is bigger than herself. She finds meaning in providing safe and efficient transportation to a diverse population.
Cutonja and her husband of 22 years have two children. Her interests include ministry and servitude, traveling, event planning, teaching and adding value to those around her.
Cutonja’s advice to other operators: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit. Do what’s right even when no one is watching”
Passenger praise: “The driver was amazingly generous and friendly.”
East Base | March 2025: Ducky Watung
“Denny” Watung joined Metro in 2018 and went full-time in 2019. He has a number of years of safe driving and three commendations.
Born in North-Sulawesi, Indonesia, Denny has an associate degree in mechanical design engineering. His love of driving, interacting with people, and great benefits inspired his decision to become a transit operator.
Denny says the uniqueness of nearly every shift, the changing scenery, and the traffic patterns make the job interesting and never boring.
Denny enjoys spending his time off hiking, walking and playing badminton or table tennis.
Denny’s advice to other operators: “Own safety, inspect everything, and drive like a pro. Treat passenger right, stay calm, be clear and they’ll roll with you. Breathe deep, focus on one stop at a time, and shake off the day when you’re done.”
Passenger praise: “The driver goes out of his way to help others on his route. It’s wonderful to see someone with such great compassion and understanding for others.”
East Base | April 2025: Peter Salazar
Peter joined Metro in 2017 and has been a full-time operator since 2018. He has several years of safe driving and three commendations.
After serving in the Army for four years and being deployed to Afghanistan, Peter used his G.I. Bill benefits to complete his associate degree.
Peter was introduced to Metro while working as a Transit Security Officer in the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel. Peter enjoys working on and cruising around in his cars, travel, photography, PC gaming and military history.
Peter’s advice to other operators:“Imagining that every car around you has a ‘Student Driver’ sticker on it can help remind you to expect the unexpected and drive defensively throughout every trip.”
Passenger praise: “Driver is always courteous, very smooth on starts and stops, patient, on time and not aggressive.”
North Base | March 2025: Gene Bowlby
Gene joined Metro in 1995. He has numerous years of safe driving and eight commendations.
Born on the third floor of Northgate Hospital in Seattle, Gene grew up near Metro’s North Base. He rode his bike on the I-5 freeway before it opened and rode a dirt bike in the empty lot that is now North Base. Gene got the idea at a young age that bus driving may be in his future because of his father, who used to bring him toy buses and worked for Seattle Transit before retiring from Metro.
Gene’s hobbies and interests include photography, pickleball and beaches. He is an admirer of domestic animals and wildlife.
Gene’s advice to other operators: “Use the bobble-head technique of survival – it looks like you’re agreeing with everyone as they board.”
Passenger praise: “It’s always wonderful to see this driver at the wheel. He does a terrific job and we truly appreciate him.”
North Base | April 2025: Wendgouda Yameogo
Wendgouda joined Metro in 2018 and went full-time in 2019. He has several years of safe driving and 10 commendations.
Wendgouda, who was born in Burkina Faso, enjoys the pay and benefits that are part of driving for Metro.
Wendgouda is married and has children. When not driving, he enjoys tending to chickens, gardening and vermicomposting (a process that relies on earthworms and microorganisms to help convert organic materials to a valuable soil amendment and source of plant nutrients.)
Wendgouda’s advice to other operators: “Look far. Look around. Leave space and communicate.”
Passenger praise: “Great driver who was very attentive to the needs of the passengers and drove with great skill!”
Ryerson Base | March 2025: Veronica Lanier-Ellison
Veronica started as a part-time operator in 2017 and went full-time a year later. She has several years of safe driving and eight commendations.
Veronica says compassion for others has always been the driving force behind her desire to become an operator.
Veronica and her husband have eight children and nine grandchildren. When not driving, she enjoys cooking.
Veronica’s advice to other operators: “Don’t be afraid to reset your day. It all starts with you. A smile is worth a thousand words even if you don’t say anything.”
Passenger praise: “This driver was so polite and nice. She greeted everyone with a smile and was just so professional.”
Ryerson Base | April 2025: Rickesha Lewis
“Kesha” began driving at Metro in 2016 and has been a full-time operator since 2017. She has multiple years of safe driving and 18 commendations.
Kesha was a transit operator in the Bay Area of California for seven years before returning to Seattle and joining Metro. A skilled and responsible driver, she has a strong awareness of the road and loves serving the public.
On her days off, Kesha enjoys spending quality time with her daughter, cooking, vacationing with family, playing board games, karaoke and swimming.
Kesha’s advice to other operators: “Get enough rest and prioritize your physical and mental health. Stay alert. Scan the road for potential hazards. Anticipate actions of other drivers and pedestrians.”
Passenger praise: “Great driver. The way she handles the bus and the passengers getting on and off are excellent.”
South Base | March 2025: Theo Esteban
Theo joined Metro in 2002 and went full-time in 2005. He has numerous years of safe driving and seven commendations.
Theo is a Seattle native who came to Metro because he enjoys jobs where he gets to interact with the public.
Theo and his wife have two children. When not driving, he enjoys attending Seahawks and Mariners games, landscaping his yard, and cooking for family and friends.
Theo’s advice to other operators: “Always be aware of your surroundings. Safety is key.”
Passenger praise: “Thank you to this driver for caring enough about his passengers to wait.”
South Base | April 2025: Larry Choate
Larry started with Metro as a part-time operator in 2001 and went full-time in 2003. He has multiple years of safe driving and 12 commendations.
Born in Tacoma. Larry’s father drove for Metropolitan Transit and Larry had a particular interest in trolley coaches.
Larry earned a Business Administration Degree and had a career with G.E. Sylvania, working for them in L.A., Phoenix and Dallas. Missing Seattle, Larry came back to the region in 2001 and started working for Metro.
Larry and his wife have three children and four grandchildren. When not working Larry enjoys vintage auto racing, Husky football, fly fishing, pheasant hunting and watching the grandkids play sports.
Larry’s advice to other operators: “Treat co-workers and customers with dignity and respect and they will typically respond in kind.”
Passenger praise: “He always has a warm welcome for my daughter and sends us off with a kind goodbye.”
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!