Recognizing Metro’s Operators of the Month (May-June 2025)
They disc golf, rescue pets and garden. They coach basketball, mountain bike, fly drones and travel. Some wanted to be bus drivers before they got their driver’s license! Those who ride with them say “She’s consistently patient, kind, considerate, safe, and courteous,” that they were “delighted by the driver’s skill handling the bus,” and their actions got them “all home safely!”
These operators—with over 160 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 May and June 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 | May 2025: Robert Redmond
Bob joined Metro in 2007 and went full-time in 2008. He has received 18 commendations.
Born in Michigan, Bob moved to Southern California at the age of 15 where he had many odd jobs before moving to Washington in 2001. He joined Metro and went full-time as soon as he could.
Bob and his spouse have been together 12 years. When not driving he enjoys disc golf, day trips, walks and he loves playing 8 ball pool.
Bob’s advice to other operators: “Show up on time, operate the coach as Metro instructed, and be courteous and friendly to passengers.”
Passenger praise: “The driver went above and beyond for a visually impaired customer.”
Atlantic Base | June 2025: Keri Izumi
Keri joined Metro in 2016 and went full-time in 2017. She has multiple years of safe driving and 14 commendations.
A graduate of Seattle Prep, Keri became a transit operator to be of service to the community.
On her days off, Keri enjoys cooking and gardening. She is and animal lover and a pet rescuer. She has two cats, a 21-year-old son and a 19-year-old daughter.
Keri’s advice to other operators: “Stay positive. Treat everyone with kindness and respect.”
Passenger praise: “Love our operator on the 49! She’s consistently patient, kind, considerate, safe, and courteous.”
Bellevue Base | May 2025: William McQuaid
Bill began working at Metro in 2008. He is a Metroadeo participant, winning a Maverick Division championship.
Bill joined Metro in search of a secure job.
Outside of work, Bill enjoys acting, volunteering as a driver for the Seattle International Film Festival and following politics and current events.
Bill’s advice to other operators: “Remember that passengers can vent their frustrations to drivers for things that are completely out of our control. Keep positive and keep waving – I need that every day!”
Passenger praise: “Excellent driver. I’ve been taking this route for years, and he is the best.”
Bellevue Base | June 2025: Jeffrey Meyers
Jeffrey began working at Metro in 2013. He has several years of safe driving and three commendations.
Passenger praise: “Yesterday, a pickup truck decided they didn’t want to wait in traffic and began attempting a U-turn in front of our bus from the opposite lanes. The driver applied the brakes and was able to safely steer the bus to the right, avoiding the pickup truck, which had thrown it into reverse and squealed the tires trying to get out of the way. Everyone on the bus was safe, and in my opinion, the driver’s reaction to the situation was absolutely perfect. I think people are quick to send in a complaint when something goes wrong, so I wanted to take a moment to show appreciation for this driver who got us all home safely last night.”
Central Base |May 2025: Joseph Heenan
Joe joined Metro in 2017. He has several years of safe driving and has received five commendations.
Joe grew up in Chicago’s South Side, where he regularly rode transit to get around. Joe became a Metro operator to support his family and the community.
Married with two children, in his free time, Joe enjoys playing basketball and coaching youth basketball.
Joe’s advice to other operators: “Eat healthy and take a walk on every break.”
Passenger praise: “It’s always wonderful when transit works out so well, and even better when you have a great driver.”
Central Base | June 2025: Kerri Thomas
Kerri joined Metro in 2018 and went full-time in 2019. She has multiple years of safe driving and has received 40 commendations!
Born in Chelmsford, England, a dear friend and former operator told Kerri that driving for Metro is a great job and encouraged her to apply. Kerri reflected that “he was so right!”
Kerri has three grandchildren and when not driving, she spends time hanging out with friends and family. Kerri enjoys gardening, music, and traveling.
Kerri’s advice to other operators: “Always be kind. You never know what cards in life people were dealt.”
Passenger praise: “My driver was very nice and cheerful this morning. She greeted me when I got on and said bye as people left. She was just kind which was refreshing. No one big thing just lots of little things.”
East Base | May 2025: Oscar Patoc
Oscar joined Metro in 2003. He has numerous years of safe driving and six commendations.
Born in the Philippines, Oscar came to the US in 1977. He served in the US Marine Corps and worked for the US Postal Service for 28 years before retiring in 2012.
Oscar joined Metro originally to provide for his family and has found that he enjoys serving the community.
Married for 39 years, Oscar loves to travel.
Oscar’s advice to other operators: “Always be patient and treat everyone the way you want to be treated.”
Passenger praise: “The first driver of the morning for Route 26 was absolutely wonderful.”
East Base | June 2025: Hossein Tavakoli
Hossein joined Metro in 2019. He has several years of safe driving and six commendations.
Passenger praise: “I hopped on the bus out of downtown and was delighted by the driver’s skill handling the bus. He did not slam the brakes or accelerator, merged smoothly, and was super pleasant.”
North Base | May 2025: Jesus Gonzalez
Jesus joined Metro in 2015 and went full-time in 2017. He has several years of safe driving and eight commendations.
Jesus was born in Mexico and came to the U.S. when he was 14 years old. Before joining Metro, he said he worked many low paying jobs without a real future. Metro has given him the opportunity to settle down and enjoy a steady income and life stability.
Jesus is married and has two children. He enjoys mountain biking, flying drones, RC cars, camping, and riding his motorcycle.
Jesus’ advice to other operators: “Drive like you are driving a limousine and be smooth.”
Passenger praise: “The driver was super courteous around cyclists, big fan!”
North Base | June 2025: Alexander Castano
Alex joined Metro in 2018 and went full-time in 2019. He has multiple years of safe driving and seven commendations.
Born in Seattle, Alex has been riding Metro for as long as he can remember. He had always considered becoming a transit operator, so when his job as a Life Enrichment Director in Senior Living had peaked, he decided to try something new.
Alex and his wife have a 16 month old daughter. A huge Mariners fan, Alex also enjoys classic cars, cruising, traveling, and spending time with his family.
Alex’s advice to other operators: “A little empathy goes a long way. Be patient, be kind, and be helpful. Keep yourself safe.”
Passenger praise: “What a wonderfully kind, thoughtful, and extremely helpful driver! He did not speed. He helped three of us with loads. He also said how much he loves driving and working for Metro! He is a gem.”
Ryerson Base | May 2025: Lechelle Lucas
Lechelle joined Metro in 2018 and has been a full-time operator since 2022. She has several years of safe driving and 10 commendations.
Born in Seattle and a graduate of Franklin High School, Lachelle said buses were her only mode of transportation until she was 17.
Lechelle became an operator because she wanted a job that offered security, flexibility, and opportunities for growth.
Lechelle has two children, and in her free time, she enjoys taking walks, listening to old-school music, shopping, and volunteering at her daughter’s school.
Lechelle’s advice to other operators: “Do your best to stay mentally fit.”
Passenger praise: “The driver was really sweet and patient with us and her riders. She helped us navigate and cross Seattle safely from Volunteer Park to Pike Place.”
Ryerson Base | June 2025: Nichole Dimmer
Nichole started with Metro in 2018 and went-full time in 2019. She has multiple years of safe driving, 13 commendations and in 2024 received a Metro HERO award for saving a person who had a medical emergency. Nichole discovered the person was hunched over and passed out in their car, she called 911, followed their instructions, and pulled the person out of their car. Nichole performed CPR until help arrived.
Nichole was born in Yakima and wanted to be a bus driver since the age of 11. Her job at Metro allows her to be a positive influence on the community and make people’s lives easier.
Nichole loves raising her two sons. She is adventurous and travels every chance she gets. She enjoys fine dining, dancing, shopping, getting her hair done, a good thriller movie, and spending time with her family.
Nichole’s advice to other operators: “Take your time. Do your best and you’ll do great!”
Passenger praise: “I want to thank my driver for being so friendly to everyone. She provided great customer service and patience.”
South Base | May 2025: Charles Barich
Charles joined Metro in 2004. He was Operator of the Month in April 2013.
Born Butte, Mont. Charles decided to join the Metro team after seeing a sign on a bus that said, “Get a job with a view.”
Charles has been married to his wife for 37 years and has three children. He enjoys going for walks, bike rides, and the occasional deep-sea fishing trip.
Charles’ advice to other operators: “Remember–there is the right way, the wrong way, and the Metro way.”
Passenger praise: “The driver is very courteous, cheerful, and professional, and I got to work on time. Please offer him my thanks for a very pleasant ride.”
South Base | June 2025: Dan Thepvongsa
Dan joined Metro in 2007 and went full-time in 2008. He has numerous years of safe driving and one commendation.
One of Dan’s base chiefs commented: “Dan was one of the hardest-working report operators I had when I was a dispatcher. When you needed him, you called him down, and he took any work without hesitation. We always appreciated him and his hard work.”
Dan was born in Laos into a hard-working family, and this strong work ethic is ingrained in him. He became a dedicated transit operator, who loves driving and serving the public. His job allows him to engage with the community.
When he’s not driving, Dan enjoys golfing and playing ping pong. He and his wife have two children and four grandchildren.
Dan’s advice to other operators: “Love what you do. Be kind to other people and respect one another.”
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!